Phyrexian Battleflies MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 114
2010-03-19 - Number 3
2020-09-26 - Number INV-114
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Insect |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying oo B Phyrexian Battleflies gets +1/+0 until end of turn. This ability may be played no more than twice each turn.
After encountering them, Squee finally lost his appetite for bugs.
Cards like Phyrexian Battleflies
The Phyrexian Battleflies join the roster of low-mana creatures in Magic: The Gathering that bring utilitarian skills to the battlefield. Resembling cards like Vampire Bats, the Battleflies offer players versatility in mana spending to boost their combat prowess. Vampire Bats also allow for a flexible distribution of mana for increasing either power or toughness, but unlike the Phyrexian breed, they lack the inherent resilience provided by the Phyrexian’s -1 counter mechanic.
Another cousin in this niche is the Thrummingbird, which, while not as aggressive in the early game, harnesses proliferate – an ability that amplifies the number of counters on players’ artifacts, creatures, and even players themselves. It presents a different approach to board development, focusing on counter multiplication rather than instant buffs. Nonetheless, the Battleflies stand out in their ability to survive certain damage that would eliminate other creatures their size, thanks to their counter-based durability.
In terms of strategic flexibility and adaptability, Phyrexian Battleflies hold a distinct position. Their unique combination of evasive skills and counter mechanics offers a multifaceted tool that caters to aggressive early strategies as well as those that survive the long game through incremental advantages.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Battleflies by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Empowers your hand by bringing more Phyrexian Battleflies into play, as with its proliferate ability, you can keep adding counters and potentially drawing into more action.
Resource Acceleration: The Phyrexian Battleflies are low-cost creatures that set the stage for a faster and more efficient mana curve, ensuring you’re deploying threats on the board swiftly.
Instant Speed: As these creatures can fly under the radar, the instant speed interaction of abilities within the Phyrexian theme allows for decisive and surprise tactics during an opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Battleflies dictates a discard from your hand in order to activate its ability. In tight game situations, this cost can deplete crucial resources and possibly hinder your game progression, especially if your hand is already limited.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires Phyrexian mana for its activation, which is not always readily available across all deck types. Players who do not run black mana may find it challenging to consistently utilize the Battleflies’ full potential.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the Phyrexian Battleflies might seem like a modest investment, its mana cost in relation to its stat line and impact on the battlefield is on the higher side. In faster-paced games, investing in the Battleflies might not be as cost-effective compared to other creatures within the same mana range.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Battleflies offers great flexibility with its flying ability, allowing it to evade many common ground blockers. Its scalable power-up feature makes it a viable option in a variety of deck builds, from aggressive to control-based strategies.
Combo Potential: The Battleflies synergize well with cards that capitalize on +1/+1 counters and creatures that benefit from having multiple artifacts on the field. Their low mana cost means they can be on the board early, setting up combo plays or strengthening your board presence from the get-go.
Meta-Relevance: Against a backdrop of decks that rely on grounded creatures, Phyrexian Battleflies can be particularly effective. Their ability to swiftly chip away at an opponent’s life total, bypassing the usual blockers, makes them relevant in a meta that favors evasive tactics.
How to beat
The Phyrexian Battleflies present a unique challenge on the battlefield, embodying sly tactical maneuvers in MTG. As a low-cost creature card with flying, it often slips under the radar, peppering opponents with incremental damage. Its ability to increase its strength can surprise unprepared players, turning it from a minor nuisance into a considerable threat over time.
To effectively counter Phyrexian Battleflies, consider leveraging spells that can neutralize flying creatures or employ strategies that limit the Battleflies’ prowess enhancement. Cards like Plummet make for a direct response, whereas enchantments such as Spider Umbra can provide your creatures with reach, allowing them to block and eliminate these agile foes. Remember, staying ahead requires keeping the Battleflies at bay before they grow out of control and managing your resources to outmatch your opponent’s strategy.
In essence, countering Phyrexian Battleflies hinges on anticipation and tactical counterplay. By incorporating specific cards designed to thwart flying creatures and adapting your battle plan accordingly, you can mitigate the Battleflies’ impact and maintain dominance on the field of play in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Battleflies MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition, 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 Phyrexian Battleflies and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Phyrexian Battleflies Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2010-03-19. Illustrated by Dan Frazier.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 114 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 2010-03-19 | Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition | DDE | 3 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | INV-114 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Battleflies has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |