Loxodon Eavesdropper MTG Card


Loxodon Eavesdropper offers valuable foresight, potentially steering the game in your favor by guiding resource management. The card’s ability to be utilized at instant speed supports dynamic play, identifying and reacting to threats promptly. Its requirement to discard a card upon play and specific mana cost are trade-offs for its information-gathering capability.
Loxodon Eavesdropper - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elephant Detective
Abilities Investigate
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number168
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJesper 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.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Militia Bugler - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Militia Bugler - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Loxodon Eavesdropper by color, type and mana cost

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Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Pixie Queen - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Alligator - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Saber Ants - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions

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.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form86#CS
Sealed DeckSealed Deck LimitedMurders 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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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Loxodon Eavesdropper has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal
Vigilance card art

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.