Netcaster Spider MTG Card
2014-07-18 - Number 186
2015-02-27 - Number 49
2016-01-22 - Number 137
2016-08-26 - Number 188
2017-11-17 - Number 178
2019-07-12 - Number 184
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spider |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Whenever Netcaster Spider blocks a creature with flying, Netcaster Spider gets +2/+0 until end of turn.
It is an expert at culling individuals who stray too far from the herd.
Cards like Netcaster Spider
The Netcaster Spider is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, well-suited for players who prefer a solid defensive option with aerial combat advantages. It draws a parallel to Canopy Spider, both being green creatures that excel in blocking flying creatures with their reach ability. Yet, the Netcaster Spider boasts a higher power level, which is triggered specifically when blocking creatures with flying, making it more formidable in deterring airborne attackers.
Another card worth mentioning is Giant Spider. Not only does it share the reach ability, but it also has an additional point of toughness compared to Netcaster Spider, providing even more resilience against opponents’ threats. However, it lacks the power-boost mechanic that makes Netcaster Spider so effective against creatures of the skies.
In essence, while there are a few contenders, Netcaster Spider’s unique blend of moderate mana cost, utility in flying defense, and power increase when blocking fliers solidify its niche within green creature cards. This makes it a preferable choice for players seeking to strengthen their defensive line, especially in limited formats where evasion abilities like flying are prevalent and highly valued in gameplay.
Cards similar to Netcaster Spider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Even though the Netcaster Spider itself doesn’t direct you to draw cards, by efficiently blocking and potentially taking down flying creatures, it helps preserve your board presence. The fact that it can deter opponents from attacking with valuable flying creatures can indirectly lead to a card advantage as it maintains your defenses and potentially exhausts your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Netcaster Spider doesn’t produce mana or accelerate resources in the traditional sense, successfully defending with this card can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By allowing you to maintain your life total and other creatures, you’re effectively saving the mana and turns you might otherwise need to stabilize your board state.
Instant Speed: Netcaster Spider’s ability to block creatures with flying as though it had reach can operate similarly to an instant speed interaction in combat. This reactive ability lets you make strategic blocks that your opponents may not anticipate, much like you would with a surprise instant during combat, potentially turning the tide of a battle your way.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Netcaster Spider’s casting cost demands both green mana and generic mana. This can be restrictive for decks that aren’t tuned to produce green mana reliably or for those that prefer a more color-flexible creature base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a 2/3 body, Netcaster Spider may not be the most mana-efficient creature when compared to other options in the same cost bracket, especially considering its ability is situational and dependent on opponents having flying creatures.
Discard Requirement: While Netcaster Spider doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, needing to maintain green mana sources could influence your deck building decisions, sometimes forcing a choice between keeping flexible cards or committing to green-heavy mana bases which could restrict strategic adaptability.
Reasons to Include Netcaster Spider in Your Collection
Versatility: This green creature excels in stalling aggressive flying creatures, making it a solid addition to sideboards or main decks that struggle against fliers.
Combo Potential: Netcaster Spider works well with any strategy emphasizing creatures that can either buff or capitalize on the reach ability, potentially warding off airborne threats.
Meta-Relevance: With flying creatures frequently present in various formats, the Netcaster Spider can be a cost-effective answer to this common threat, adapting easily to the shifting landscape of the game.
How to beat
The Netcaster Spider is an intriguing creature known for its reach ability, allowing it to effectively block flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Particularly against an aerial assault, the spider shines, but on the ground, it can be outclassed. Combat tricks or spells that boost your own creatures’ power can quickly overwhelm it, such as Giant Growth or Embercleave, which can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Moreover, removal spells like Shock or Murder can seamlessly dispose of it before it becomes a nuisance on the board.
Additionally, enchantments that negate the spider’s abilities, like Pacifism, can render it harmless, making it unable to impact the board significantly. It’s necessary to remember that while the Netcaster Spider can be a substantial obstacle for creatures in the sky, with a strategic approach and the right cards, it can be easily managed or bypassed on the path to victory.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each MTG card is crucial. In the case of Netcaster Spider, recognizing its defensive nature against flyers and preparing appropriate countermeasures can ensure it never snares your strategy in its web.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Netcaster Spider MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015 and Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora, 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 Netcaster Spider 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
Printings
The Netcaster Spider Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2014-07-18 and 2019-07-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 186 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yohann Schepacz | |
| 2 | 2015-02-27 | Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora | DDO | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yohann Schepacz | |
| 3 | 2016-01-22 | Oath of the Gatewatch | OGW | 137 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | |
| 4 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 188 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yohann Schepacz | |
| 5 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 178 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yohann Schepacz | |
| 6 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 184 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Yohann Schepacz |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Netcaster Spider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |