Ancient Spider MTG Card

Planeshift (PLS)
2001-02-05 - Number 96

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number PLS-96

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Spider
Abilities	First strike,Reach
Power	2
Toughness	5

Key Takeaways

Blocks multiple flyers, countering air assault strategies and altering opponent’s tactics with its defensive reach.
Although mana-intensive, Ancient Spider guards niche decks seeking a sturdy mid-game creature with dual colors.
Its combo potential with decks focusing on combat manipulation makes it a versatile addition against flying-heavy metas.

Text of card

First strike Ancient Spider may block as though it had flying.

It outlived both king and castle.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ancient Spider offers a sturdy presence on the battlefield with its decent stats, making it a reliable creature card to have in hand. Its ability to block multiple flying creatures can swing the favor of the board to your side, effectively countering strategies that hinge on aerial assaults.

Resource Acceleration: Although Ancient Spider itself does not directly accelerate resources, it can serve as a valuable defender, protecting your more critical mana-generating creatures or planeswalkers. By deterring attacks or trading effectively, it maintains your board state for a longer-term resource advantage.

Instant Speed: While Ancient Spider must be cast at sorcery speed, its reach and first strike capabilities enable you to engage in combat with an upper hand during your opponent’s turn. This can impact their combat decisions, influencing them to avoid attacking with their flying creatures entirely, and can interrupt their game plan, giving you a tactical edge.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ancient Spider does not necessitate discarding cards to play, thus this common drawback isn’t present for this particular card. Consistent hand size allows for strategic planning throughout the game.

Specific Mana Cost: One of the Ancient Spider’s challenges is its specific mana cost which is comprised of multiple colors, potentially complicating the inclusion in decks not tailored for a Green and White mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, including two specific colors, Ancient Spider may compete for a slot with other cards in the four mana range that could potentially offer a more impactful presence on the board immediately upon casting.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ancient Spider brings a multi-faceted approach to gameplay, as it offers both offense and defense. Its stats allow it to stand up in combat against a range of creatures, which can be advantageous in decks looking for a solid four-drop creature.

Combo Potential: With both first strike and reach, Ancient Spider can synergize with decks that focus on manipulating combat or enhancing creature abilities. It slots in nicely with decks that capitalize on keyword synergies or need a reliable defensive creature that can also contribute to aggressive strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames that favor flying creatures, Ancient Spider can be an extremely effective tool. Its ability to block and potentially take down multiple fliers per turn can shift the balance of a game, making it a worthy consideration for sideboards or even main decks depending on the current trends.

How to Beat

Ancient Spider presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its combination of reach and first strike, allowing it to defend against both flying and ground threats effectively. Overcoming this card requires a strategy that can bypass its defensive capabilities. One straightforward approach is to use removal spells that can target creatures irrespective of their abilities. Spells such as Murder or Doom Blade can cleanly handle the threat without triggering any combat-related effects.

Alternatively, combat tricks can turn the tables in your favor. Boosting the power of your creature with Giant Growth or using a card like Sure Strike to give your creature first strike and additional power can outmatch the defense of Ancient Spider. Board wipes such as Wrath of God can also be decisive, removing the spider along with all other creatures on the board, clearing your path to victory.

In essence, combating Ancient Spider centers around evasion or outright removal. By carefully choosing your spells and considering the timing of their execution, you can mitigate the advantage this arachnid brings to the table and maintain control of the game.

Cards like Ancient Spider

Ancient Spider brings a unique blend of offense and defense to the MTG battlefield. Layered among creatures with both power and utility, it’s reminiscent of cards like Silklash Spider, which also offers an impressive defense against flying creatures. However, Ancient Spider differs by providing a more aggressive front, boasting decent power to counterattack.

While exploring similar options, Arachnogenesis comes to mind. This instant not only foils flying attackers but it creates spider tokens based on the number of creatures attacking you, potentially swarming the board. Nevertheless, it lacks the permanence and the power punch that comes with Ancient Spider. Comparatively, Penumbra Spider offers a more enduring presence by creating a token upon death, but it doesn’t provide the same early defensive wall or power as Ancient Spider.

In assessing these counterparts, it is evident that Ancient Spider serves as a formidable mid-game play. Its balanced stats make it a tactical choice, especially in metagames where flying threats are prevalent. All in all, Ancient Spider holds its ground in a category teeming with specialized arachnids, achieving a harmony between attack and defense.

Cards similar to Ancient Spider by color, type and mana cost

Heron's Grace Champion - MTG Card versions

Lathiel, the Bounteous Dawn - MTG Card versions

Leinore, Autumn Sovereign - MTG Card versions

Trostani, Selesnya's Voice - MTG Card versions

Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa - MTG Card versions

Dr. Julius Jumblemorph - MTG Card versions

Shalai, Voice of Plenty - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ancient Spider MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and The List, 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 Ancient Spider and other MTG cards: