Spined Megalodon MTG Card
2020-07-03 - Number 72
2022-07-07 - Number 914
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Shark |
| Abilities | Hexproof,Scry |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 7 |
Text of card
Hexproof (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.) Whenever Spined Megalodon attacks, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
Cards like Spined Megalodon
The Spined Megalodon reveals its might in the vast seas of MTG’s card pool. When drawing parallels to similar creatures, the likeness with Island Whale is immediately evident. Both of these massive sea dwellers leverage hexproof to ward off targeted spells. Yet, the Megalodon takes the advantage further with its ability to provide card advantage whenever it attacks, setting the stage for a deeper game strategy than the Island Whale, which lacks this benefit.
Drifting into the territory of Aethertide Whale, we notice another comparable behemoth. Aethertide Whale shares the air of grandeur but costs one more mana. It does, however, come with the bonus of producing energy counters that can be utilized for a variety of effects, unlike the singular, attack-focused benefit of the Spined Megalodon.
Delving into the essence of these cards, the Spined Megalodon stands distinguished amongst its colossal peers in MTG for its enticing blend of defensive resilience and strategic offensive capabilities, making it a worthy inclusion in blue-based control decks seeking to dominate the late game.
Cards similar to Spined Megalodon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Spined Megalodon enters the battlefield, its hexproof ability ensures that it is less likely to be the target of an opponent’s spells or abilities, helping you maintain your creatures as valuable resources on the board. This can indirectly lead to card advantage, as your opponent might need to use more resources to deal with it.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Spined Megalodon itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its substantial presence on the board can deter opponents from attacking. This security allows you to plan out your turns for better resource management and line up your plays without the immediate pressure of losing life, thereby indirectly contributing to resource acceleration by preserving your life total.
Instant Speed: Spined Megalodon doesn’t have an instant-speed ability itself, but in a deck with cards that enable flash, you could potentially cast it when your opponent least expects it. This surprise element can act as a form of psychological acceleration, making your opponent think twice before committing to a strategy that might run afoul of your sizable sea creature.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Spined Megalodon doesn’t directly impose a discard requirement, its seven-mana cost can potentially necessitate discarding cards for effects that ramp your mana to cast it earlier in the game. This could deplete valuable hand resources prematurely.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Spined Megalodon is heavy on blue mana, requiring three blue sources. This makes it less versatile and harder to incorporate into multicolored decks that may not have consistent access to triple blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of 7, the Spined Megalodon stands on the higher end of the mana spectrum. There are creatures with similar or more impactful abilities that can be deployed for less mana, potentially giving opponents a tempo advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spined Megalodon may not be the flashiest creature, but it offers a solid body in sea creature-themed decks or those leaning towards a high-mana curve. Its hexproof ensures it remains a consistent board presence against targeted removal, which is valuable in slower, control-based strategies.
Combo Potential: With its ability to give you scry 1 whenever it attacks, Spined Megalodon synergizes well with decks that manipulate the top of the library. It can be an integral piece in combos that rely on deck manipulation or top-deck awareness to ensure quality draws or set up for big plays.
Meta-Relevance: While the Megalodon may not be a staple in the most competitive decks, in certain metas where games tend to stretch long and reach the later mana stages, this creature shines as a formidable threat that’s tough to deal with, especially in limited formats like draft or sealed.
How to beat
The Spined Megalodon is a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, renowned for its sheer size and hexproof ability that protects it from being the target of your spells. To effectively counter this sea behemoth, focus on tactics that don’t rely on targeting it directly. Board wipes like “Shatter the Sky” or “Wrath of God” can clear the field irrespective of hexproof, making them an ideal countermeasure.
Another strategy involves cards that change the rules of engagement, such as “Arcane Lighthouse” or “Shadowspear”, which can strip away the Megalodon’s hexproof, leaving it vulnerable. Additionally, leveraging spells that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures can be highly effective. These include “Diabolic Edict” or “Liliana’s Triumph,” which bypass hexproof because they do not target.
It’s also wise to race the Megalodon with aggressive decks that can win the game before your opponent can take full advantage of their powerful sea creature. By understanding these strategies and including such cards in your deck, you can turn the tides against the Spined Megalodon, ensuring it’s more of a sitting duck than a lurking leviathan in your games.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spined Megalodon MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021 and Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Spined Megalodon 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
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Printings
The Spined Megalodon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Daniel Ljunggren.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 72 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren | |
| 2 | 2022-07-07 | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate | HBG | 914 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daniel Ljunggren |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spined Megalodon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |