Nivix Cyclops MTG Card
2013-05-03 - Number 87
2017-03-31 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Cyclops |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Defender Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, Nivix Cyclops gets +3/+0 until end of turn and can attack this turn as though it didn't have defender.
Cards like Nivix Cyclops
Nivix Cyclops carves its niche in Magic: The Gathering as a creature card with spell synergy. A direct parallel can be drawn with Wee Dragonauts, both having the prowess-like ability that boosts attack power with each instant or sorcery spell cast. While Nivix Cyclops boasts a sturdier base toughness, Wee Dragonauts fly high with evasion, making it a nuance choice for deck strategies.
Another card that echoes this synergy is Kiln Fiend, sharing the spell-triggered might, but with a significantly cheaper casting cost. Kiln Fiend’s power surge is more pronounced, making it a formidable force for aggressive early gameplay. Nivix Cyclops, however, remains a steadfast defender with its higher toughness.
Deck builders might also consider the likes of Spellheart Chimera, which not only grows stronger with spell casting but also has flying, granting it a clear advantage over terrestrial threats. Nivix Cyclops’s defensive capabilities and the potential for a sudden spike in attack power continue to make it a distinct and impactful choice for spell-heavy decks. Each of these cards offers a unique blend of assault and strategy, pivotal for players constructing a deck around casting prowess and surprise offensives.
Cards similar to Nivix Cyclops by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Nivix Cyclops. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | hot dogs | Pauper | Kiln Fiend | Tappa Lega Pauperissima "Road to Pisa" @Magic Akiba |
| Kiln Fiend | Pauper | Kiln Fiend | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-02-04 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Integrating Nivix Cyclops into your deck can establish significant card advantage. This is particularly true in strategies focused on casting multiple spells in a single turn. Since the Cyclops benefits each time you cast an instant or sorcery, it naturally pairs with cards that draw you more of these, furthering your card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While Nivix Cyclops doesn’t directly provide mana, its ability to attack as a potentially large creature after casting instants and sorceries can accelerate your in-game resources. It enables faster damage accumulation, pressuring your opponent, and trading with bigger threats without investing additional cards.
Instant Speed: The Cyclops itself may not be an instant, but it thrives in a deck rich with them. By casting instants on your opponent’s turn, you keep your Cyclops ‘on’ as a threat, forcing your opponent to play defensively. Its ability triggers at instant speed too, meaning each instant you play boosts it unexpectedly, potentially turning the tide during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nivix Cyclops does not have a discard requirement; however, it does necessitate a commitment to playing numerous spells to trigger its ability. In slower-paced games or against disruption, it might be challenging to consistently activate its power-boosting effect.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes both blue and red mana, Nivix Cyclops demands a dedicated deck build. This requirement can restrict its inclusion in multicolor decks that might not be able to reliably produce both types of mana early in the game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, including two specific colors, the Cyclops sits at a point on the mana curve where players might expect more immediate impact. In environments where tempo is critical, investing three mana in a creature that doesn’t provide immediate value can set you back against more aggressive strategies.
Reasons to Include Nivix Cyclops in Your Collection
Versatility: Nivix Cyclops is a flexible card that can easily be integrated into a variety of Izzet decks, well-suited for spellslinger strategies that capitalize on casting a high volume of instants and sorceries.
Combo Potential: With each instant or sorcery you cast, Nivix Cyclops gets a hefty power boost, becoming a potent powerhouse on the battlefield. This ability enables explosive turns, potentially turning a single spell into a game-ending threat.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where decks filled with noncreature spells are prevalent, Nivix Cyclops shines as a blocker and as an unexpected source of damage, adapting well to a shifting meta centered around spell-based combos.
How to beat
Nivix Cyclops stands out as a formidable adversary in the realm of Magic: The Gathering due to its ability to grow stronger with every instant and sorcery spell you cast. This creature’s base power may seem modest, but its true potential is unleashed with the right combination of spells, making it essential to have a strategic approach when facing it.
Overcoming a Nivix Cyclops requires disrupting the synergy it relies on. Consider using removal spells before it’s buffed or when your opponent is tapped out, preventing them from casting protective counterspells. Cards such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade can effectively eliminate the Cyclops before it becomes a major threat. Alternatively, denying your opponent resources with hand disruption or countering their key spells can prevent the Cyclops from ever gaining traction.
Ultimately, remember that timing is crucial. Monitor the stack carefully and choose your moments to strike wisely. By keeping the Cyclops’s capabilities in check, you’ll be able to maintain the upper hand and navigate your way to victory against this particularly tricky creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nivix Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze and Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might, 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 Cyclops and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Nivix Cyclops Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-05-03 and 2017-03-31. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-05-03 | Dragon's Maze | DGM | 87 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 2 | 2017-03-31 | Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might | DDS | 24 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nivix Cyclops has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nivix Cyclops card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | Nivix Cyclops still has defender after its triggered ability resolves, although it will be able to attack. |