Squirming Emergence MTG Card


Squirming Emergence shines by granting card advantage through potential multiple creatures using just one resource. Its instant speed casting allows surprise plays, keeping opponents on their toes and disrupting their strategy. Despite its strengths, a high mana cost and specific color requirements might limit its deck compatibility.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Fathomless descent

Text of card

Fathomless descent — Return to the battlefield target nonland permanent card in your graveyard with mana value less than or equal to the number of permanent cards in your graveyard.

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Cards like Squirming Emergence

Squirming Emergence stands out in the field of creature spells in Magic: The Gathering. It invites comparison with spells such as Awaken the Bear, which also grants a temporary boost to creatures. While Awaken the Bear has a similar effect in increasing creature power and toughness, Squirming Emergence offers the added advantage of creating a token feature after the original creature’s destruction.

Additionally, we find cards like Sporeback Troll, which also focuses on reinforcing your creatures on the battlefield. However, Sporeback Troll emphasizes permanent creature enhancement opposed to Squirming Emergence’s transitory benefits followed by token creation. And then there’s Gallant Cavalry, which brings value in creating creature tokens immediately upon casting. However, unlike Squirming Emergence, Gallant Cavalry lacks the element of surprise and doesn’t offer the same combat trick potential.

Ultimately, within the deck-building considerations of Magic: The Gathering, Squirming Emergence provides a unique combination of temporary empowerment and strategic token generation, making it a distinct choice among its peers for players leveraging creature-based strategies.

Awaken the Bear - MTG Card versions
Sporeback Troll - MTG Card versions
Gallant Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Awaken the Bear - MTG Card versions
Sporeback Troll - MTG Card versions
Gallant Cavalry - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Squirming Emergence by color, type and mana cost

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Squirming Emergence. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BGBG PioneerPioneer League 2024-04-22
Five-color RampFive-color Ramp ExplorerJaffer's Mini Mosh - Explorer
Golgari Insidious RootsGolgari Insidious Roots StandardGolgari Insidious RootsStandard League 2024-03-08
Sultai ReanimatorSultai Reanimator StandardSultai ReanimatorStandard League 2024-03-01
Sultai ComboSultai Combo StandardSultai ReanimatorThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Five-color ControlFive-color Control Standard4c GraveyardJaffer's Mini Mosh - Standard
Dimir ReanimatorDimir Reanimator StandardSultai ReanimatorClassic Qualifier Prague 2024
Sultai ControlSultai Control StandardSultai ReanimatorReCQ - Standard - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 12:00 pm (Bronze)
Five-color ReanimatorFive-color Reanimator StandardSultai ReanimatorHBMO24 - Common Ground Games Standard RCQ
WUBG MillWUBG Mill StandardSultai ReanimatorHBMO24 - Common Ground Games Standard RCQ

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Squirming Emergence offers you a means to expand your creature base without expending multiple resources. When you conjure this card into existence, it has the potential to create multiple creature tokens, bolstering your on-field presence and providing you with an advantage over your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This particular spell can be a boon for strategies that synergize with creature tokens. By accelerating your ability to populate the board, Squirming Emergence provides a surge in your resource deployment, allowing you to outpace your adversary in terms of both creatures and potential synergistic effects. This is a key aspect for decks that aim to overwhelm opponents with sheer numbers or that utilize creature tokens as a resource for other gameplay mechanics.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Squirming Emergence at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn. This strategic advantage allows you to adapt to the unfolding game while keeping your options open and your mana untapped until the most opportune moment. The surprise factor of summoning creatures instantly can create unfavorable situations for your opponent, disrupting their plans and giving you the upper hand during combat phases.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Squirming Emergence necessitates the discarding of a card, which can be a painful setback when your hand is already depleted or if you’re trying to maintain card advantage on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands specific mana types, constraining its integration primarily to decks that can reliably generate those mana colors, thereby reducing its flexibility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost being on the higher end for its class of effects, there are alternatives that might be more mana-efficient. This leads to considerations about whether its impact on the game justifies its cost in resource-heavy scenarios.


Reasons to Include Squirming Emergence in Your Collection

Versatility: Squirming Emergence offers adaptability across various deck types, making it a solid choice for those seeking to exploit creature tokens or synergize with insect-related mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card excels in combination with effects that benefit from the creation or sacrificing of tokens, enabling intricate plays that can turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of the MTG game environment, Squirming Emergence can become a key player in matchups that hinge upon tempo control by providing an efficient source of board presence.


How to Beat Squirming Emergence

Squirming Emergence is a card that might not seem daunting at first glance, but its effect on the battlefield can be deceptively powerful. It is one of those cards that can turn the tide by offering a resilient creature that survives most board wipes. But there are ways to deal with this tenacious threat effectively.

One method to counter Squirming Emergence is by employing exile effects to remove it from play permanently. Another strategy is using targeted removal spells that bypass indestructibility. Control decks that can counter creature spells before they hit the field can also nullify the impact of Squirming Emergence. Moreover, strategies that limit the ability of creatures to attack or block by tapping them or changing their stats make this creature less of a problem. Lastly, focusing on winning through non-combat means such as direct damage or alternative win conditions can bypass the defensive stability Squirming Emergence provides. Each of these tactics can help keep the slippery menace in check and ensure a stable path to victory.

Remember that adapting your game plan and keeping a versatile array of answers in your deck will enhance your chances against a wide range of cards, including the tricky Squirming Emergence.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we’ve delved into the strengths and weaknesses of Squirming Emergence, its role in token-fueled strategies is undeniable. The card serves as both a defensive bulwark and a surprise offensive measure, simultaneously advancing your board state. Keep in mind that while Squirming Emergence has its caveats, like the specific mana requirement or the discard cost, the strategic depth it adds to your deck can’t be overstated. For players looking to exploit the full potential of creature tokens, this card is an asset worth considering. Enhance your understanding of MTG’s strategic intricacies and discover other valuable additions to your deck by joining our community of seasoned players. Dive deeper into the world of MTG with us, and watch your skills—and your collection—grow.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Squirming Emergence MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Squirming Emergence and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Squirming Emergence Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-11-17 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Simon Dominic.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-11-17The Lost Caverns of IxalanLCI 3862015NormalBlackSimon Dominic
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of IxalanLCI 2412015NormalBlackSimon Dominic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Squirming Emergence has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Squirming Emergence card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-11-10 Cards with the ability word "fathomless descent" have abilities that care how many permanent cards are in your graveyard.
2023-11-10 Like all spells that require targets, Squirming Emergence will check to make sure its target is still legal as it tries to resolve. Use the number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, even though it may be a different number than the number that were there as you cast the spell. If the permanent card's mana value is greater than the number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, Squirming Emergence won't resolve.
2023-11-10 Some descend triggered abilities include intervening "if" clauses (i.e. "if you have
-our or eight] permanent cards in your graveyard" in the middle of the ability). Each of these abilities checks your graveyard at the moment it would trigger to see if it does. If you don't have the required number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, the ability doesn't trigger at all. If it does trigger, it will check again as it tries to resolve. If you don't have the required number of permanent cards in your graveyard at that time, the ability won't resolve and none of its effects will happen.
2023-11-10 The target nonland permanent card still counts toward the number of permanent cards in your graveyard for the purposes of Squirming Emergence.