Skyclave Aerialist // Skyclave Invader MTG Card
2023-04-21 - Number 78
2023-04-21 - Number 18
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Merfolk Scout |
| Abilities | Flying,Transform |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying When this creature transforms into Skyclave Invader, look at the top card of your library. If it's a land card, you may put it onto the battlefield. If you don't put the card onto the battlefield, put it into your hand.
With her guidance, the oil coursed freely across the world.
Cards like Skyclave Aerialist // Skyclave Invader
Skyclave Invader stands out in the realm of creature cards focused on offensive strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Its resemblance to cards like Scuttling Doom Engine is apparent, as both present formidable attacking options. However, the Skyclave Invader takes a unique approach by leveraging the landfall mechanic, increasing its strength each time a land enters the battlefield under your control. This feature provides dynamic power potential that Scuttling Doom Engine lacks.
Another worthy comparison is Akoum Warrior. Both cards share the same creature type and boast similar power levels. Akoum Warrior, however, comes equipped with the flexibility of doubling as a land, providing a strategic advantage in terms of resource management. While it doesn’t have the landfall-powered growth of Skyclave Invader, the dual utility compensates for that.
Considering the landscape of powerful aggressive creatures, Skyclave Invader carves a niche for itself by promoting a land-synergistic strategy for decks that can consistently trigger the landfall ability. It may not have the immediacy of Scuttling Doom Engine’s impact or the versatility of Akoum Warrior, but its potential for exponential power growth makes it a compelling option for any MTG player focused on an aggressive landfall strategy.
Cards similar to Skyclave Aerialist // Skyclave Invader by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skyclave Invader provides strategic deck thinning by allowing you to search for a basic land card when it enters the battlefield. This ability not only refines your draw but also increases the likelihood of drawing into more impactful cards later in the game.
Resource Acceleration: The land fetched by Skyclave Invader goes directly onto the battlefield, giving you an immediate increase in available resources. This boost can be essential for ramping up to your more powerful spells quicker than anticipated.
Instant Speed: While Skyclave Invader itself isn’t an instant, it pairs excellently with cards that can be played at instant speed. This synergy allows you to develop your board while keeping mana available for responses or end-of-turn plays, offering a dynamic and flexible approach to each match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skyclave Invader demands that you discard another card as part of its casting cost. This can be particularly taxing in the late game or in situations where your hand is already depleted, potentially forcing you to forgo other valuable plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise mana investment, including one black mana. This necessity can sometimes be a hindrance, especially in multicolored decks that may struggle with mana consistency or those that prioritize other colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying Skyclave Invader comes with a notable mana cost. Given that it consumes four mana, some players might find it less appealing compared to other creatures or spells in the same mana range that may offer immediate impact or greater versatility on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Skyclave Invader in Your Collection
Versatility: Skyclave Invader is a flexible card that can be a key player in a variety of deck builds. Its ability to act as an aggressor or a blocker due to its formidable power and toughness makes it a solid choice for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: This card presents numerous synergistic opportunities, particularly in decks that capitalize on creature type themes or enter-the-battlefield effects. The Invader’s potential to be part of damaging combos can’t be overlooked.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where the meta often shifts, Skyclave Invader maintains relevance. It achieves this by fitting well into strategies designed to counter prevalent deck types, making it a valuable asset during various phases of MTG gameplay.
How to beat
Skyclave Invader demands strategic play to mitigate its impact on the game. This creature card poses a significant threat once it gets onto the battlefield, particularly if its kicker has been paid to capitalize on its full potential. To effectively counter this card, consider keeping mana available for removal spells that can be cast at instant speed. Spot removal, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, can dispatch the Invader before its presence becomes overwhelming. Additionally, the use of counterspells when the Invader is on the stack can prevent it from entering the battlefield at all.
It’s also beneficial to limit the number of creatures in the graveyard, as Skyclave Invader gets stronger with a fuller graveyard due to its synergistic mechanics. Graveyard hate cards like Relic of Progenitus or Rest in Peace can be critical in reducing its effectiveness. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God, can also reset the playing field, especially if the Invader has already established board control.
Lastly, tempo plays can keep your opponent off balance, leaving them less prepared to defend their Invader or to pay the kicker cost. Efficient creature management and graveyard control are your best tools when facing the formidable Skyclave Invader.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skyclave Invader // Skyclave Invader MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Art Series and 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 Skyclave Invader // Skyclave Invader 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 Skyclave Invader // Skyclave Invader Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Michal Ivan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March of the Machine Art Series | AMOM | 18 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Michal Ivan | ||
| 2 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 78 | 2015 | Transform | Black | Michal Ivan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skyclave Aerialist // Skyclave Invader 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 |