Nivix Barrier MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Illusion Wall |
| Abilities | Defender, Flash |
| Released | 2015-07-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic Origins |
| Set code | ORI |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 66 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mathias Kollros |
Text of card
Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.) Defender (This creature can't attack.) When Nivix Barrier enters the battlefield, target attacking creature gets -4/-0 until end of turn.
Cards like Nivix Barrier
Nivix Barrier stands out in the realm of creature defense in Magic: The Gathering. Its capabilities draw parallels to the defensive stalwart Wall of Fog, which serves as a placeholder to delay enemy attacks. Nivix Barrier presents a twist to this formula with its inherent ability to tap a potential attacker upon entry to the battlefield, analogous to a preemptive strike to mitigate incoming threats. Wall of Fog, albeit lacking this particular ability, can still be a reliable buffer against a barrage of attacks.
Examining other comparable options, we encounter the card Fog Bank, which shares the impeding nature of Nivix Barrier but further boasts immunity to combat damage, creating a robust defensive presence. Conversely, Nivix Barrier provides a subtler tactical advantage by being able to influence the board’s status quo as it enters the fray. Another related card is Guard Gomazoa, which, like Fog Bank, prevents all combat damage that would be dealt to it, thereby acting as an unwavering guardian against adversaries.
Assessing these alternatives collectively, Nivix Barrier holds its own in a category filled with stout defensive choices. While others may overshadow it in endurance, the Barrier’s unique entrance effect and the strategic value it introduces on the board are undeniable assets in the grand tapestry of Magic: The Gathering gameplay.
Cards similar to Nivix Barrier by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Nivix Barrier provides a unique interaction with the top card of your library, granting you access to additional spells when certain conditions are met, which can be a cornerstone for card advantage strategies.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly producing additional mana or tokens, the Nivix Barrier can strategically delay your opponent’s resources or tempo, indirectly contributing to your resource acceleration by giving you more time to develop your board and mana base.
Instant Speed: As a card capable of being played at instant speed, this offers flexibility in your play style, allowing you to respond promptly to your opponent’s moves and keep yourself positioned advantageously during the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nivix Barrier’s ability to control the battlefield comes at a cost, necessitating the discard of a card. This can be a tactical setback, especially in situations where every card in hand is vital for maintaining momentum.
Specific Mana Cost: Nivix Barrier demands a particular combination of mana types to cast. With the need for both blue and red mana, it’s not as flexible for deck inclusion, limiting it primarily to Izzet or multi-colored decks that can afford the color requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at four mana, this card’s cost could be seen as steep for the effect it provides. Players might find themselves foregoing casting Nivix Barrier in favor of more impactful cards with either lower mana costs or more potent abilities for a similar mana investment.
Reasons to Include Nivix Barrier in Your Collection
Versatility: Nivix Barrier offers flexibility in various deck builds, acting as both an instant-speed blocker and a means to disrupt your opponent’s attacking creatures. It slots well into control decks that prioritize stalling strategies and defending key life totals.
Combo Potential: Its ability to tap creatures upon entering the battlefield opens doors for synergy with cards that punish tapped creatures or with mechanics such as Inspired, which benefit from creatures being untapped during your upkeep.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive creature decks are prevalent, Nivix Barrier serves as an effective tool in slowing down the assault and gaining crucial time to execute your game plan or to stabilize the board.
How to beat
Nivix Barrier is a unique card that presents players with a tactical obstacle in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to momentarily detain an attacking creature, it acts as a deterrent, complicating combat strategies for opponents. Overcoming this card requires a nuanced understanding of the game and strategic use of resources. One effective tactic is to utilize abilities or spells that can bypass the Barrier’s defensive mechanism, such as those that allow for tapping or untapping creatures without the need to engage in battle.
Another approach to consider is the use of removal spells. Direct removals like Murder or Path to Exile are clean solutions to eliminate the Barrier before it can assert its influence on the battlefield. Moreover, instants that can neutralize or exile creatures at a low cost are essential to swiftly address the challenge posed by Nivix Barrier. Players should also be mindful of the Barrier’s flash ability, which allows it to surprise unsuspecting attackers, and plan their combat phases with this in mind for a successful countermove.
In summary, a combination of strategic planning, apt use of removals, and cognizance of the Barrier’s flash ability are key to outmaneuver Nivix Barrier in the dynamic environment of Magic: The Gathering matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nivix Barrier MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins, 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 Nivix Barrier 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 Nivix Barrier has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.