Etrata, the Silencer MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Assassin
Power 3
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Etrata’s exiling ability is a powerful tool for controlling the board and dictating tempo.
  2. While lacking instant speed, Etrata compensates with potentially game-changing abilities.
  3. Despite its limitations, Etrata’s versatility makes it a worthy addition to various decks.

Text of card

Etrata, the Silencer can't be blocked. Whenever Etrata deals combat damage to a player, exile target creature that player controls and put a hit counter on that card. That player loses the game if they own three or more exiled cards with hit counters on them. Etrata's owner shuffles Etrata into their library.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Etrata the Silencer’s ability to exile a creature card from the opponent’s field, while shuffling itself back into the library, provides a strong form of card advantage. This unique aspect helps to maintain and control the game’s tempo by removing potential threats.

Resource Acceleration: The dominant force of this card lies in its ability to disrupt your enemy’s board presence swiftly. It doesn’t offer direct resource acceleration; its strength lies in hampering your rival’s resources. With each attack, Etrata forces an opponent’s creature into exile, accelerating the depletion of their defensive line.

Instant Speed: Although Etrata the Silencer lacks instant speed, it compensates it with its potent ability. Timing is a vital element in utilizing Etrata effectively. Once put into action, it can change the course of the game by paving the way for a potentially match-winning strike.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deploying Etrata the Silencer comes with a unique hindrance. The necessity to shuffle Etrata back into the library upon hitting the target robs the player of a combat-capable unit from the field. This can be critical when you’re low on creature cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Etrata requires a distinct configuration of mana cost: one blue, one black, and two any color. This requires deck adjustments to accommodate her casting costs, making her less versatile in various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of four mana, Etrata is on the higher side compared to other assassins or direct removal tools. For the same cost, players might find options that offer immediate threat removal, instead of waiting for Etrata’s slow, albeit game-ending, assassination method.


Reasons to Include Etrata the Silencer in Your Collection

Versatility: Etrata offers flexibility to players as you can use her either as a commander or in the 99. She integrates well with various kinds of decks, particularly those that can capitalize on her unique combat ability or benefit from her evasion skills.

Combo Potential: Her ability to exile opponent’s creatures with a hit counter stacks attractive with bounce or flicker effects. This makes Etrata an interesting piece for various types of combinations that could drastically change the game’s dynamics.

Meta-Relevance: Given Etrata’s distinctive abilities, she could be particularly valuable in the current metagame. If your opponents field creature-heavy decks or strategies that are highly creature-reliant, then Etrata’s disruptive impact can be significant.


How to beat

Etrata the Silencer is an intriguing card in Magic: The Gathering, known for her ability to exile target creatures. However, she shuffles back into the library instead of dealing combat damage, a feature that can be capitalized upon to beat her.

One potential strategy is to utilize cards with hexproof or shroud. These abilities will make your creatures immune to Etrata’s exile ability. The Veil of Summer and Blossoming Defense are notable instances, granting your creatures temporary hexproof that can frustrate an Etrata activated ability

Similarly, cards with blink or flicker effects can be valuable. These abilities allow you to momentarily exile your creatures, effectively dodging Etrata’s abilities. For instance, Ephemerate or Flicker are instant spells that can protect your creatures.

Alternatively, counter spells can be very effective against Etrata. Cards such as Cancel, Negate or Mystic Confluence can block Etrata’s exile ability completely. Thus, the right strategic combination can effectively neutralize this potentially devastating card.

In summary, while Etrata The Silencer seems overpowering due to her exile ability, clever card choices and strategic play can counter her. Always be ready for such threats, as they can turn the tide of your Magic: The Gathering games.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the depths of MTG deckbuilding and enhance your gameplay with Etrata the Silencer. As you explore her unique mechanics and adapt to her strengths and weaknesses, consider the surrounding environment of your collection. Etrata’s disruptive capability makes her a valuable addition, especially in metas inundated with creatures. Whether you’re a fan of control strategies or looking for that silver bullet in your commander games, Etrata offers a unique angle. Expand your arsenal and outsmart your opponents with clever combinations and strategic insights. Ready to shake up your deck? Discover the full potential of Etrata the Silencer with us.


