Public Enemy MTG Card


Public Enemy offers card advantage and strategic disruption by targeting opponent’s hand at instant speed. Activation costs and restrictive mana can be challenging, yet its impact on gameplay is worth consideration. This card’s diverse utility and metagame relevance make it a formidable addition to various deck types.
Public Enemy - Streets of New Capenna
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set nameStreets of New Capenna
Set codeSNC
Number55
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDominik Mayer

Text of card

Enchant creature All creatures attack enchanted creature's controller each combat if able. When enchanted creature dies, draw a card.

Every Halo smuggler walks a razor's edge between untold riches and sudden disaster.


Cards like Public Enemy

In the diverse landscape of control elements in Magic: The Gathering, Public Enemy carves out its niche. It’s akin to cards like Imprisoned in the Moon, as both offer unique ways to neutralize key opponent threats. Public Enemy, unlike Imprisoned in the Moon, doesn’t just eliminate a creature’s abilities or block its activated powers, but it also twists the game’s momentum by encouraging other players to attack the enchanted creature’s controller.

Comparatively, Detention Sphere shares the spotlight with its ability to exile any nonland permanents that share a name. Yet, Public Enemy’s political playstyle by marking a player distinguishes itself in multiplayer formats. While Lignify transforms creatures into harmless Treefolk without abilities, it lacks Public Enemy’s broader impact on gameplay by incentivizing the table’s aggression.

Taking everything into account, Public Enemy stands out among removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its blend of targeted disincentivization and political intrigue is a strategic inclusion to any deck that thrives in the multiplayer scene, making it more than just a simple removal card—it’s a tool that reshapes the dynamics of any match it’s played in.

Imprisoned in the Moon - MTG Card versions
Detention Sphere - MTG Card versions
Lignify - MTG Card versions
Imprisoned in the Moon - MTG Card versions
Detention Sphere - MTG Card versions
Lignify - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Public Enemy, you strategically gain extra cards in hand by forcing your opponent to draw and then discarding cards of your choice. This not only replenishes your arsenal but also disrupts your opponent’s strategy by eliminating key cards from their hand.

Resource Acceleration: Public Enemy can contribute to resource acceleration by enabling the use of your opponent’s resources against them. By carefully selecting which cards they discard, you can tilt the resource balance in your favor, which is especially powerful in longer, more drawn-out games.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Public Enemy at instant speed gives you the flexibility to adapt to the flow of the game. You can wait for the optimal moment to disrupt your adversary’s plan, such as right after they draw, maximizing the impact of the card and maintaining the element of surprise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of Public Enemy is having to discard a card to activate its ability. This can be particularly taxing in situations where you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Public Enemy demands a precise mana arrangement for casting, leaning heavily on red mana. This can be restrictive and might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that also require mana flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of Public Enemy is on the higher side, considering its impact on the game. With other cards available that can produce similar or more powerful effects at a lower mana investment, it might not always be the optimal choice for deckbuilders aiming for efficiency.


Reasons to Include Public Enemy in Your Collection

Versatility: Public Enemy is a multitalented card able to slip into a variety of deck styles. Whether you’re piloting an aggressive deck that wants to disrupt opponents or a more control-oriented build looking for robust removal options, this card offers strategic flexibility.

Combo Potential: Smart deck builders recognize Public Enemy’s synergy with strategies that aim to manipulate or take advantage of opponents’ spells and creatures. Teamed with cards that copy or steal game elements, it can form powerful combinations that significantly shift the game state.

Meta-Relevance: In an evolving game landscape, a card like Public Enemy stays relevant because it directly affects the tempo of gameplay. Its importance is heightened especially when the metagame favors intensively interactive plays or when countering your opponents’ threats is crucial to securing victory.


How to beat

Overcoming Public Enemy, a card that demands prompt attention on the battlefield, can be a real challenge for many MTG players. In games where pace and control are pivotal, employing removal spells swiftly is often the best strategy against such a formidable creature. Spells like Path to Exile or Murderous Cut can efficiently dispatch Public Enemy before it can become an overwhelming threat to your position in the game.

Alternatively, countermagic poses another reliable line of defense, with Disdainful Stroke and Negate at the ready to counter Public Enemy upon casting, keeping the threat at bay. Ensnaring control effects, such as those from Imprison in the Moon or Frogify, can also neutralize the card’s abilities, transforming it into a non-issue.

Finally, the importance of board presence cannot be overstated. Establishing a strong lineup of creatures and strategically planning your attacks and blocks can deter your opponent from taking full advantage of Public Enemy’s capabilities, helping to safeguard your stance and ultimately lead you to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving deep into MTG’s tactical side reveals the complexity of cards like Public Enemy. It offers nuanced advantages that can subtly shift the tides of a game. Ideal for controlling the game’s pace, it’s a prudent pick for players seeking to manipulate and outmaneuver their opponents. Whether you’re ramping up your collection or fine-tuning your deck, cards like Public Enemy are worth considering for their potential to influence a match’s outcome. Curious about how to seamlessly integrate this card into your strategy or seeking similar impactful choices? Join us as we explore the intricacies of deck building and strategic gameplay, guiding you to your next victorious match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Public Enemy MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Public Enemy and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Public Enemy has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal