Gearseeker Serpent MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 48
2020-11-12 - Number 48
2022-12-02 - Number 302
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Serpent |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Gearseeker Serpent costs less to cast for each artifact you control. : Gearseeker Serpent can't be blocked this turn.
Its collection is vast, yet each ship has a special place in its heart.
Cards like Gearseeker Serpent
Gearseeker Serpent offers MTG aficionados a unique approach to large creature play. This creature resembles other formidable cards such as Aethersphere Harvester in terms of mana cost and the potential to be a game-changer in terms of presence on the board. However, Gearseeker Serpent stands out with its ability to make itself unblockable for a turn by spending some mana and sacrificing artifacts, providing strategic options similar to the evasive ability of creatures like Whirler Rogue.
The Serpent’s affinity for artifacts also draws parallels with the likes of Myr Enforcer, which can be played for a reduced cost provided you control enough artifacts. Yet, unlike Myr Enforcer, Gearseeker Serpent keeps getting cheaper the more artifacts you play, which can significantly impact the timing and flow of the game. Moreover, when compared to Foundry Inspector, another artifact-related creature, the Serpent’s potential for direct damage by becoming unblockable is distinctive, giving it an edge in certain deck builds centered around artifact synergy.
In essence, while Gearseeker Serpent competes with other artifact-centric options, its flexibility in cost reduction and unblockable trait provides unique tactical advantages, making it a compelling choice for decks that capitalize on artifacts.
Cards similar to Gearseeker Serpent by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Gearseeker Serpent. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Grixis Affinity | Pauper | Grixis Affinity | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-04-05 |
 | Jeskai Affinity | Pauper | Jeskai Affinity | Liga Gacha de Pauper 2024 - Etapa 3 |
 | Jeskai Combo | Pauper | Jeskai Affinity | Liga Gacha de Pauper 2024 - Etapa 3 |
| Grixis Combo | Pauper | Grixis Affinity | Ogonyok |
| Grixis Midrange | Pauper | Grixis Affinity | Ogonyok |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gearseeker Serpent’s affinity for artifacts can reduce its casting cost significantly in a deck designed to leverage this trait, effectively offering you a large creature on the board while keeping your hand full.
Resource Acceleration: This serpent’s cost-reducing ability encourages the deployment of multiple artifacts, which can synergistically ramp up your available resources, speeding up your overall gameplay.
Instant Speed: With the capability to become unblockable until end of turn, Gearseeker Serpent allows you to take advantage of the threat it poses at instant speed, right before the combat phase, keeping your opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Gearseeker Serpent demands a unique approach to deck building to exploit its benefits but doesn’t necessitate discarding cards. Instead, the serpent’s primary challenge lies in its requirement for artifact synergy to reduce its initially high casting cost, which might not align with all strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Costing six generic and one blue mana, the Gearseeker Serpent can be a demanding inclusion in a deck. This cost could potentially restrict its integration into multicolored decks that may prioritize mana for different spells or strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the serpent can have its casting cost reduced, its base cost is significant. Other creatures or spells at a lower mana cost might offer more immediate board presence or effects, leading to potentially faster and more versatile gameplay options, particularly in fast-paced metagames.
Reasons to Include Gearseeker Serpent in Your Collection
Versatility: Gearseeker Serpent is a flexible addition to blue-based decks, particularly those that utilize artifacts. Its ability to be cast for less mana for each artifact you control makes it a scalable threat that can be played earlier in the game than its base cost might suggest.
Combo Potential: This serpent synergizes well with strategies that churn out artifacts. Its potential for a reduced casting cost coupled with the power to become unblockable allows it to be a formidable finisher in the right setup, especially in artifact-heavy or improvise decks.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact decks are prevalent or in formats like Pauper where it shines due to its affordability and power level, Gearseeker Serpent can be a game-changer. It provides an effective and reliable win condition for players looking to capitalize on artifact synergies.
How to beat
Gearseeker Serpent presents itself as a challenge on the battlefield due to its cost-reducing ability linked with artifacts and its potential to become unblockable. Controlling this creature takes strategy, as it can consistently apply pressure while being a costly resource to deal with. One effective way to handle Gearseeker Serpent is through removal spells that bypass the combat phase, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, which can dispatch this creature before its unblockable feature comes into play.
Furthermore, keeping the artifact count low by using cards like Shatterstorm or By Force can inhibit the serpent’s cost reduction, making it more mana-intensive for your opponent to play. Ensnaring the Serpent with enchantments that keep it tapped or prevent it from attacking is also a solid strategy, utilizing cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia. Managing the board by limiting the number of artifacts and having timely removal will ensure that Gearseeker Serpent remains a manageable threat throughout the game.
Countering this creature with the right spells and tactics can prevent it from becoming the dominant force on the board, allowing you to maintain control of the game’s pace. Remember, the key is prompt action and keeping artifacts in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gearseeker Serpent MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh Remastered, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.
For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.
Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.
Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Gearseeker Serpent and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Gearseeker Serpent Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Filip Burburan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan | |
| 3 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 302 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Filip Burburan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gearseeker Serpent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gearseeker Serpent card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-09-20 | Gearseeker Serpent's first ability can't reduce the total cost to cast the spell below . |
| 2016-09-20 | Once Gearseeker Serpent has been blocked, activating its last ability won't cause it to become unblocked. |
| 2016-09-20 | Once a player has announced that they are casting Gearseeker Serpent, no player may take actions to try to change the number of artifacts its controller controls before the spell's cost is locked in. |
| 2016-09-20 | The total cost to cast Gearseeker Serpent is locked in before you pay that cost. For example, if you control three artifacts, including one you can sacrifice to add to your mana pool, the total cost of Gearseeker Serpent is . Then you can sacrifice the artifact when you activate mana abilities just before paying the cost. |