Skittering Horror MTG Card
1999-06-07 - Number 70
2000-10-01 - Number 30
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Horror |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When you play a creature spell, sacrifice Skittering Horror.
"This monstrosity will do—for now." —Davvol, Evincar of Rath
Cards like Skittering Horror
Skittering Horror adds a new dimension to creature spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest relatives include creatures such as Abyssal Specter, which brings a sense of dread to the battlefield with its discard ability upon dealing combat damage. The specter, like Skittering Horror, is a fine example of black’s strategy to unsettle opponents through enforced discard.
Other akin cards like Hypnotic Specter further underscore this tactic of discard through damage, providing a disruptive presence similar to Skittering Horror. Nonetheless, Skittering Horror differentiates itself with a self-bounce mechanism, returning to its owner’s hand when another creature comes into play. This unique flexibility allows for repeated casting and potential synergy with enter-the-battlefield effects or spells that benefit from casting creatures multiple times.
In essence, Skittering Horror must be considered within a comprehensive framework that values iterative play and tactical board control potential. Against its counterparts in MTG’s vast library of creatures, Skittering Horror stands out as a versatile and menacing entity for those who favor a persistent and enigmatic playstyle.
Cards similar to Skittering Horror by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Engaging with Skittering Horror can significantly impact board presence, as it allows for repeatable creature sacrifice that often translates into card draw or other advantages. This supports maintaining a flow of resources, keeping players ahead in the game.
Resource Acceleration: The synergy this card can achieve with decks focused on the graveyard can act as a form of resource acceleration. By sending creatures to the graveyard, it potentially unlocks graveyard mechanics faster, enriching strategic plays and enabling powerful combos.
Instant Speed: Skittering Horror’s effect isn’t locked to a specific phase. Instead, its ability to sacrifice creatures at instant speed provides a tactical edge, allowing players to respond to threats or triggers immediately, making it a versatile and unpredictable threat to opponents.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skittering Horror necessitates discarding a card each time you play another creature, potentially draining your hand and leaving you at a strategic disadvantage if you’re unable to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that specifically demands black mana, this card fits primarily into mono-black or specific multicolored decks, limiting its versatility across the broader array of deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: A four-mana cost is a significant investment, particularly for a card that carries an ongoing risk of depleting your hand resources. Other creatures or spells in a similar mana range may provide more stable benefits without the recurring cost to your hand size.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Skittering Horror offers a flexible role in various deck builds that thrive on creature-based strategies. Its ability to potentially grow in power makes it a dynamic choice for decks focused on scalable threats.
Combo Potential: With its increasing strength attribute, Skittering Horror synergizes well with mechanics that capitalize on creature size. Integrating it into sacrifice or “undergrowth” styled mechanics could amplify its impact within your deck’s combo suite.
Meta-Relevance: Given its unique scaling ability, Skittering Horror can be surprisingly effective if the metagame favours long-drawn matches. As attrition-based games generate an ample number of spells to be cast, each occurrence subtly boosts Skittering Horror’s dominance on the board.
How to beat
Skittering Horror may appear daunting with its ability to grow stronger each time you play a spell, making it a potential threat on the board. Its growth mechanism reminds us of the prowess creatures, which also thrive on spellcasting. However, the key to overcoming Skittering Horror lies in timing and removal tactics. For starters, instant-speed removal is highly effective. By waiting for the opponent to cast a spell and in response removing Skittering Horror, you not only negate the growth but also conserve resources.
Counterspells can serve as a preemptive strike, keeping the Horror from ever hitting the field. If counters are not an option, board wipes can reset the playing field without selectively targeting the Horror. It’s also beneficial to limit your spellcasting when Skittering Horror is out, forcing your opponent to commit more to the board before you clear it, mitigating the Horror’s intimidating presence.
All things considered, while Skittering Horror can be a growing menace, a strategy focused on responsive play, precise timing, and judicious use of removal will ensure that this creeping threat is kept firmly in check.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skittering Horror MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny and Beatdown Box Set, 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 Horror 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
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Printings
The Skittering Horror Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-06-07 and 2000-10-01. Illustrated by Mark Zug.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-06-07 | Urza's Destiny | UDS | 70 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 2 | 2000-10-01 | Beatdown Box Set | BTD | 30 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Zug |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skittering Horror has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skittering Horror card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Triggers when you announce a creature spell, and will resolve before that creature is put onto the battlefield. |