Skullpiercer Gnat MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Insect |
| Abilities | Flying,Toxic |
| Released | 2023-02-28 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Phyrexia |
| Set code | YONE |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 28 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Sondered |
Text of card
Flying Toxic 1 Whenever Skullpiercer Gnat deals combat damage to a player, a random nonland card in that player's hand perpetually gains "When you cast this spell, you get a poison counter."
Cards like Skullpiercer Gnat
The Skullpiercer Gnat steps into the realm of one-drop creatures in MTG with an intriguing ability, comparable to pesky insects of the game like Mosquito Guard or Fledgling Imp. Much like its counterparts, the Gnat offers more than just a 1/1 creature for a single mana. Its defining attribute, though, is the ability to deal damage to a planeswalker when granted flying – a trait Mosquito Guard achieves through its reinforce ability while Fledgling Imp comes naturally equipped with flying.
This ability to poke at planeswalkers from turn one makes Skullpiercer Gnat a valuable card in formats where these powerful permanents are a common sight. Compared to others like the Martyr of Dusk, which provides lifelink or the Goblin Arsonist that can deal damage after its death, the Gnat serves a specific purpose in disrupting opponent strategies that rely heavily on planeswalker abilities.
Ultimately, Skullpiercer Gnat might find its niche in decks that aim to control or outrun planeswalker-centered tactics, offering a nuanced role where similar one-drops have yet to venture. Within the scope of MTG one-drops with value beyond their size, the Gnat carves out a place with its unique anti-planeswalker focus.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Often underestimated, Skullpiercer Gnat provides a tactical edge by weakening an opponent’s creature with each attack, tipping the scales of creature control in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Skullpiercer Gnat doesn’t directly increase your resources, its persistent threat may force opponents to divert resources to deal with it, indirectly benefiting your board position.
Instant Speed: This creature’s ability works at instant speed, enabling you to adapt to the unfolding game and affecting combat outcomes without telegraphing your strategy prematurely.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skullpiercer Gnat mandates that you discard a card to activate its ability. This can be burdensome if you’re already struggling to maintain an adequate hand size, thereby potentially setting you back in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Skullpiercer Gnat includes black mana, which means it naturally slots into black or multi-colored decks. For players running decks without black mana, incorporating this card becomes a non-viable option, thus limiting its overall flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be seen as steep for its stats and effect, Skullpiercer Gnat could be considered a less economical choice compared to other creatures or spells in the same mana range. Committing a significant part of your mana pool to this card may not always translate into an equivalent strategic advantage on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Skullpiercer Gnat in Your Collection
Versatility: Skullpiercer Gnat is a nimble option for any aggressive strategy, capable of slipping into red or black decks that prioritize quick, evasive damage. Its ability to chip away at an opponent’s life total while navigating around larger creatures makes it a mainstay in decks that want to stay light on their feet.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with equipment and auras that boost its power, magnifying the impact of its damage-dealing capability. Additionally, its potential to interact with death triggers and graveyard mechanics can be exploited in the right combo-heavy setup.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta crowded with clunky creatures and complex board states, Skullpiercer Gnat thrives as a swift threat that demands an immediate answer. Its relevance only grows in environments where players are unprepared for quick aerial assaults, securing it a slot in metagames that favor speed and subtlety.
How to beat
Skullpiercer Gnat presents a unique challenge for players in the ever-evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to convert card advantage into direct damage makes it a card that cannot be underestimated. With careful strategizing, however, there are effective ways to mitigate the threat this card poses. Controlling the board with removal spells is key, as Skullpiercer Gnat is vulnerable to a wide range of conventional removal spells due to its low toughness. Strategic use of counter spells can also prevent the Gnat from ever hitting the battlefield.
Another approach is to limit Skullpiercer Gnat’s impact through hand disruption. By depleting your opponent’s hand, you reduce the Gnat’s damage-dealing potential. There are also several artifacts and enchantments that restrict or neutralize abilities, which can be employed to great effect against this pesky insect. Additionally, maintain a higher life total to withstand the inevitable damage and consider using creatures with lifelink to offset any health loss.
Ultimately, respecting the potential of Skullpiercer Gnat but also recognizing its vulnerabilities allows players to craft a game plan that keeps this threat in check while advancing their own position on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skullpiercer Gnat MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Phyrexia, 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 Skullpiercer Gnat 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skullpiercer Gnat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |