Portal Manipulator MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Abilities | Flash |
| Released | 2024-02-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica: Clue Edition |
| Set code | CLU |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 40 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Miranda Meeks |
Text of card
Flash When Portal Manipulator enters the battlefield during the declare attackers step, choose target player and any number of target attacking creatures their opponents control. Those creatures are now attacking that player.
"The next punch you throw hits the back of your own head."
Cards like Portal Manipulator
The Portal Manipulator card offers strategic flexibility for players seeking to alter the course of gameplay. Its abilities can be likened to other control pieces in the game, such as Sower of Temptation. Sower of Temptation allows for the control of another creature upon its entrance on the battlefield, providing a different kind of board influence compared to the continuous threat of activation that Portal Manipulator presents.
Another staple in this comparison would be Control Magic, a classic enchantment that takes over any target creature for as long as it remains in play. While Portal Manipulator requires activation and only affects creatures with a mana value of three or less, the straightforward nature of Control Magic offers a wider range and permanency that some players might prefer.
Yet, the distinction remains that Portal Manipulator can repeatedly swap control of creatures each turn, giving it a more tactical edge in games where the board state can be unpredictable or shifting. This repeatable use can tip the scales frequently, a dynamic that is not always present in other similar cards. In contrast, once Control Magic is neutralized, its effect ends, whereas the Portal Manipulator awaits another opportunity to disrupt the opponent’s strategies.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Portal Manipulator excels in providing card advantage by allowing you to filter through your deck, thus increasing the odds of drawing into your game-winning spells or crucial answers.
Resource Acceleration: This card may provide unexpected bonuses by untapping mana sources or enabling combo plays, effectively accelerating your resources and giving you an edge over the competition.
Instant Speed: With the ability to utilize its ability at instant speed, Portal Manipulator gives you the flexibility to wait until the most opportune moment, disrupting opponents’ strategies without sacrificing your own tempo.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Portal Manipulator requires the player to discard a card, which can be a sizable setback. In scenarios where hand size is already diminished, having to let go of potentially crucial spells or creatures could certainly tilt the scales away from your favor.
Specific Mana Cost: Being a niche card with a unique mana requirement, Portal Manipulator necessitates a specific blend of mana to summon. This can prove restrictive, effectively pigeonholing players into adjusting their mana bases or running dual-color decks that can accommodate the cost without jeopardizing the deck’s overall fluidity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its ability to influence the battlefield might be intriguing, Portal Manipulator comes at a fairly high mana cost considering what it offers. Players may find themselves weighing its potential impact against that of other cards of a similar cost, which might provide immediate and more significant benefits to their game strategy
Reasons to Include Portal Manipulator in Your Collection
Versatility: Portal Manipulator is a card renowned for its adaptability in various decks. Whether you’re focusing on a control scheme or supplementing a creature-centric strategy, its ability to alter the battlefield can seamlessly integrate with multiple strategies and play styles.
Combo Potential: With the power to control opponents’ creatures, Portal Manipulator can be the linchpin in powerful combos. It pairs exceptionally well with cards that benefit from gaining control of or untapping creatures, creating opportunities for unexpected and game-changing plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to disrupt opponent strategies by commandeering their key creatures, Portal Manipulator can be a valuable asset in any meta that heavily relies on creatures. It ensures relevance by offering a tactical edge in battles that hinge on creature dominance.
How to Beat Portal Manipulator
Portal Manipulator has the ability to change the tide of a game by taking control of creatures, making it a challenging card to play against in Magic: The Gathering. Nevertheless, there are several strategies you can use to counteract this formidable card. Having instantaneous removal spells at the ready can quickly deal with creatures that have been taken over before they can be used against you. It’s crucial to hold onto these spells until the Manipulator’s ability is on the stack.
Maintaining a solid defensive position can also mitigate the impact of Portal Manipulator. Creatures with hexproof or shroud are invaluable since they’re immune to the Manipulator’s control-switching effect, thus preserving your battlefield presence. Cards with sacrifice effects can also be helpful, allowing you to use your creatures for an advantage or resource before the manipulator gets a chance to take them over.
Ultimately, understanding your deck and having a plan for what to do if Portal Manipulator takes control of your most critical creatures is the key to countering it. By weighing your options and conserving your removal spells and abilities for the right moment, the advantage can be kept on your side of the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Portal Manipulator MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Portal Manipulator 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 Portal Manipulator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | 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.