Kessig Recluse MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spider |
| Abilities | Deathtouch,Reach |
| Released | 2012-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dark Ascension |
| Set code | DKA |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 121 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Vincent Proce |
Text of card
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)
Its silk is highly prized, but then again, so is your life.
Cards like Kessig Recluse
Kessig Recluse distinguishes itself within the green creature arsenal of Magic: The Gathering with its unique combination of abilities. It’s comparable in some ways to cards like Deadly Recluse, which shares both the spider creature type and the reach ability, allowing it to block creatures with flying. However, Kessig Recluse brings in an additional layer with deathtouch, making it a formidable defender that can destroy any creature it blocks or that blocks it, regardless of size.
When looking at Penumbra Spider, another relative in the green spiders’ family, you see similarities in mana cost and the capability to block flying creatures. Yet, Kessig Recluse’s deathtouch stands out as a significant advantageous trait for controlling the board. Alternatively, Canopy Spider, though lower in casting cost, doesn’t offer the same level of threat elimination that the deathtouch mechanic provides. While Canopy Spider serves as a decent early game defense against flyers, it doesn’t have the same impact in taking down larger threats that Kessig Recluse does.
Upon comparison, Kessig Recluse not only proves to be a valuable combatant against creatures of the sky but also excels in dealing with high-power threats on the ground, positioning it as a versatile choice for decks looking to fortify their defenses.
Cards similar to Kessig Recluse by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Boasting the ability to consistently deal with multiple threats, Kessig Recluse provides a steady edge in maintaining board presence. Its presence alone can deter opponents from playing smaller creatures, indirectly leading to card advantage as you force your opponent to hold back or play less efficiently.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing your mana pool, Kessig Recluse offers significant defensive utility. This allows for more effective resource allocation into advancing your board state rather than spending additional mana on creature removal or defensive spells.
Instant Speed: Although Kessig Recluse itself is not an instant, its reach attribute allows it to effectively function as a deterrent at instant speed by threatening to block and eliminate flying creatures during combat, which often come out at opportune moments to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Kessig Recluse may lock you in a tough position as it does not have abilities that include or compensate for discarding. This means holding onto it until the right time which potentially clogs your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This spider requires both green mana and a total of four mana making it a tricky fit outside of mono-green or green-centric decks. It’s less flexible for multicolored mana bases which can hamper your strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its decent stats and deathtouch ability, the four mana needed to cast Kessig Recluse means you may be foregoing speed or other abilities offered by lower-cost creatures or spells, which could provide broader utility or faster board development.
Reasons to Include Kessig Recluse in Your Collection
Versatility: Kessig Recluse is a robust defender that can slide into green decks focused on creature control. Its reach ability allows it to protect against flyers, a common threat in many MTG games.
Combo Potential: Its deathtouch ability makes it a prime candidate for combos with cards that can force opponents to block or engage in combat, effectively removing key enemy creatures.
Meta-Relevance: Given the frequent presence of flying creatures in competitive play, having a reliable defender like Kessig Recluse can be crucial in stabilizing the board until you can execute your winning strategy.
How to beat
Confronting a Kessig Recluse on the battlefield requires a thorough strategy due to its reach and deathtouch abilities. This spider can be a genuine thorn in the side, especially to those relying on a flying-based offensive. The key lies in avoiding direct confrontations where the Recluse’s specialties shine. Instead, consider using removal spells that bypass its deathtouch, such as board wipes or targeted removal that doesn’t involve combat like Doom Blade or Path to Exile.
Another viable tactic is to employ larger creatures that can survive its deathtouch or use effects that grant your creatures indestructible for the turn. Overloading the table with multiple threats can also dilute the Recluse’s impact, spreading the challenge across your array of creatures and forcing your opponent into difficult blocking decisions. Lastly, remember that creatures with sufficient toughness to withstand deathtouch and high power can make short work of Kessig Recluse while surviving the encounter.
Adopting these strategies can help you mitigate the spider’s formidable presence and maintain the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kessig Recluse MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Kessig Recluse 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kessig Recluse has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |