Mothdust Changeling MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Shapeshifter
Abilities Changeling
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Mothdust Changeling offers deck synergy and potential card advantage through tribal interactions.
  2. The card can enable combos by untapping creatures, pivotal for resource acceleration.
  3. Instant speed flying activation provides flexibility and reactive options in gameplay.

Text of card

Changeling (This card is every creature type at all times.) Tap an untapped creature you control: Mothdust Changeling gains flying until end of turn.

"Ever seen a changeling fly into a lantern?" —Calydd, kithkin farmer


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mothdust Changeling may not draw you extra cards directly, but its Changeling ability offers tremendous deck synergy, functioning as whatever creature type you need to trigger tribal effects and potentially card draw.

Resource Acceleration: This little trickster can effectively enable combos by untapping another creature, which can be pivotal for setting up or accelerating your game plan, especially if that creature has a tap ability that generates resources or card advantage.

Instant Speed: With the ability to become tapped to give Mothdust Changeling flying until end of turn, you can surprise your opponent by enabling an aerial defender or aggressor at instant speed, making this card flexible and reactive during the heat of gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the case of Mothdust Changeling, one of the downsides is the absence of this card requiring a discard, which is a facet some decks might rely on for certain strategies or synergies. Not having to discard can be seen as a benefit, but for some specialized decks, it could be considered a missed opportunity for combo potential.

Specific Mana Cost: Mothdust Changeling’s mana cost demands one blue mana. This could be restrictive for multicolored decks that might not always have the necessary blue mana available when they need to summon this creature onto the battlefield.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Mothdust Changeling offers flexibility as a one-drop creature, its activated ability costs one generic mana each time you wish to give it flying until the end of the turn. This repeated cost can tally up to a significant amount over several turns, making it potentially less mana-efficient compared to other creatures with built-in flying or cheaper activated abilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mothdust Changeling stands out for its ability to adapt to various deck themes due to its changeling trait. This grants it all creature types at all times, making it an inclusive pick for tribal synergies.

Combo Potential: With its single mana cost for a tap ability to give any creature flying until end of turn, Mothdust Changeling can easily fit into and enhance combos, particularly in decks that benefit from creatures with flying or need to tap/untap creatures for impact.

Meta-Relevance: Efficient creatures that offer flexible utility often have a place in shifting metas. Mothdust Changeling remains relevant for its capability to slip into roles required by the current environment, acting as a useful tool against decks that may be unprepared for its unique skill set.


How to beat

Mothdust Changeling is a versatile creature in a Magic: The Gathering deck known for its unique changeling ability, enabling it to be every creature type at all times. This characteristic alone can greatly influence synergies and interactions on the battlefield. To overcome this crafty creature, focus on removal spells that don’t rely on a creature’s type. Instants like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can dispatch Mothdust Changeling before its shapeshifting prowess benefits the opponent too much. Furthermore, keep an eye on tribal decks that may exploit its wide array of types for powerful combos or buffs. Employ board wipes if the changeling is part of a larger swarm or a tactical sacrifice to thwart opponent strategies that hinge on tribal synergy. Flexibility in your response is key to countering the Mothdust Changeling’s deceptive simplicity and adaptability.

Counterspells also play a critical role when facing Mothdust Changeling. Quick, cost-effective counters like Spell Pierce or Mana Leak can prevent the creature from entering play, disrupting your opponent’s tempo and preserving your board state. Finally, maintain pressure on your opponent and limit their opportunity to utilize the changeling’s potential. Your approach in curbing this creature could be the tipping point between victory and defeat in your MTG gameplay.


BurnMana Recommendations

The depth of strategy in MTG is showcased in cards like Mothdust Changeling, blending versatility with the potential for powerful deck synergies. As players look to enhance their collections and gameplay, the Changeling’s knack for fitting into various deck themes becomes an attractive aspect. If you’re keen to explore new strategies or seek to refine your tribal deck, cards like Mothdust Changeling are invaluable assets. Its potential to adapt and pivot based on the game’s flow makes it a noteworthy addition. Dive deeper into the world of MTG with us, and discover how to optimize your deck’s potential with cards that offer utility and flexibility.


Cards like Mothdust Changeling

Mothdust Changeling stands as a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering with its easily triggered Changeling ability, enabling it to count as every creature type. A card akin to Mothdust Changeling is the Universal Automaton, which also boasts the Changeling trait but with a neutral mana cost. Though Universal Automaton’s statline is a constant 1/1, Mothdust Changeling offers flexibility with its one mana activation to gain flying until end of turn, climbing above its counterpart in terms of agility and evasion tactics.

Comparatively, there’s Mistform Sliver, another multifaceted card which can become any creature type at your discretion. However, it lacks the innate Changeling characteristic, limiting its synergy in tribal decks. Additionally, Amoeboid Changeling allows you to change another creature’s type at will, while also being a Changeling itself. It’s similar in its adaptability but is a tad costlier to deploy.

To sum up, Mothdust Changeling is a versatile option for strategy-seeking players desiring to empower their tribal themes easily without sacrificing speed, making it an asset in many MTG decks that are centered around specific creature types.

Universal Automaton - MTG Card versions
Mistform Sliver - MTG Card versions
Amoeboid Changeling - MTG Card versions
Universal Automaton - Modern Horizons (MH1)
Mistform Sliver - Legions (LGN)
Amoeboid Changeling - Lorwyn (LRW)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mothdust Changeling MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide and Modern Masters, 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 Mothdust Changeling and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mothdust Changeling Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-02-01 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Shelly Wan.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-02-01MorningtideMOR 422003normalblackShelly Wan
22013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 532003normalblackShelly Wan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mothdust Changeling has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mothdust Changeling card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2008-04-01 Since the activated ability doesn’t have a tap symbol in its cost, you can tap a creature (including Mothdust Changeling itself) that hasn’t been under your control since your most recent turn began to pay the cost.

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