Overt Operative MTG Card


Overt Operative generates card advantage through combat damage, bolstering a player’s hand. The card’s flash ability introduces surprise tactics and complex board development. Its precise mana requirement and discard condition require thoughtful deck construction.
Overt Operative - Unstable
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Ninja Rigger
Abilities Assemble,Menace
Released2017-12-08
Set symbol
Set nameUnstable
Set codeUST
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number64
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byBram Sels
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Text of card

Menace Whenever Overt Operative deals combat damage to a player, it assembles a Contraption. (Put the top card of your Contraption deck face up onto one of your sprockets.)

Saw her coming. Didn't matter.


Cards like Overt Operative

Overt Operative makes a stealthy entrance into the world of creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often contrasted with Nimble Obstructionist, which shares the flash ability allowing you to play the card at instant speed. What sets Overt Operative apart is its Rogue class synergy and the added utility of neutralizing threats by exiling an artifact or enchantment when it enters the battlefield. Nimble Obstructionist, meanwhile, is more reactive with its stifle ability on an opponent’s spell or ability.

Another card to consider in relation to Overt Operative is Knight of Autumn. Both cards can impact the board immediately upon arrival, with Overt Operative’s pinpoint removal against artifacts and enchantments while Knight of Autumn offers versatile options between gaining life, putting +1/+1 counters, or artifact/enchantment destruction. The key difference lies in Knight of Autumn’s lack of flash, making Overt Operative a more flexible surprise play during any phase of the game.

Evaluating the utility and strategic benefits of Overt Operative amid similar cards in Magic: The Gathering reveals its unique role in decks that capitalize on instant-speed interaction and disruption. It stands out with its dual purpose as both a rogue agent and a precise remover, situating it as a valuable asset in the right circumstances.

Nimble Obstructionist - MTG Card versions
Knight of Autumn - MTG Card versions
Nimble Obstructionist - MTG Card versions
Knight of Autumn - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Overt Operative by color, type and mana cost

Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Cabal Surgeon - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Gixian Puppeteer - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions
Hell's Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Rag Man - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Debaser - MTG Card versions
Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions
Slinking Skirge - MTG Card versions
Gravedigger - MTG Card versions
Scandalmonger - MTG Card versions
Urborg Shambler - MTG Card versions
Whispering Shade - MTG Card versions
Cabal Surgeon - MTG Card versions
Filth - MTG Card versions
Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions
Bold Plagiarist - MTG Card versions
Dirge Bat - MTG Card versions
Gixian Puppeteer - MTG Card versions
Toxin Sliver - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nim Shambler - MTG Card versions
Bad Ass - MTG Card versions
Scourge of Numai - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Overt Operative’s ability to net you an extra card when it deals combat damage to a player is an excellent way to stay ahead in the resource game, keeping your hand full and options open.

Resource Acceleration: This card offers strategic boosts by potentially ramping up your mana resources when used in conjunction with sacrifice mechanics or effects that capitalize on card types in your graveyard.

Instant Speed: With its flash ability, Overt Operative can be a surprise blocker or an end-of-turn play to keep your mana open during your turn for other actions while still developing your board in the opponent’s end step.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players who cast Overt Operative must be prepared to discard a card, a condition that can set you back, especially when your hand is already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana types for casting. This can often restrict deck-building options and limit the card’s flexibility across various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep cost for its abilities, Overt Operative may not be the most mana-efficient option available, particularly when you need to manage your resources carefully during the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The adaptability of Overt Operative makes it a solid pick for various deck styles. Its ability to fulfill multiple roles, from disrupting your opponent’s hand to providing card advantage, adds significant flexibility to game plans.

Combo Potential: As a card that excels in utilizing information and resources, Overt Operative offers synergies with strategies that capitalize on knowledge of the opponent’s hand. This can pave the way for powerful plays and strategic advantages.

Meta-Relevance: In a landscape that’s constantly shifting, Overt Operative maintains relevance by aligning well with the game’s ever-changing dynamics. Its presence can tilt the scales in your favor, particularly if hand disruption is pivotal in the current competitive environment.


How to beat

In the competitive landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Overt Operative emerges as a card that requires strategic planning to defeat. This versatile agent can be quite an obstacle, posing a challenge for opponents with its ability to execute critical plays and disrupt strategies. Overcoming the Overt Operative hinges on the ability to neutralize its battlefield presence swiftly.

One effective strategy is using removal spells that can target and eliminate it before its controller can leverage its espionage abilities. Instant-speed removal during the opponent’s turn circumvents the advantage gained from the card’s infiltrating abilities. Moreover, countering the Overt Operative before it hits the battlefield can prevent the hassles it causes once in play, making counter spells especially potent in these scenarios.

Ultimately, preemptively managing the threats or efficiently dealing with them on the board is key in maintaining control against a deck featuring Overt Operative. Keeping a balanced composition of removal and counter spells in your arsenal can often tilt the match in your favor when facing this cunning operative.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Overt Operative MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 Overt Operative and other MTG cards:

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