Nest Invader MTG Card

Doubles as creature token generator and resource accelerator for effective mana ramp strategies. Enables versatile plays with instant speed mana from the Eldrazi Spawn token it produces. Despite restrictions, it remains a competitive option for token-focused and mana ramp decks.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Eldrazi Drone
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Nest Invader enters the battlefield, put a 0/1 colorless Eldrazi Spawn creature token onto the battlefield. It has "Sacrifice this creature: Add to your mana pool."

It nurtures its masters' glorious future.

Cards like Nest Invader

Nest Invader claims its position in the MTG ecosystem as a multifunctional creature card. It bears comparison to cards like Kozilek’s Predator, which also brings additional creatures into play. Nest Invader stands out by offering a 0/1 Eldrazi Spawn token that can be sacrificed for mana, much like its counterpart. However, Nest Invader does this at a cheaper mana cost and with a more combat-ready body.

A look towards Tukatongue Thallid reveals another card with a similar function. It creates a token upon death, rather than on entry, giving it a delayed utility compared to the immediate benefit Nest Invader provides. Plus, there’s an Elemental token from Emrakul’s Hatcher which echoes the mana-accelerating aspect of Nest Invader’s spawn, albeit at a higher casting cost with a larger token yield.

Each card presents its unique strategic advantages, but Nest Invader often shines due to its early game presence and the immediate ramp capability offered by its spawn token. This positions it effectively within the realm of creature-based mana acceleration and token generation strategies in MTG.

Kozilek's Predator - MTG Card versions
Tukatongue Thallid - MTG Card versions
Emrakul's Hatcher - MTG Card versions
Kozilek's Predator - MTG Card versions
Tukatongue Thallid - MTG Card versions
Emrakul's Hatcher - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Nest Invader. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green AggroMono-Green Aggro PauperMono-Green AggroPauper Challenge 32 2023-11-12
Mono-Green StompyMono-Green Stompy PauperMono-Green AggroSprint Wheel Event - Geddon Series 2^ tappa MILANO 2024
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro PauperMono-Green AggroBLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup
YawgmothYawgmoth ModernYawgmothModern League 2024-02-04
Rogue DecklistsRogue Decklists PauperMono-Green AggroNacional Pauper 2023

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nest Invader offers a unique benefit by providing an additional creature token upon entering the battlefield. This effectively gives you two creatures for the price of one card, optimizing your card advantage and bolstering your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: The spawned Eldrazi Spawn token can be sacrificed for one colorless mana, which can be pivotal for ramping up your resources. This acceleration can be critical for casting higher-cost spells earlier in the game or enabling multi-colored decks to have the needed mana when it’s most crucial.

Instant Speed: While Nest Invader itself isn’t an instant-speed spell, the Eldrazi Spawn it creates can be sacrificed for mana at instant speed. This allows for unexpected plays and the ability to adapt to the flow of the game on the fly, making it a versatile component in various strategies that could benefit from the sudden availability of extra mana.

Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Nest Invader requires both colorless and green mana for casting, potentially restricting its inclusion in multicolored or colorless decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only two mana may seem economical, in a game where speed is of the essence, there are more impactful creatures or acceleration options available at this cost.

Discard Requirement: The benefits of playing Nest Invader are not directly tied to a discard mechanic, but for decks focusing on graveyard synergy or required sacrifices, the absence of such a feature might not align with their strategic objectives.

Reasons to Include Nest Invader in Your Collection

Versatility: Nest Invader offers flexibility to different deck archetypes. It’s a solid play for decks that capitalize on creature tokens or need additional board presence without a high mana cost.

Combo Potential: Its Eldrazi Spawn token, which can be sacrificed for mana, is a boon for strategies that are designed around sacrifice mechanics or mana acceleration.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive strategies are prevalent, Nest Invader stands out by providing an early blocker and enabling faster deployment of threats or key spells.

How to beat

Nest Invader is a well-rounded addition to creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. This efficient 2/2 body for 2 mana not only presents a reliable blocker but also brings a 0/1 Eldrazi Spawn token into play, which can be sacrificed for mana acceleration. While Nest Invader offers multifaceted utility, it does have vulnerabilities.

Effectively handling Nest Invader often involves outpacing the mana advantage it creates. Removal spells are pivotal; early interaction with options like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt can prevent your opponent from capitalizing on the extra creature and potential mana. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation also clear the spawn alongside the Invader, nullifying the ramp it provides. If you’re in a late-game scenario, considering the broader picture becomes essential—targeting the key payoffs that your opponent might accelerate into, rather than the mana sources, could be a smarter move. Focus on disrupting their game plan, and the advantage Nest Invader grants becomes negligible.

To sum up, countering Nest Invader requires a blend of timely removal and strategic foresight. Considering both the card’s immediate impact and the potential threats it could lead to, a diverse suite of answers will keep this creature in check.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nest Invader MTG card by a specific set like Rise of the Eldrazi and Planechase 2012, 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 Nest Invader and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nest Invader Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2010-04-23 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Trevor Claxton.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-04-23Rise of the EldraziROE 2012003NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
22012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 692003NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
32015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1502015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
42015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 832015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
52016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 692015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 12772015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton
72020-09-26The ListPLST PCA-692015NormalBlackTrevor Claxton

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nest Invader has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal