Ichor Aberration MTG Card

Generates card advantage, increasing hand size and disrupting opponents’ strategies during gameplay. Enables faster deployment of threats and heavier spells through resource acceleration. Playing at instant speed offers strategic flexibility and surprise elements during the match.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Horror
Abilities	Defender,Flying,Proliferate
Released	2023-02-28
Set symbol
Set name	Alchemy: Phyrexia
Set code	YONE
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	23
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	J.P. Targete

Text of card

Flying, Defender As long as Ichor Aberration's power is 7 or greater, it can attack as though it didn't have defender. Whenever you proliferate, if Ichor Aberration is in your graveyard or on the battlefield, Ichor Aberration perpetually gets +1/+1. You may cast it from your graveyard this turn.

Cards like Ichor Aberration

Ichor Aberration is a unique creature card in the MTG universe, evoking comparisons to other sinister beings. Its infectious presence echoes the mechanics of Grafted Exoskeleton, another artifact that grants infect to the equipped creature. However, Ichor Aberration stands apart with its built-in infect ability, eliminating the need for external equipment. On the other hand, Blighted Agent brings a different twist to the table with its unblockable trait coupled with infect, shaping a direct strategy for players seeking to deliver damage to opponents relentlessly.

Phyrexian Crusader also sports the infect ability, but with the added defenses of first strike and protection from red and white, it provides a strategic advantage in combat that Ichor Aberration lacks. The Crusader requires more tactical deployment due to its colored mana cost. In comparison, Ichor Aberration offers a flexible colorless mana cost, which can smoothly integrate into various deck archetypes.

In weighing Ichor Aberration against its peers, its inherent infect ability and versatile mana cost position it as a formidable contender amongst MTG’s infect-themed cards, empowering players with a stealthy component in their arsenal.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ichor Aberration has the potential to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while padding your own hand with extra cards. This makes it a potent tool for gaining the upper hand in card quantity, crucial for controlling the pace of the match.

Resource Acceleration: By potentially placing additional lands onto the battlefield or providing you with alternative resources, the Ichor Aberration can accelerate your in-game resources. This allows you to deploy heavier spells earlier or maintain pressure with a steady stream of threat deployment.

Instant Speed: Ichor Aberration can be played at instant speed, offering flexibility and the element of surprise. You can adapt to the evolving game state, reacting to your opponent’s moves during their turn or at the end of their turn to capitalize on the most opportune moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The discard condition tied to Ichor Aberration can be a double-edged sword. While it may aid in some graveyard strategies, it can also leave you at a card disadvantage, especially when you’re in need of maintaining hand presence against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Ichor Aberration demands precise mana to cast, specifically including Phyrexian mana. This not only restrains its inclusion in decks but also requires a strategic mana base to optimally leverage its abilities.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In terms of mana efficiency, Ichor Aberration might not be the go-to option. Considering its overall impact on the game, there are alternatives that could offer more bang for your buck without the steep mana requirement.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ichor Aberration offers adaptability across various deck builds, lending enchantment-synergy for those running a heavy enchantment theme and providing an enduring threat that grows and adapts over time.

Combo Potential: This card has the ability to work in tandem with proliferate mechanics, increasing the number of counters and enabling explosive turns that can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Meta-Relevance: With a focus on board presence and counter interactions, Ichor Aberration holds a firm ground in a meta where long-term strategies and incremental advantage payoff.

How to beat

Ichor Aberration, while being a flexible card in creature-heavy strategies within the Magic: The Gathering sphere, has its weak spots that can be exploited effectively. This card, belonging to the phyrexian creature type, is often revered for its potential in proliferate decks that aim to multiply counters at a staggering rate. To counter Ichor Aberration, control strategies are particularly effective. Utilizing removal spells that can bypass the indestructible trait, such as exile effects or -X/-X spells, can neutralize this threat before it overwhelms the board.

Furthermore, including graveyard hate cards in your deck, which target and remove Ichor Aberration from the game, can prevent it from returning back into play repeatedly. This specifically addresses Ichor Aberration’s persistent nature, deriving from its ability to recur thanks to proliferate mechanics. It’s also advisable to manage the number of counters in play, as Ichor Aberration depends heavily on them to be a formidable presence. Consequently, effects that prevent or remove counters can significantly diminish the impact of Ichor Aberration on the game.

By understanding the integral role of counters and the underlying mechanics that make Ichor Aberration effective, players can craft strategic responses that mitigate its advantages and maintain control over the game state.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ichor Aberration MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Phyrexia, 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 Ichor Aberration and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ichor Aberration has restrictions

Format	Legality
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Historic	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal