Inquisitor Exarch MTG Card

Inquisitor Exarch provides flexibility in gameplay, valuable for either life gain or strategic hand disruption. Dual mana requirement and conservatively high mana cost may limit its inclusivity in diverse deck types. Its enter-the-battlefield effect and combo potential make it especially potent in the right deck.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Cleric
Released	2011-05-13
Set symbol
Set name	New Phyrexia
Set code	NPH
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	12
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Igor Kieryluk

Text of card

When Inquisitor Exarch enters the battlefield, choose one — You gain 2 life; or target opponent loses 2 life.

"Skin is the prison of the blessed and the stronghold of the heretic." —Argent Etchings, plate 64, passage 17

Cards like Inquisitor Exarch

Inquisitor Exarch is an intriguing choice for life manipulation strategies within MTG. This creature can be seen sharing some attributes with comparable cards like Vampire Nighthawk or Lone Missionary. While Vampire Nighthawk offers flying and deathtouch, making it a formidable blocker or attacker, Inquisitor Exarch shines in its flexibility, offering either life gain or a life loss edict upon entry. Lone Missionary, on the flip side, solely provides a life gain advantage but with a lower cost.

Another similar card is Suture Priest, which extends the life gain theme by rewarding you whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, at the cost of penalizing your opponents when their creatures come into play. While Suture Priest represents a consistent threat with its passive ability, Inquisitor Exarch still stands out due to the immediate impact it has the moment it touches the battlefield.

In matters of efficiency and versatility among creatures that affect life totals, Inquisitor Exarch definitely carves out a niche. It may not offer additional abilities like flying or consistent effects like Suture Priest, but the direct and immediate choice between healing or damage can turn the tides of a match in your favor.

Cards similar to Inquisitor Exarch by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Inquisitor Exarch offers a choice upon entering the battlefield that can either disrupt an opponent’s hand or recoup life lost earlier in the match, adding to your overall card value.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly ramping mana, the versatility of choosing between two impactful effects can help maintain or swing the pace of the game to your favor, effectively speeding up your strategy.

Instant Speed: The Inquisitor Exarch’s reactionary nature makes it a prime choice for decks that thrive during the full use of mana each turn. Being able to deploy it after knowing your opponent’s move allows for informed decision-making and optimized play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Even though Inquisitor Exarch doesn’t require a discard when you cast it, its effectiveness can be mitigated if your hand is already depleted. In situations where you’re playing against a deck focused on hand disruption, Inquisitor Exarch might not provide the impact you need when entering the battlefield without the sufficient backup of other cards.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a specific combination of mana, with a cost of two white mana. While this isn’t necessarily a steep requirement, it does mean that Inquisitor Exarch finds optimal use exclusively within mono-white or two-color decks where white is heavily featured. Decks that don’t prioritize white mana might not be able to accommodate the Exarch without complicating their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Inquisitor Exarch costs two white mana, which could be considered high relative to its abilities. There are creatures at a similar mana cost that could potentially offer greater board presence or additional benefits. When evaluating the cost against its yield of either gaining life or making an opponent lose life, the efficiency could be considered lower than some comparable cards within the same mana range.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Inquisitor Exarch is a flexible choice for various decks, fitting seamlessly into strategies revolving around life gain or life loss. Its dual modal effect caters to both offensive and defensive tactics, enhancing its utility in a diverse array of game situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with methods to repeatedly utilize its enter-the-battlefield effect. It works exceptionally well in tandem with flicker mechanics or reanimation strategies, providing recurrent value and enabling powerful synergies.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to disrupt opponent strategies by reclaiming life or whittling down their health, Inquisitor Exarch proves to be a valuable asset in a meta that favors interactive, high-stakes play. It’s a smart addition to collections aimed at staying competitive in evolving gameplay environments.

How to beat

Inquisitor Exarch is a versatile creature in the world of MTG that allows players to either gain life or have an opponent lose life upon entering the battlefield. A strategic approach is crucial to handle this nuanced card effectively. Counter spells and removal spells are your best allies against the Exarch. Consider employing instant-speed removal to dispatch the Exarch before its controller can benefit from its abilities. Instant-speed removal like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push can efficiently handle this threat.

Another aspect to consider is the timing of the Exarch’s abilities. Since the life gain or loss occurs upon the card’s entry, preventing the Exarch from resolving on the stack is a sound strategy. This means using counter spells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak can negate not just the creature but its abilities as well. Playing around the Exarch also involves minimizing its impact by maintaining a higher life total or controlling the number of creatures on board, thus limiting the benefit your opponent receives from either of the Exarch’s choices.

Overall, maintaining board control, being prepared with instant-speed interaction, and understanding when to apply pressure or play defensively makes Inquisitor Exarch a manageable card during gameplay. It’s important to adjust your playstyle and keep these tactics in mind to ensure your strategy isn’t disrupted by this powerful Cleric.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Inquisitor Exarch MTG card by a specific set like New 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 Inquisitor Exarch and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Inquisitor Exarch has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal