Skrelv, Defector Mite MTG Card


Gain a creature and disrupt the opponent’s strategy, achieving a significant card advantage. Instant speed activation offers flexibility, making Skrelv Defector Mite a tactical surprise. Demands a card discard and specific mana, presenting limitations in deck construction.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Mite
Abilities Toxic
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Toxic 1 (Players dealt combat damage by this creature also get a poison counter.) Skrelv, Defector Mite can't block. {W/P}, : Choose a color. Another target creature you control gains toxic 1 and hexproof from that color until end of turn. It can't be blocked by creatures of that color this turn. ({W/P} can be paid with either or 2 life.)


Cards like Skrelv, Defector Mite

The Skrelv Defector Mite is a unique creature card that offers an intriguing dynamic in Magic: The Gathering gameplay. In the vein of cards that deal with loyalty and control, it shares similarities with the likes of Act of Treason, which allows for temporary control of another player’s creature. However, what makes Skrelv Defector Mite stand out is its ability to shift control permanently if certain conditions are met, unlike the ephemeral grasp provided by Act of Treason.

Comparatively, cards like Ray of Command also permit the commandeering of opponents’ creatures, yet they merely do so until the end of the turn and at an instant speed, providing a fleeting advantage. On the other hand, the Defector Mite’s permanence in allegiance change can have a lasting impact on the board state. It’s also worth mentioning Threaten, another card that provides a similar effect to Act of Treason but differs due to its single-turn limitation and lack of potential for a permanent ally.

Crucially, the strategic depth Skrelv Defector Mite brings to the table is that it can decisively alter the tide of a match, an attribute not commonly found in other temporary creature control cards. By assessing its value against other alternatives, it becomes evident that Skrelv Defector Mite carves a niche for itself within Magic: The Gathering, especially for players seeking lasting control over their opponents’ forces.

Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Skrelv, Defector Mite. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2024-04-27 (1)
Bant PoisonBant Poison StandardBant PoisonStandard League 2024-04-26
Esper LegendsEsper Legends StandardEsper LegendsStandard League 2024-04-28
Mono-White HumansMono-White Humans PioneerMono-White HumansPioneer League 2024-04-27
Jeskai AscendancyJeskai Ascendancy PioneerJeskai AscendancyPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-26 (1)
Orzhov BroncoOrzhov Bronco StandardOrzhov MidrangePro Tour Thunder Junction

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Skrelv Defector Mite offers players a unique opportunity to potentially take control of an opponent’s key creature. This shift not only adds to your side of the battlefield but also disrupts your opponent’s strategy, effectively providing a two-fold card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Gaining control of additional creatures can also lead to accelerated resource development by opening up more options for attack and defense. This potentially changes the flow of the game and enables more aggressive play or stronger board presence in a shorter span of time.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate its effect at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility and surprise to gameplay. It allows you to wait until the most opportune moment before committing to a game-changing play, whether that’s during combat on your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn to maximize the benefit you gain on your next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The ability of Skrelv Defector Mite necessitates the player to discard a card as part of the cost to use its effect. This can be burdensome, particularly when a player’s hand is nearly empty, or when every card in hand is crucial to maintaining momentum in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Skrelv Defector Mite’s activation cost demands a specific color combination, restricting seamless integration into a multi-colored deck. Decks not focused on those precise colors may find it awkward or inefficient to accommodate the mana base needed to utilize this card fully.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating mana efficiency, Skrelv Defector Mite’s cost can be seen as relatively steep for its effect. This can be problematic in fast-paced games where tempo is key, and players have access to a wide array of alternatives that may offer similar benefits without such a hefty mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Skrelv Defector Mite offers a unique utility in various deck builds due to its capacity to take control of opponents’ permanents. Its inclusion can bolster strategies focused on disrupting your adversary’s board or gaining unexpected advantages.

Combo Potential: With its ability to hijack an opponent’s creature until your next turn, this miniature powerhouse has the potential to create decisive plays and synergize with sacrifice mechanics or flicker effects to retain control of the stolen assets.

Meta-Relevance: Given how it can shift the tide of creature-centric matches, Skrelv Defector Mite has a place in many metas, particularly those teeming with formidable creatures. Utilizing your opponent’s resources against them could be the game-changer you need.


How to beat

The Skrelv Defector Mite card is a unique creature in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering. Known for its ability to hijack an opponent’s creature’s abilities, it can easily turn the tides of a match. To counter this pesky little mite, consider employing instant speed removal options that can interrupt its ability activation. Cards like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push can deal with the mite effectively before it has a chance to latch on to any valuable targets.

Aside from direct removal, another strategy is to limit the mite’s opportunities by playing creatures with hexproof or shroud. This prudently denies Skrelv Defector Mite any legal targets and decreases its impact on the game. Additionally, if the mite has already taken control of an ability, prioritizing the mite as a removal target becomes even more critical to regain control of your creatures’ capabilities. Thus, quick action and strategic foresight are key in managing the threat posed by this card.

Conclusively, understanding the nature of Skrelv Defector Mite and preparing your deck with precise answers will enhance your chances of maintaining an upper hand against decks that run this tricky creature, preserving your board’s integrity and your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Skrelv Defector Mite can weave intricate patterns into the fabric of MTG gameplay, swinging the pendulum of control within the blink of an eye. Embracing such nuanced dynamics offers a fresh perspective on deck construction and combat strategies. This card’s ability to disrupt and capitalize on your opponent’s strengths may just be the silver bullet in creature-heavy metas. Delve deeper into the MTG universe with us, broadening your gameplay horizons and enriching your deck with cards that can steal victory from the clutches of defeat. Discover more tactics, refine your technique, and cement your status as a formidable player. Immerse in the game’s depth with us, and let’s conquer the battlefield together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Skrelv, Defector Mite MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos and Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Skrelv, Defector Mite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Skrelv, Defector Mite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 33s2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
22023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 332015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
32023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 4272015NormalBorderlessSidharth Chaturvedi
42023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One PromosPONE 33p2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
52023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be OneONE 3012015NormalBorderlessSidharth Chaturvedi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Skrelv, Defector Mite has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Skrelv, Defector Mite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-02-04 A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game. This is a state-based action and doesn't use the stack. In other words, it happens immediately and players can't respond to it, just like a player losing the game due to having 0 or less life.
2023-02-04 Any other effects of that damage, such as life gain from lifelink, still apply.
2023-02-04 Conversely, replacement effects that apply to the number of counters put on a player can modify the counters placed this way. For example, Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider's last two abilities can apply to counters placed this way.
2023-02-04 Damage dealt by a creature with toxic grants the same number of counters regardless of how much damage is dealt. Notably, if a replacement effect modifies the damage in some way (such as that of Gratuitous Violence), the number of counters given remains unchanged.
2023-02-04 If a creature with toxic deals combat damage to a creature or planeswalker, or if it deals noncombat damage, toxic has no effect and no player gets poison counters.
2023-02-04 Multiple instances of toxic are cumulative. For example, if a creature has toxic 2 and gains toxic 1 due to another effect, combat damage that creature deals to a player will cause that player to get 3 poison counters.
2023-02-04 Toxic doesn't change the amount of combat damage a creature deals. For example, if a 2/2 creature with toxic 1 deals combat damage to a player, that creature will deal 2 damage. The results of that damage are the player loses 2 life and gets a poison counter.