Intruder Alarm MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
Creatures do not untap during their controllers' untap phases. Whenever any creature comes into play, untap all creatures.
Mirri was startled by Volrath's apparition—it had no scent.
Cards like Intruder Alarm
Intruder Alarm is an extraordinary card in Magic: The Gathering, sitting in an unique place amongst the likes of enchantment spells such as Awakening and Seedborn Muse. Intruder Alarm is distinctive with a condition that untaps all creatures whenever any creature comes into play.
Awakening, on the other hand, could offer a similar performance by untapping all creatures and lands during each player’s untap step. Yet, it doesn’t provide the instant flexibility that Intruder Alarm does upon a creature entering the battlefield. Meanwhile, we have Seedborn Muse that untaps all permanents you control during each other player’s untap step. Although it’s comparable in some ways, Seedborn Muse specifically applies only to the permanents you control unlike Intruder Alarm whose effect applies universally.
When analysing the various enchantment options in Magic: The Gathering, Intruder Alarm offers a unique playstyle that can both dynamically alter the flow of games and pose as an alluring bait for trap strategies. Its unique mechanism of untapping all creatures brings about a significant twist, putting it in an advantageous position when compared with similar cards.
Cards similar to Intruder Alarm by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Intruder Alarm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Decklist | Free form | Set Roulette Spring 2024 | ||
Merfolk | Modern | Merfolk | Modern Challenge 64 2024-03-02 (1) | |
Bant Elves | Modern | Bant Elves | MTG SEA Championship Final Season 2 Round 2 | |
Bant Tokens | Modern | BLUE - SAT - 3PM - Chicago Modern Cup | ||
Four-color Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | ||
Mono-Blue Merfolk | Modern | Merfolk | Invasion Open Norrkping |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Intruder Alarm offers incredible potential for card advantage. By untapping all creatures each time a creature comes into play, players can strategically coordinate their plays to maximize their draw power, keeping hands full and options open.
Resource Acceleration: This card excels in resource acceleration. The repeated untapping triggered by Intruder Alarm can generate vast amounts of mana when it is combined with creatures that can tap for mana. This allows for a greater capability to deploy more potent creatures or data-driven plays.
Instant Speed: Though Intruder Alarm is an enchantment and does not have instant speed itself, its effect applies whenever a creature enters the battlefield – an event that can occur at virtually any moment in a game, therefore it indirectly possesses the advantage of instant speed. Its continuous effect can unexpectedly disrupt opponent strategies and provide surprise advantages.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While it doesn’t call for a card to be discarded directly, Intruder Alarm’s controlling in-game mechanisms can lead to indirect discards. This might leave you tightening your resources and strategizing played cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Intruder Alarm requires two specific mana, one blue, which may limit its usage in decks. Being a blue enchantment, decks which are not equipped with blue mana can’t integrate this card, thus restraining its full potential.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, there could be other options which are cost-effectively more appealing. Certain counterspell and draw cards in the MTG universe might offer a direct tactical advantage at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Intruder Alarm in Your Collection
Versatility: Intruder Alarm has a unique effect that can be used in multiple deck types, particularly those that excel from creatures being untapped. Whether it’s tapping and untapping mana dorks for infinite mana, or a quirky rogue approach, Intruder Alarm can add some surprising dynamics to your game.
Combo Potential: Intruder Alarm, due to its trigger ability of untapping all creatures, offers immense combo potential. With the correct creatures in play, this can create infinite loops and provide a sudden, game-winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: Intruder Alarm remains relevant in several magic formats due to its sheer utility. In Commander for instance, owing to the multiplayer nature, the card can routinely cause massive swings in the state of the board that can tilt the balance of power abruptly.
How to beat
Intruder Alarm is an enchantment card that possesses unique ability in the MTG roster. It’s known for its power to untap all creatures whenever a creature comes into play. This continuous effect can turn the tide in any match, benefiting both the player who cast it and their opponents. However, it isn’t unbeatable.
Firstly, countering Intruder Alarm with instants such as Negate, Disallow, or Countersquall on its appearance can be beneficial. By doing so you are using a reactive strategy, stifling the card’s effect even before its activation.
On the other hand, we have the proactive approach. Powerful enchant removal cards such as Disenchant, Revoke Existence, and Naturalize can effectively destroy Intruder Alarm. They serve to eliminate this threat from the battlefield, giving you an edge over your opponent who banks on this card strategy.
Ultimately, knowing your opponent’s strategy and having the right set of counter cards in your deck could offer a robust defense against Intruder Alarm. This understanding could lead you to leverage opportunities in your gameplay, ensuring the enchantment’s effect does not overwhelmingly tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.
BurnMana Recommendations
If you’ve grasped the power and risks of Intruder Alarm, it’s time to consider its place in your deck. An enchantment with such potent untap capability is a strong contender for combos and can significantly alter a game’s pace. Whether you pilot a creature-heavy strategy or love the thrill of infinite loops, understanding and integrating the subtle art of Intruder Alarm will surely amplify the caliber of your gameplay. Engage with us further as we sail into the depths of strategy, deckbuilding, and the continuous quest for that perfect play-through. Forge a collection that not only dazzles but dominates the gaming table.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Intruder Alarm MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Eighth Edition, 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 Intruder Alarm 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Intruder Alarm Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1998-03-02 | Stronghold | STH | 34 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
2 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 86 | 2003 | Normal | White | Luca Zontini | |
3 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 86★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
4 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 229 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Marija Tiurina | ||
5 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 25 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
6 | The List | PLST | 8ED-86 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | ||
7 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting Tales | WOT | 21 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Francoyovich |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Intruder Alarm has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Banned |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Intruder Alarm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | If multiple creatures enter the battlefield at one time, this ability triggers once for each creature. This doesn’t matter much, but it can in some cases. |