Loxodon Eavesdropper MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Elephant Detective |
Abilities | Investigate |
Released | 2024-02-09 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
Set code | MKM |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 3 |
Number | 168 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Jesper Ejsing |
Text of card
When Loxodon Eavesdropper enters the battlefield, investigate. (Create a Clue token. It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.") Whenever you draw your second card each turn, Loxodon Eavesdropper gets +1/+1 and gains vigilance until end of turn.
He's all ears.
Cards like Loxodon Eavesdropper
Loxodon Eavesdropper stands tall among its peers in the realm of creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It shares the battlefield with other notable creatures, such as Wall of Omens. While Wall of Omens offers an immediate card draw upon entering the battlefield, Loxodon Eavesdropper prides itself on its recurring potential to glean information from the top of an opponent’s library each turn. Though both cards serve the purpose of gaining card advantage, Loxodon Eavesdropper presents an ongoing threat to your opponent’s strategy.
Militia Bugler, another creature with a somewhat related ability, permits players to look at the top four cards of their own library when it enters the battlefield, potentially putting a card with power 2 or less into their hand. While Militia Bugler’s effect is a one-off, Loxodon Eavesdropper’s intelligence-gathering is an enduring presence. However, the Bugler allows players to dig deeper into their deck, offering a different kind of advantage over the Loxodon’s focus on disrupting the opponent.
Therefore, while there are creatures that offer a one-time card advantage, the recurring intelligence that Loxodon Eavesdropper provides shapes it as a unique piece on the chessboard of MTG, subtly tilting the scales in favor of the player turn after turn.
Cards similar to Loxodon Eavesdropper by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Loxodon Eavesdropper. 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 | 86#CS | ||
Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Loxodon Eavesdropper gives players an edge by providing insight into the opponent’s strategy. Each time it is tapped, you are allowed to look at the top card of an opponent’s library, gaining valuable information that leads to better decision making and ultimately, card advantage on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct source of mana, Loxodon Eavesdropper can contribute to resource acceleration by informing your plays. Knowledge of the upcoming threats allows you to save resources for key moments, optimizing the use of your mana and spells efficiently.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Loxodon Eavesdropper’s effect at instant speed, perhaps through other cards’ abilities, means that you can gain strategic information during critical phases of your opponent’s turn. This sets you up for successful counterplays and enhances your next moves with a more informed approach.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Loxodon Eavesdropper requires the drawback of discarding another card, which can be a strategic setback when you’re already managing a lean hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s need for precise mana type—both generic and white—can limit flexibility, making it a potentially cumbersome addition to multicolored decks where mana needs to be allocated efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its functionality, the card comes with a somewhat steep mana investment. Players might find alternative options that achieve similar effects or provide greater value for the same, or lower, mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Loxodon Eavesdropper offers flexibility by seamlessly fitting into decks that capitalize on its ability to gain life while providing a significant presence on the board.
Combo Potential: With its built-in mechanic of life gain, this card synergizes well with strategies that thrive on life-total manipulation or that leverage life-gain triggers for additional effects.
Meta-Relevance: Given its inherent resilience and life-gain attribute, Loxodon Eavesdropper holds its ground in metagames favoring aggressive tactics, helping to stabilize the board and outpace damage-centric opponents.
How to beat
The Loxodon Eavesdropper is a unique creature card in MTG that brings a mixture of defense and strategic information-gathering to the playing field. With its ability to check an opponent’s hand, it offers a significant tactical advantage. However, like any card, it has its Achilles heel. To effectively counter Loxodon Eavesdropper, consider running instant-speed removal spells. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can manage the Eavesdropper before it has an opportunity to leverage the information it gathers.
Moreover, it’s also susceptible to sweepers – spells that clear multiple creatures from the board such as Wrath of God or Damnation. For those who prefer a more permanent solution, Pithing Needle can shut down activated abilities without having to remove the creature from the board. It’s also effective to play around the Eavesdropper’s ability, assuming that your opponent will always have a certain level of knowledge about your hand, and plan accordingly to bluff or bait them into poor decisions. In the end, the key to overcoming the Eavesdropper lies in timing, card selection, and a bit of cunning strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Loxodon Eavesdropper MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Loxodon Eavesdropper 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 Loxodon Eavesdropper has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Standardbrawl | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | 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.