Intrusive Packbeast MTG Card
Text of card
Vigilance When Intrusive Packbeast enters the battlefield, tap up to two target creatures your opponents control.
Good at carrying things. Really good at knocking them down.
Cards like Intrusive Packbeast
Intrusive Packbeast stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a functional creature with benefits upon entering the battlefield. Its parallels are seen in creatures like Aviary Mechanic and Kor Skyfisher, which also offer the ability to return another permanent you control to your hand. However, Intrusive Packbeast has the added advantage of tapping up to two target creatures, increasing its utility in slowing down opponents.
Consulate Skygate shares a similar converted mana cost with the Packbeast but focuses on defensive capability with its defender attribute and reach, foregoing the versatile tap ability. Another comparable card is Stonehorn Dignitary, which, though more expensive, can completely skip the next combat phase for your opponent, a potentially more disruptive play than the Packbeast’s tap.
Choosing between these cards ultimately depends on the player’s strategy. Whether prioritizing a sturdy defense, maximizing entrant effects for combo plays, or opting for the control elements of Intrusive Packbeast, each card offers unique value to a deck. The Packbeast’s blend of creature control and return-to-hand flexibility can be quite influential in the right setting, making it a card worth considering for decks that capitalize on such synergies.
Cards similar to Intrusive Packbeast by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Intrusive Packbeast doesn’t offer a traditional card draw effect, its ability to return another creature card from your graveyard to your hand when it enters the battlefield offers a form of card advantage. This creates an extra layer of value, letting you reuse creatures with potent enter-the-battlefield abilities or simply bringing back a key piece that you lost earlier in the match.
Resource Acceleration: The Intrusive Packbeast itself does not directly accelerate your resources like ramp cards do. However, by recovering other creatures that have ramp abilities from your graveyard, this versatile creature indirectly contributes to your mana development and resource acceleration, ensuring you stay ahead or catch up on the board.
Instant Speed: Although the Packbeast’s ability is not at instant speed, it interacts favorably with flash creatures or spells you may use at instant speed. It’s essential to have a strategy where the Packbeast fits into a broader control scheme, working in tandem with instant-speed actions to surprise your opponent and shift the pacing of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Intrusive Packbeast may provide value by untapping two creatures, it necessitates that you have other creatures on the field to exploit this effect. This need might make the card underwhelming if your board presence is minimal or non-existent.
Specific Mana Cost: Intrusive Packbeast demands a mana cost that includes white, which constrains its utility to decks that run white mana or have mana-fixing capabilities. Players devoted to other colors or running a strict color identity may find it difficult to include in their strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana for a 3/3 creature with an untap ability, Intrusive Packbeast is at a mana investment where you expect high-impact cards. Given the mid-game stage at which it enters, its board influence may not match other options available in the mana range, potentially rendering it a less attractive choice for deck builders.
Reasons to Include Intrusive Packbeast in Your Collection
Versatility: Intrusive Packbeast offers flexibility in gameplay with its enter the battlefield ability to tap up to two target creatures. This can be useful in various scenarios from disrupting opponent attacks to paving the way for your onslaught.
Combo Potential: Its ability to manipulate the state of the board by tapping creatures lends itself well to combos. It can easily become a key piece in decks built around tap and untap mechanics or those that capitalize on creatures being in specific states.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that can pivot on the control of the board, Intrusive Packbeast remains a relevant choice for inclusion. Its ability to affect the tempo can be a game-changer against decks that rely heavily on creature-based strategies, keeping you one step ahead.
How to beat
Intrusive Packbeast is an intriguing utility creature card in Magic: The Gathering that players often include in limited formats like Draft or Sealed. A key aspect of Intrusive Packbeast is its ability to tap two target creatures upon entering the battlefield. This can potentially disrupt an opponent’s planned blocks or attacks, shifting the momentum of the game. But how exactly can you counteract this tactical play?
To effectively neutralize the Packbeast’s entrance ability, consider using instant-speed removal spells before your opponent moves to their combat phase, thereby preventing any untimely tapping of your creatures. Cards that grant hexproof or indestructibility at instant speed can also be invaluable in these situations, as they can protect your critical creatures from being targeted. Additionally, possessing a hand with flexible responses allows you to adapt to the Packbeast play and mitigate its impact on the battlefield.
Another strategy revolves around having backup creatures or tokens in play, affording you some breathing room even if key pieces get tapped. Remember, maintaining a wider board presence than your opponent makes it harder for the Intrusive Packbeast to significantly affect your battle plans. The key to beating this card lies in smart preparation and retaining the ability to adapt mid-game when it hits the table.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Intrusive Packbeast MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Mystery Booster, 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 Intrusive Packbeast 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 Intrusive Packbeast Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Jason Felix.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-10-05 | Guilds of Ravnica | GRN | 17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | GRN-17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jason Felix |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Intrusive Packbeast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.