Sandstalker Moloch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Lizard |
| Abilities | Flash |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 203 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Donato Giancola |
Text of card
Flash When Sandstalker Moloch enters the battlefield, if an opponent cast a blue and/or black spell this turn, look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal a permanent card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
Cards like Sandstalker Moloch
Exploring the breadth of red creatures in Magic: The Gathering, the Sandstalker Moloch emerges as a formidable card. When drawing parallels, Heat-Runner comes to mind, similar in that they both thrive on a battlefield clear of blocking creatures. Heat-Runner demands a slight shift in strategy — a nod to Sandstalker Moloch’s ability to only attack alone, a shared characteristic with Heat-Runner’s mechanic that also hinges on the absence of blockers.
Embark on a strategic comparison with Bloodrush creatures like Ghor-Clan Rampager. While Sandstalker Moloch lacks the instant-speed flexibility and the secondary function of being a combat trick that Ghor-Clan Rampager offers, it compensates with a more substantial presence on the board. On another note, comparing it with Charger Devils reveals a difference in offensive strategy; Charger Devils opts for an immediate impact with its single-use haste, contrasting with Sandstalker Moloch’s recurring capability to press the assault whenever the way is clear.
Each card embodies the aggressive nature of red creatures in Magic: The Gathering but displays it in uniquely appealing ways. Sandstalker Moloch, with its conditional unblockability, holds its own as a card that can dictate the tempo of the match when played skillfully.
Cards similar to Sandstalker Moloch by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Sandstalker Moloch. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Pioneer | Super Pioneer - 1 Torneio da Liga de Volta Redonda | |
 | Possibility Storm | Pioneer | 4c Midrange | Sun. 10AM Pioneer 10k Open 8-Slot RCQ - DreamHack Atlanta 2023 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sandstalker Moloch can potentially lead to card advantage by dealing with multiple threats at once with its formidable attack capability. Its presence on the board demands an answer, turning each of your attacks into a critical decision point for opponents.
Resource Acceleration: Although Sandstalker Moloch doesn’t directly produce additional resources, its reasonable casting cost coupled with a significant impact on the board can accelerate your game plan. By clearing the way for your other creatures to attack, it can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by enabling more aggressive plays.
Instant Speed: Sandstalker Moloch’s abilities may not operate at instant speed, but the card synergizes well with spells and abilities that do. Utilizing instant speed tricks to clear the way for Moloch or altering combat outcomes can amplify its effectiveness, making it a threatening presence whenever it’s on the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sandstalker Moloch demands the player to discard a card to activate its important abilities. For players running a tight ship on resources, this can become a stumbling block, often forcing tough decisions between maintaining card advantage and utilizing the Moloch’s full potential.
Specific Mana Cost: With a demand for red mana in its casting cost, Sandstalker Moloch is naturally pigeonholed into red-centered or red-inclusive decks. This requirement restricts its versatility across the diverse deck archetypes found in the game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at a total of five mana, including two red mana, makes Sandstalker Moloch a relatively expensive investment for its body and abilities. In the fast-paced world of MTG, there are cards with lower mana costs that might provide similar or even better board presence or utility, making the Moloch a less attractive choice as players optimize their mana curve.
Reasons to Include Sandstalker Moloch in Your Collection
Versatility: Sandstalker Moloch offers a unique flexibility in red-centric deck builds. Its potential as a reactive threat makes it adaptable to board states, capable of slotting in when aggro or control elements are needed.
Combo Potential: This card can serve as a surprising combo piece in decks that manipulate attack phases or untap mechanics. The potential to repeatedly swing with a sizeable creature like Sandstalker Moloch can turn the tide of a game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values speed and sudden bursts of damage, Sandstalker Moloch can be an uncanny fit. It’s able to carve its niche into games through its conditional haste, aligning well with the pace of aggressive strategies that define certain MTG environments.
How to beat
Sandstalker Moloch presents a fiery challenge on the battlefield that many MTG players might initially find intimidating. Its unique ability to become unblockable by creatures without haste sets it apart from the average creature card. To effectively counter Sandstalker Moloch, mitigation strategies that focus on spell-based removal or blocking tactics that don’t rely on creature engagement can be invaluable. Spot removal spells cast before it declares an attack, such as Path to Exile or Murder, can handle the Moloch without it ever becoming a threat.
Another effective strategy involves the use of counterspells, which can prevent the creature from hitting the field in the first place. Cards like Counterspell or Mana Leak are perfect for this purpose, keeping your opponnent’s threats in check. Utilizing board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can also serve as safety nets against a field that includes Sandstalker Moloch, clearing the way without the need to target it directly.
By employing these tactics, MTG players can confidently circumvent the raw power of Sandstalker Moloch, ensuring it never gets a chance to capitalize on its unblockable nature, resulting in a well-prepared defense against this formidable foe.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sandstalker Moloch MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Sandstalker Moloch 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 Sandstalker Moloch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sandstalker Moloch card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | It doesn’t matter if the blue and/or black spell an opponent cast that turn resolved, didn’t resolve, was countered, or is still on the stack. |
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.