Dimir Spybug MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Insect
Abilities Flying,Menace
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Dimir Spybug turns each surveil into an opportunity for power growth, creating significant card advantage.
  2. Investing early in this low-cost creature paves the way for efficient mana usage and more effective plays later.
  3. In decks that include instant-speed surveil, the Spybug becomes an even more formidable, tempo-altering force.

Text of card

Flying Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Whenever you surveil, put a +1/+1 counter on Dimir Spybug.

Just assume every conversation is on record.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dimir Spybug thrives in decks that capitalize on the surveil mechanism. Each time you surveil, this creature gets a +1/+1 counter, effectively turning all your surveil actions into potential power boosts. This synergy can quickly translate into an overwhelming card advantage as your Spybug becomes a formidable threat that demands an answer.

Resource Acceleration: Although Dimir Spybug does not directly accelerate your resources like a mana rock or ramp spell would, its low casting cost and potential for rapid growth means that it can start pressuring your opponent early on. Investing in this creature early sets the stage for a more efficient use of your mana in subsequent turns as you focus on control and disruption with the rest of your cards.

Instant Speed: While the Spybug itself does not operate at instant speed, it rewards you for playing other spells at instant speed that includes surveil. This means you can hold back mana for counter spells or instant-speed surveil effects during your opponent’s turn, and then watch as your Spybug grows in real-time as a result. This can lead to significant tempo swings in your favor and also makes it difficult for your opponent to safely plan their attacks or blocks.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the hurdles with leveraging the full potential of the Dimir Spybug is its reliance on surveil to grow. Without consistent card discards due to surveil, the insect seems underwhelming as its strength directly depends on other cards to activate its ability.

Specific Mana Cost: The Dimir Spybug requires a blend of blue and black mana, which means it’s primarily suitable for Dimir decks. This specific cost can be restrictive and doesn’t fit into every type of deck, potentially limiting its versatility across the broader MTG spectrum.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering its initial stats, the two mana requirement might seem steep for a creature that starts out as a mere 1/1. While it can grow, in fast-paced games, players may find more immediate value in other creatures or spells with a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Dimir Spybug in Your Collection

Versatility: Dimir Spybug fits seamlessly into any deck that leverages the surveil mechanic, allowing it to grow quickly while concurrently refining your draw.

Combo Potential: With each surveil triggered, not only does this creature become a larger threat, but it also synergizes with other cards that capitalize on information manipulation and graveyard strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta with plenty of interaction on the stack and where information is king, Dimir Spybug can be a critical play, dodging common removal spells while accumulating power with each surveil.


How to beat

Dimir Spybug, a pesky little creature in Magic: The Gathering, poses an incremental threat with its ability to grow stronger each time you surveil. But fear not, as overcoming this menace can be maneuvered with strategic play. To neutralize this threat, employing removal spells that bypass its potential hexproof from spells like Lazav’s Multifarious is key. You would do well to include instant-speed interaction in your deck—cards like Shock or Fatal Push can disrupt the Spybug’s growth before it becomes unmanageable.

Another effective method is to limit the mechanics that fuel the Spybug’s power. Countering key surveil cards, or using effects that exile the graveyard, prevent the Spybug from benefiting from stacking up your graveyard with surveilled cards. This directly impacts its potential to evolve and keeps its threat level at bay. Don’t forget targeted removal or board wipes, which can clear the board if Dimir Spybug comes accompanied by other threats.

It boils down to anticipation and readiness to act. Assess your deck and consider cards that offer flexibility in removal or disruption, enabling you to adapt to not just Dimir Spybug, but various challenges your opponent might concoct. Proper preparation ensures that this tiny menace won’t spy a chance to dominate the game.


Cards like Dimir Spybug

Dimir Spybug holds its own within the pantheon of growing threats in Magic: The Gathering. This creature card finds its kinship with Mist-Syndicate Naga, which also shines as it deals combat damage, replicating itself and potentially overwhelming opponents. While Mist-Syndicate Naga requires a more substantial mana investment, Dimir Spybug’s strength is in its synergy with the surveil mechanic, allowing it to grow with each strategic deck manipulation.

Territorial Scythecat presents an interesting comparison – it swells in power and toughness with each land you play. While the Scythecat demands a steady land drop to thrive, Dimir Spybug benefits from the frequently cast surveil spells thereby offering a consistent and faster route to increase its prowess. Moreover, the Spybug starts as a flyer, affording it immediate evasion over ground-based blockers unlike the Scythecat.

Ultimately, Dimir Spybug demonstrates considerable prowess within the context of flying threats that scale in power. Its low casting cost and potential for rapid growth when paired with the right surveil support, place it as a formidable and flexible menace in any Dimir-themed deck.

Mist-Syndicate Naga - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Mist-Syndicate Naga - Modern Horizons (MH1)
Territorial Scythecat - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)

Cards similar to Dimir Spybug by color, type and mana cost

Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Dimir Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Witch - MTG Card versions
Zombie Outlander - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hibernation Sliver - MTG Card versions
Woodlot Crawler - MTG Card versions
Returned Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
Fathom Feeder - MTG Card versions
House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - MTG Card versions
Cavern Harpy - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Hypnotist - Invasion (INV)
Metathran Zombie - Invasion (INV)
Dimir Infiltrator - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Dimir Guildmage - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Inkfathom Witch - New Capenna Commander (NCC)
Zombie Outlander - Conflux (CON)
Vedalken Ghoul - Alara Reborn (ARB)
Hibernation Sliver - Commander Masters (CMM)
Woodlot Crawler - Dragon's Maze (DGM)
Returned Phalanx - Masters 25 (A25)
Shipwreck Singer - Theros (THS)
Disciple of Deceit - Journey into Nyx (JOU)
Fathom Feeder - Battle for Zendikar Promos (PBFZ)
House Guildmage - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)
Soul Diviner - War of the Spark (WAR)
Cunning Nightbonder - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Sygg, River Cutthroat - The List (PLST)
Inkfathom Infiltrator - The List (PLST)
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - The List (PLST)
Cavern Harpy - The List (PLST)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dimir Spybug MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Murders at Karlov Manor Commander, 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 Dimir Spybug and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dimir Spybug Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by James Paick.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 1662015normalblackJames Paick
22024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 2062015normalblackJames Paick

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dimir Spybug has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dimir Spybug 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 An ability that triggers “whenever you surveil” triggers after you’re done surveilling, even if you have fewer cards in your library than the number of cards you’re instructed to surveil. It even triggers if you have no cards in your library.
2018-10-05 You put only one +1/+1 counter on Dimir Spybug each time you surveil, no matter how many cards you looked at when you surveilled.

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