Cards like Etrata, the Silencer

Magic: The Gathering is famous for its variety in cards and Etrata, the Silencer is indeed a card that shows this diversity. An alternative to this card can be Dimir Spybug, which is known for also being an evasive threat, and they are both from the Guilds of Ravnica Set. However, Etrata stands out for its unique endgame mechanic of exiling opponent’s creatures.

In the same vein, cards such as Lazav, the Multifarious have the ability to transform into any creature in your graveyard, which can include Etrata. This makes Lazav a versatile card, similar to Etrata, that can adapt to any game’s progression. But Lazav lacks the immediate endgame impact that Etrata boasts.

Lastly, we have cards like Nightveil Predator from the same set that offer evasive threats. Yet, they don’t have the same element of surprise or the versatility that comes with Etrata. Nightveil Predator, however, does offer a hexproof trait which makes it harder for opponents to deal with than Etrata.

When it comes to comparing similar cards and evaluating their attributes, Etrata, the Silencer’s unique exit mechanic certainly sets it apart within the lineup of Magic: The Gathering cards.

Dimir Spybug - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions
Nightveil Predator - MTG Card versions
Dimir Spybug - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)
Lazav, the Multifarious - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)
Nightveil Predator - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)

Cards similar to Etrata, the Silencer by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Fiend - MTG Card versions
Benthic Djinn - MTG Card versions
Doomsday Specter - MTG Card versions
Possessed Aven - MTG Card versions
Elusive Tormentor // Insidious Mist - MTG Card versions
Ingenious Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Marsh Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Moroii - MTG Card versions
Circu, Dimir Lobotomist - MTG Card versions
Blizzard Specter - MTG Card versions
Wydwen, the Biting Gale - MTG Card versions
Evil Twin - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Liege - MTG Card versions
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Lazav, Dimir Mastermind - MTG Card versions
Duskmantle Seer - MTG Card versions
Ulamog's Nullifier - MTG Card versions
Drunau Corpse Trawler - MTG Card versions
Gisa and Geralf - MTG Card versions
Hostage Taker - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Fiend - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Benthic Djinn - Mirage (MIR)
Doomsday Specter - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Possessed Aven - Torment (TOR)
Elusive Tormentor // Insidious Mist - Shadows over Innistrad (SOI)
Ingenious Infiltrator - Modern Horizons 1 Timeshifts (H1R)
Marsh Crocodile - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Moroii - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Circu, Dimir Lobotomist - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Blizzard Specter - Iconic Masters (IMA)
Wydwen, the Biting Gale - Commander 2020 (C20)
Evil Twin - Innistrad (ISD)
Glen Elendra Liege - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Kathari Remnant - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Lazav, Dimir Mastermind - GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
Duskmantle Seer - Commander 2018 (C18)
Ulamog's Nullifier - Battle for Zendikar (BFZ)
Drunau Corpse Trawler - Shadows over Innistrad Remastered (SIR)
Gisa and Geralf - Shadows over Innistrad Remastered (SIR)
Hostage Taker - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Etrata, the Silencer MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica Promos and Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Etrata, the Silencer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Etrata, the Silencer Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of Ravnica PromosPGRN 170s2015normalblackBastien L. Deharme
22018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 1702015normalblackBastien L. Deharme
32018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 12015normalblackIgor Kieryluk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Etrata, the Silencer has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Etrata, the Silencer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2018-10-05 Etrata’s owner shuffles it into their library as the triggered ability resolves, regardless of how many cards are in exile or whether the player loses the game.
2018-10-05 If Etrata leaves the battlefield while its triggered ability is on the stack, it remains in its new zone and Etrata’s owner shuffles their library.
2018-10-05 If Etrata’s ability exiles a token creature, it won’t count to determine whether three cards are exiled with hit counters.
2018-10-05 If the player controls no creatures, Etrata’s ability doesn’t resolve. Etrata remains on the battlefield and its owner doesn’t shuffle their library. The same is true if the target creature is an illegal target when Etrata’s ability tries to resolve.
2018-10-05 In a Commander game, if Etrata is your commander, you may put it into the command zone as its ability resolves. You’ll still shuffle your library.

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