Spike Breeder MTG Card
1998-03-02 - Number 116
2015-05-06 - Number 194
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Spike |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Text of card
Spike Breeder comes into play with three +1/+1 counters on it. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Breeder: Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from Spike Breeder: Put a Spike token into play. Treat this token as a 1/1 green creature.
Cards like Spike Breeder
Spike Breeder is a unique creature in the vast landscape of Magic: The Gathering cards due to its versatile ability to generate and move +1/+1 counters. When looking at creatures with a similar concept, Spike Feeder comes to mind, capable of removing counters from itself to gain life. While both are part of the Spike family, Spike Breeder offers the added utility of producing additional Spike tokens, creating potential for exponential growth on the board.
Looking across the field, Triskelion is another creature that engages with +1/+1 counters, allowing you to remove them to deal damage to any target. This gives Triskelion a more immediate impact on the game’s dynamics in contrast to Spike Breeder’s more strategic, long-term value play. Fathom Mage is another creature that interacts with +1/+1 counters, but it focuses on card advantage by drawing a card each time a counter is placed on it, offering a different approach to resource gain.
While each of these creatures brings its own flavor to the tabletop, Spike Breeder’s niche lies in its repeatable token generation, making it a card that can define an entire game through cumulative advantage, especially when paired with cards that thrive on the presence of multiple creatures or counters.
Cards similar to Spike Breeder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spike Breeder offers the potential for significant card advantage by continuously creating Spike tokens, which in turn can be used for multiple purposes. It takes advantage of the battlefield by increasing the quantity of creatures you control without having to draw extra creature cards.
Resource Acceleration: With the ability to generate tokens with just one mana after it’s played, Spike Breeder can accelerate your resource development. You can potentially save mana for other spells or abilities while expanding your presence on the board. Furthermore, the tokens themselves can be seen as resources, as they can be used to strengthen your board position or as fodder for various other card abilities or sacrifices.
Instant Speed: Although Spike Breeder itself doesn’t have an ability that functions at instant speed, it creates tokens that can be used for abilities at any time, provided you have the mana available. This flexibility allows you to react to your opponent’s actions efficiently and unsettle their strategy, similar to instant-speed interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Spike Breeder offers utility, it asks for a significant sacrifice in the form of discarding. This can be challenging during gameplay when hand advantage matters, potentially setting you back if resources are already spread thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring exact mana types to cast, Spike Breeder can strain mana bases, especially in multi-color decks that may not always have the right colors available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other creatures and spells in the MTG arsenal that may present a lower casting cost, Spike Breeder’s mana investment might be too steep, especially when considering the balance between cost and effect on the game’s outcome.
Reasons to Include Spike Breeder in Your Collection
Versatility: Spike Breeder proves to be a multitasking asset, easily integrating into numerous deck builds. Its ability to generate creature tokens and manipulate +1/+1 counters means it can easily adapt to evolving gameplay and various strategies.
Combo Potential: As a card with inherent synergy capabilities, Spike Breeder can be the linchpin in several powerful combinations. It partners exceptionally well with cards that thrive on +1/+1 counters or require creature sacrifices, igniting potent combo engines.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where counter-centric decks or token strategies are flourishing, Spike Breeder’s functionalities align seamlessly, making it a significant contributor in adaptive or counter-heavy metas.
How to beat
Spike Breeder can be a thorn in the side for many players due to its creature-generation ability. This card allows players to create and empower creatures steadily, making it a persistent threat in matches. To counteract Spike Breeder effectively, consider strategies that neutralize its abilities. Utilizing removal spells that can bypass regeneration is critical. For instance, cards like Path to Exile or Terminate can exile or destroy without allowing regeneration, curtailing the Spike Breeder’s impact.
In addition, incorporating board wipes like Wrath of God can clear out multiple creatures, including any tokens created by Spike Breeder, without the possibility of regeneration. It’s also prudent to manage your opponent’s mana base, as activation costs are crucial for Spike Breeder’s abilities. Cards that restrict or slow down mana generation will throttle the opponent’s capability to utilize Spike Breeder optimally. Lastly, effects that prevent counters from being placed on creatures will directly weaken Spike Breeder’s influence on the game.
Taking these tactics into account ensures that while the Spike Breeder may show up in your opponent’s deck, its presence won’t be felt for long. With the right approach, even this formidable card can be rendered a minor inconvenience rather than a major threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spike Breeder MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Tempest Remastered, 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 Spike Breeder 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Spike Breeder Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Adam Rex.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-03-02 | Stronghold | STH | 116 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
| 2 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 194 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spike Breeder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |