Skittering Cicada MTG Card


Skittering Cicada’s return ability can significantly maintain creature board presence and avoid costly removals. Instant speed activation provides strategic flexibility, making Skittering Cicada a dynamic asset in various situations. While useful, its specific mana needs and discard requirement demand careful deck building and strategy optimization.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Insect
Abilities Flash
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flash You may cast colorless spells as though they had flash. Whenever you cast a colorless spell, until end of turn, Skittering Cicada gains trample and gets +X/+X, where X is that spell's mana value.


Cards like Skittering Cicada

Skittering Cicada adds a unique dynamic to the lineup of evasion creatures in Magic: The Gathering. A creature closely related in ability and function is Spire Tracer, which also can’t be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach. However, Skittering Cicada nudges ahead with its option to return to hand and avoid unfavorable encounters, offering more flexibility and survivability.

Glint Hawk Idol is another card that provides evasion, although it does so by becoming a creature with flying. It differs from Skittering Cicada in terms of its inherent versatility, functioning well within artifact-centric decks. Meanwhile, Lantern Kami presents a simpler option – a straightforward flying creature for one white mana. Yet, it doesn’t have the interactive aspect that Skittering Cicada boasts, which can be critical during gameplay.

Taking these comparisons into account, Skittering Cicada has a distinct place in Magic: The Gathering for those seeking an evasive creature with the option to react and preserve itself from potential threats, setting it apart from its kindred counterparts.

Spire Tracer - MTG Card versions
Glint Hawk Idol - MTG Card versions
Lantern Kami - MTG Card versions
Spire Tracer - MTG Card versions
Glint Hawk Idol - MTG Card versions
Lantern Kami - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Skittering Cicada by color, type and mana cost

Matter Reshaper - MTG Card versions
Cryptolith Fragment // Aurora of Emrakul - MTG Card versions
Eternal Scourge - MTG Card versions
Farfinder - MTG Card versions
Faceless Agent - MTG Card versions
Matter Reshaper - MTG Card versions
Cryptolith Fragment // Aurora of Emrakul - MTG Card versions
Eternal Scourge - MTG Card versions
Farfinder - MTG Card versions
Faceless Agent - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skittering Cicada can potentially offer card advantage by enabling you to return it to your hand and evade removal, ensuring that you maintain creature presence on the battlefield without losing resources.

Resource Acceleration: This card fits perfectly in decks that benefit from having creatures enter or leave the battlefield, as Skittering Cicada can repeatedly trigger those effects, which can lead to ramping up your resources or strengthening your board position quickly.

Instant Speed: With its activated ability that works at instant speed, Skittering Cicada grants you the flexibility to adapt your strategy in response to your opponent’s actions, making it a versatile addition to any MTG strategy that values timing and control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When deploying Skittering Cicada, one of the hurdles is the need to discard a card, which may not align well with your game strategy, especially if you’re holding onto key cards for future turns.

Specific Mana Cost: With its particular mana cost that requires both green and other colors, it demands a well-tuned mana base to be cast consistently, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Skittering Cicada offers certain benefits, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared with other creatures of similar stats or abilities, making it less appealing for decks that strive for efficiency over the board.


Reasons to Include Skittering Cicada in Your Collection

Versatility: Skittering Cicada can prove versatile in numerous deck types, particularly those that harness sacrifice mechanics for strategic advantages or require low-cost creatures for a swift battlefield presence.

Combo Potential: Skittering Cicada’s ability can synergize with decks that capitalize on insect tribal themes or utilize +1/+1 counter mechanics. Its evasion skill assures it serves not just as a combatant but also as a combo enabler.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with decks that rely on targeted removal, Skittering Cicada can dodge spells that could disrupt your board, making it an understated yet significant inclusion for maintaining your offensive line.


How to Beat

Skittering Cicada might look unassuming at first glance, but its potential to force opponents into awkward combat decisions cannot be ignored. The insectile creature brings unique gameplay dynamics to the table with its evasive abilities, making it a tricky card to contend with. However, like every card in Magic: The Gathering, there are strategies to effectively mitigate its advantages.

One effective method is to deploy creatures with reach or flying, matching Skittering Cicada in the aerial battlefield, or employ spells that can target creatures regardless of evasion abilities. Additionally, including cards that can impose -1/-1 counters or board wipes can nullify the threat it poses without the need to engage it directly in combat. Spot removals that don’t require targeting, such as sweepers or global -X/-X spells, are also handy tools in your arsenal to deal with such agile nuisances. Maintaining these elements in your deck composition will prepare you to face not only Skittering Cicada but other similar threats that may emerge during play.

Success against Skittering Cicada hinges on anticipating its appearance and equipping your deck with answers that can eliminate it promptly. By doing so, you ensure that this pest remains a minor nuisance rather than a game-changing threat.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the world of MTG can be as intricate as it is rewarding. With cards like Skittering Cicada offering nuanced advantages and challenges, every choice you make can significantly alter the tide of battle. As you enhance your collection, it’s key to recognize cards that align with your strategic intent and deck synergy. Skittering Cicada, with its card advantage and resource acceleration, is a fine specimen for decks valuing flexibility and resilience. Keen on perfecting your strategy and expanding your collection with invaluable assets? We’ve got insights and deeper analyses waiting for you. Step into our realm of MTG wisdom and let’s elevate your gameplay together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skittering Cicada MTG card by a specific set like Commander Masters and Commander 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 Skittering Cicada and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skittering Cicada Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-08-04 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Denis Zhbankov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7172015NormalBlackDenis Zhbankov
22023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 7502015NormalBlackDenis Zhbankov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skittering Cicada has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
Flash card art

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.