Predatory Nightstalker MTG Card

Creates card advantage by simultaneously introducing a threat and removing an opponent’s creature from play. Increases game speed by clearing potential blockers, setting stage for further aggressive plays. Can disrupt opponent tactics when summoned, but effectiveness varies with their hand composition.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Nightstalker
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Predatory Nightstalker comes into play from your hand, you may force your opponent to destroy any one of his or her creatures. (Your opponent chooses the creature.)

Cards like Predatory Nightstalker

In MTG, Predatory Nightstalker stands out in its role of controlling the board by forcing opponents to make difficult sacrifices. This card shares a similarity with Chittering Rats in that both prompt action from an opponent upon entering the battlefield. However, Chittering Rats limits the opponent to putting a card from their hand on top of their library, whereas Predatory Nightstalker amplifies the pressure by requiring an opponent to sacrifice a creature. This can drastically alter the board state, especially if they possess a creature of high value.

Another peer to consider is Skinrender, which similarly impacts the board by placing three -1/-1 counters on a target creature upon entry. While not a forced sacrifice, the ability to weaken or outright destroy a creature can be just as potent. Nevertheless, Skinrender’s effect has the potential flexibility of targeting, whereas Predatory Nightstalker affects the opponent’s choice directly, potentially bypassing hexproof or shroud abilities.

Examining the nuances of these interactions showcases Predatory Nightstalker’s capability to sway the tempo and force opponents into unfavorable positions. This makes it a card with strategic advantages in creature-heavy metas within the vast collection of MTG cards.

Chittering Rats - MTG Card versions
Skinrender - MTG Card versions
Chittering Rats - MTG Card versions
Skinrender - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Predatory Nightstalker, when played, forces an opponent to sacrifice a creature. This creates automatic card advantage, as you deploy a threat while also removing one of your opponent’s pieces from the board.

Resource Acceleration: Although Predatory Nightstalker itself doesn’t generate additional mana, by eliminating a potential blocker or attacker, it indirectly accelerates your game plan, paving the way for your other creatures to attack unimpeded.

Instant Speed: While Predatory Nightstalker doesn’t function at instant speed, its impact is felt immediately upon hitting the battlefield. The requirement for an opponent to sacrifice a creature can disrupt their strategy at crucial moments – effectively setting back their development or plans.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Predatory Nightstalker has an entry effect that requires your opponent to discard a creature if they have any, making it situationally effective. If your opponent lacks creatures in hand, the ability fails to provide value.

Specific Mana Cost: Predatory Nightstalker demands a specific combination of black mana, which can strain deck-building flexibility and mana bases in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana to cast, Predatory Nightstalker may compete for a slot with other high-impact creatures or spells that provide immediate board presence or utility without the dependency on your opponent’s hand composition.

Reasons to Include Predatory Nightstalker in Your Collection

Versatility: Predatory Nightstalker offers a flexible solution for those looking to enhance their black-aligned decks. The card’s ability to force an opponent to sacrifice a creature when it enters the battlefield makes it useful in various game situations, serving both as a removal option and a creature to develop board presence.

Combo Potential: Its synergy with reanimation strategies adds depth to your gameplay. Utilizing cards that can repeatedly bring Predatory Nightstalker back from the graveyard amplifies its impact, allowing you to continually disrupt your opponent’s board state.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creatures are key to victory, and players are utilizing creature-heavy decks, Predatory Nightstalker shines. It can break stalemates or remove high-value targets, making it a strategic choice against decks that rely heavily on creature-based strategies.

How to beat

Predatory Nightstalker is a unique piece in Magic: The Gathering, commanding respect on the battlefield with its when-you-cast ability, forcing an opponent to sacrifice a creature. Comparable to other creature removal spells like Diabolic Edict, the Nightstalker offers both a creature and a removal effect in one card, making it an efficient choice in creature-heavy matchups.

However, the art of mastering MTG involves preparation and strategy. To counter Predatory Nightstalker, it’s essential to maintain a plentiful board state with expendable creatures to offer as tribute upon its casting. Utilizing low-cost token generators can ensure the loss of a creature won’t critically impact your board presence. Alternatively, cards with death triggers can turn the Nightstalker’s entrance into an advantage for you, providing you with card draw, life gain, or board development opportunities.

Understanding your opponent’s potential plays is crucial and using your removal judiciously to take care of the Nightstalker before it has an impact or employing counter spells to prevent its casting altogether is key. It’s all about staying one step ahead. Adapt your tactics, and even the stealthy Predatory Nightstalker can be outmaneuvered in the intricate dance that is MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Predatory Nightstalker MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Vintage Masters, 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 Predatory Nightstalker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Predatory Nightstalker Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by D. Alexander Gregory.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-24Portal Second AgeP02 821997NormalBlackD. Alexander Gregory
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1342015NormalBlackD. Alexander Gregory

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Predatory Nightstalker has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal