Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 206
2022-01-28 - Number 473
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Werewolf |
| Abilities | Daybound |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Whenever Infestation Expert enters the battlefield or attacks, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token. Daybound (If a player casts no spells during their own turn, it becomes night next turn.)
There's only so many times she can take being asked . . .
Cards like Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf
Infestation Expert stands out in the Magic: The Gathering array of creatures with its unique double-faced attribute. Much like other transforming cards such as Huntmaster of the Fells, the Infestation Expert presents two forms – a human side and a werewolf side, each with distinct abilities. In its human form, it can churn out Insect tokens, a feature reminiscent of other token-generating cards like Ant Queen, albeit with different creature types and activation costs.
The flip side, Infested Werewolf, amps up the offense with increased power and an ability that damages opponents when they cast a spell. Comparatively, werewolves like Reckless Waif also transform to become more aggressive, though the triggering conditions and effects differ. Additionally, persistent spellcasters like Mayor of Avabruck provide werewolves with a persistent power buff, whereas Infested Werewolf functions more independently as an offensive threat that punishes opponents’ spells.
When evaluating Infestation Expert against its kin, the duality of its strategic advantage becomes apparent. It offers versatile gameplay, providing token generation and a punisher mechanic that can be adeptly utilized in MTG decks focusing on creature-based strategies and transformation triggers.
Cards similar to Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Infestation Expert shines by offering the potential to flip into Infested Werewolf during your opponent’s upkeep, which can catch them off-guard and provide a surprise blocker. Additionally, it generates an advantage by possibly discarding an opponent’s card without losing any of yours.
Resource Acceleration: Not only does the Infestation Expert give you a solid body on the board, but its transformed side, Infested Werewolf, can also throw a wrench into your opponent’s ability to cast spells by making them more costly. This might slow down their game plan and give you the upper hand.
Instant Speed: While the card itself isn’t an instant, the transformation into Infested Werewolf can happen at instant speed during your opponent’s upkeep, ensuring you are always maximizing the utility of each turn and keeping your opponent guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Infestation Expert’s transformation into Infested Werewolf can be hamstrung by the card’s need for you to discard another card. Such a cost can be particularly burdensome when your hand is depleted, and every card is a precious commodity.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires a precise combination of one green and two generic mana to play. This specific cost can hinder deck flexibility, particularly in multicolor decks that may struggle with mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three for its base form, Infestation Expert requires a more substantial investment than some other creatures in its class. Given that the mana cost is for its initial side before transforming, players may find other options more cost-effective for developing an early-game board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Infestation Expert, along with its nightbound counterpart Infested Werewolf, offers a unique flex spot in various decks that thrive on werewolf synergy or simply require robust creature options. Their transformability ensures they’re adaptable to the evolving board state.
Combo Potential: The card’s innate ability to create Pest tokens upon transforming provides substantial combo potential. These tokens can be used in tandem with sacrifice effects or other mechanics that key off the number of creatures you control, amplifying the impact of your creature-based strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that sees frequent creature-based skirmishes, Infestation Expert stands out. Not only does it handle smaller threats by producing blockers, but as the board develops, it can shift into a more offensive role, ensuring persistent relevance throughout the game.
How to beat
When facing off against the Infestation Expert or its terrifying transformed version, the Infested Werewolf, understanding the dynamics of the card is crucial in MTG gameplay. As a werewolf card, the Infestation Expert presents a versatile challenge; during the day, it’s a dependable creature card, but once night falls, it transforms into an even more formidable beast with enhanced power and toughness.
Overcoming this lycanthropic threat requires strategic planning. Typically, keeping the game at a pace where at least one spell is played each turn can prevent the dreaded transformation. Additionally, employing removal spells that work at instant speed allows you to adapt to the changing board state, potentially removing the creature before it inflicts significant damage. Cards with exile effects are especially valuable, as they deal with the transformed Infested Werewolf permanently, circumventing regeneration or graveyard recursion tactics that some werewolf decks employ.
Ultimately, beating the Infestation Expert and Infested Werewolf demands foresight and the right answers at the right time. It becomes a game of preventing the circumstances that lead to their transformation and being prepared to handle the threats when they do surface. By doing so, you stand a better chance of keeping these wild creatures in check within your MTG matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Vincent Proce.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 206 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Vincent Proce | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 473 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Vincent Proce |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Infestation Expert // Infested Werewolf has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |