Skyscythe Engulfer MTG Card
2023-02-03 - Number 183
2023-02-03 - Number 42
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Beast |
| Abilities | Reach,Trample |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Reach, trample Skyscythe Engulfer can't be blocked by creatures with flying.
"I bet even Skithiryx would take the long way around this one." —Kara Vrist, resistance spymaster
Cards like Skyscythe Engulfer
Skyscythe Engulfer finds its niche among flying threats in Magic: The Gathering. This creature shares some traits with cards like Welkin Tern, both possessing the flying ability, which allows them to soar over ground-based defenses. However, Skyscythe Engulfer boasts a greater versatility with its option to remove an opponent’s creature from combat, disrupting their plans.
Stormwing Entity is another card that Skyscythe Engulfer could be weighed against. Although the Entity asks for a heftier mana cost, it brings immediate value by scrying upon entry. Where the Engulfer shines is in its lower casting cost, granting a well-timed defensive edge. And while cards like Serra Angel also offer vigilant flying warriors, they come at a higher mana value, making Skyscythe Engulfer a more accessible option for decks looking to apply early aerial pressure.
Every card has its place, but Skyscythe Engulfer’s blend of cost-efficiency and tactical advantage makes it a noteworthy contender among aerial combatants in Magic: The Gathering. Its distinct combination of flight and battlefield manipulation gives it a unique standing, offering players strategic depth in their deck building choices.
Cards similar to Skyscythe Engulfer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Skyscythe Engulfer is designed to dominate the skies while providing a substantial boost in card advantage. Whenever it attacks, you draw a card. This strong ability not only pressures your opponent but also keeps your hand filled with options, promoting a consistent flow of play.
Resource Acceleration: While Skyscythe Engulfer may not directly produce mana or tokens, its synergy with artifact and enchantment based strategies can potentially lead to indirect resource acceleration. As it fuels your card advantage, it allows you to find key pieces of your deck more rapidly, thereby accelerating your overall game plan.
Instant Speed: Although Skyscythe Engulfer itself is not an instant, its potential to trigger abilities of other cards at instant speed should not be overlooked. For instance, pairing it with flash enchantments or artifacts that benefit from card draw or attacks can significantly enhance your position during your turn or even in response to your opponent’s actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Skyscythe Engulfer demands a card to be discarded from your hand to activate its formidable ability. This can become a hindrance, particularly in the late game when your hand size may be diminished, or if you’re holding on to key pieces of your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Its mana cost requires a precise combination of blue and another color, making it less flexible and potentially challenging to cast in a timely manner within decks that aren’t heavily invested in blue mana resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a closer inspection of its mana value, Skyscythe Engulfer may seem less appealing when compared to other creatures at similar or lower costs that offer immediate impact on the board without the additional discard cost.
Reasons to Include Skyscythe Engulfer in Your Collection
Versatility: Skyscythe Engulfer offers a level of flexibility that makes it a must-have. Its ability to manipulate power levels on the board allows it to seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck builds, from those looking to dominate with flying creatures to control decks that benefit from targeted removal.
Combo Potential: This card’s capability to exponentially grow your flying creatures’ power sets up devastating combo plays. Utilizing Skyscythe Engulfer’s potential to its fullest can turn an even board state into a winning one, making it a pivotal card for explosive synergistic strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Given the evolving nature of the MTG landscape, having cards that can adapt is key. Skyscythe Engulfer’s capacity to alter combat math and enable advantageous trades makes it a savvy pick for anyone looking to stay competitive within shifting metagames.
How to beat
Skyscythe Engulfer presents a challenge with its powerful ability to manipulate combat and augment flying creatures. This creature card can turn the tide of the skies in your opponent’s favor rapidly. To counteract this aerial threat, it’s essential to have a strategy that can remove or neutralize it efficiently. Consider utilizing spells that can bypass its flying capability, such as board wipes or targeted removals that don’t require blocking.
Dedicated removal cards like “Murder” or “Path to Exile” are effective solutions for dealing with Skyscythe Engulfer directly, regardless of its flying status. Another tactic is to use cards that alter combat dynamics, like those that can force it to block when it’s unfavorable, or ones that can prevent it from blocking altogether, ensuring your attacks land.
Overall, while Skyscythe Engulfer has the potential to be a formidable opponent in the right deck, a concise removal strategy and disruption of its aerial advantage can keep it in check. Successful engagement with such a threat requires foresight and perhaps a hope that your deck has the right answers at the right time.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skyscythe Engulfer // Skyscythe Engulfer MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series 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 Skyscythe Engulfer // Skyscythe Engulfer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Printings
The Skyscythe Engulfer // Skyscythe Engulfer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by Helge C. Balzer.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series | AONE | 42 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Helge C. Balzer | ||
| 2 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 183 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Helge C. Balzer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skyscythe Engulfer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |