Spider MTG Card

Spider cards offer card draw, mana acceleration, and instant-speed plays, enhancing in-game tactics and deck dynamics. Mana requirements and higher costs can limit spiders’ deck versatility and impact compared to other creatures. Versatile defenders with reach and combo potential, spiders effectively counter flying threats in diverse game situations.
Card setsReleased in 20 setsSee all
TypeToken Creature — Spider
Abilities Reach
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

Reach

Cards like Spider

Arachnophiles in Magic: The Gathering have long celebrated the niche but beloved spider tribe, and the Spider MTG card is one example from this eight-legged faction. Its most direct comparison is to Giant Spider, a classic creature that similarly offers a potent mix of reach and defensive capability. Spiders typically have the reach ability to block flying creatures, and in this way, the Spider MTG card upholds the tradition.

Another kin in the spider family includes the deadly Silklash Spider, which not only has reach but also comes with the ability to clear the skies of flying creatures with its activated ability. While the Spider MTG card provides solid defense, Silklash Spider expands on that role by actively controlling the aerial zone. Then there is the net-casting Arachnus Spinner, an impressive spider that can tap to create web counters and has the utility to convert those counters into tangible battlefield control.

Comparing these creepy crawlers, each spider shines in its own way while fulfilling the tribe’s inherent reach-and-defend strategy. From basic defense to complex board control, spiders in Magic: The Gathering ensure that players who appreciate a good defensive game have the tools they need to trap and tangle their opponents in complex webs of strategy and tactics.

Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions
Arachnus Spinner - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions
Arachnus Spinner - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spider-themed cards in MTG often feature abilities that enable you to draw cards upon dealing damage or when certain conditions are met on the battlefield, enhancing your strategic options.

Resource Acceleration: These arachnids sometimes come with the added benefit of generating additional mana when they enter the fray or at the beginning of your upkeep, giving you a web of resources to play with more swiftly.

Instant Speed: Some spells or abilities associated with spider cards work at instant speed, letting you disrupt your opponent’s strategy by spinning a surprise web of effects on their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some spider cards in MTG require the player to discard another card as part of the casting cost or an activated ability. This can often lead to a disadvantage, especially when you’re already struggling with card advantage or trying to maintain a strong hand presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Spiders typically require green mana for their casting cost, which might not blend seamlessly into multicolor decks that don’t heavily feature green. This can limit the types of decks they can be played in and hinders their overall versatility in a diverse metagame.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although spiders are known for their defensive capabilities and reach ability, they often come at a high mana cost that does not always align with the tactical advantage they provide. This can make them less appealing compared to other creatures with similar or lower mana costs but with more impactful abilities or stats.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Spider MTG cards bring utility to the field with their reach ability, allowing them to block flying creatures which are prevalent in numerous MTG decks. Their inclusion can fortify your defenses regardless of your overall strategy.

Combo Potential: Many spider cards come with synergistic effects that enhance spider-themed decks, providing buffs or special abilities to overthrow opponents. Their web of combo potential is vast, interlinking with graveyard mechanics, token generation, and other creature-based strategies.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-evolving meta, spider cards hold their ground, often disrupting enemy air assaults. They can be particularly effective in green-based midrange decks, where their presence can stabilize the board and swing matchups in your favor.

How to Beat

Confronting a Spider MTG card on the battlefield can be a tricky encounter. Often, these cards come equipped with reach, allowing them to block flying creatures, which typically slip past ground defenses. This specific attribute makes Spiders valuable in hindering aerial assaults. Additionally, Spiders may carry deathtouch, rendering them lethal for any creature they touch, regardless of the opponent’s size and power.

To outmaneuver Spider cards, focusing on removal spells that bypass their abilities can be effective. Using spells like Wrath of God to clear the board or casting exile spells such as Path to Exile can neutralize them without triggering potential death-triggered abilities. Another strategy is overpowering the Spider’s strength through buffs or making your creatures indestructible for a turn. Cards with trample can also bypass the Spider’s defensive stance, especially if they have enough power to take out the Spider and still deal damage to the opponent.

Ultimately, when facing off against Spider MTG cards, your strategy should rely on evasion or removal. This will effectively circumnavigate their typically strong defensive position and lead you to victory. Being aware of the Spider’s capabilities and having a plan in place is crucial in making sure these eight-legged creatures don’t entangle you in defeat.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spider MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Innistrad, 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 Spider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Spider Magic the Gathering card was released in 20 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 9 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-05-02ShadowmoorSHM 62003TokenBlackThomas M. Baxa
22011-09-30InnistradISD 112003TokenBlackDaniel Ljunggren
32013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 72003TokenBlackLars Grant-West
42014-05-02Journey into NyxJOU 52003TokenBlackYohann Schepacz
52015-11-13Commander 2015C15 182015TokenBlackDaniel Ljunggren
62016-07-22Eldritch MoonEMN 82015TokenBlackChristine Choi
72016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 82015TokenBlackLars Grant-West
82017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 52015TokenBlackLars Grant-West
92017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 142015TokenBlackDaniel Ljunggren
102018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 152015TokenBlackDaniel Ljunggren
112019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 142015TokenBlackDaniel Ljunggren
122020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 102015TokenBlackSam Rowan
132021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 62015TokenBlackLars Grant-West
142021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 72015TokenBlackJoe Slucher
152021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 112015TokenBlackSlawomir Maniak
162022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 292015TokenBlackSam Rowan
172022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 422015TokenBlackSlawomir Maniak
182022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 182015TokenBlackSlawomir Maniak
192023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 362015TokenBlackSlawomir Maniak
202024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 112015TokenBlackHelge C. Balzer