Steeple Creeper MTG Card
2019-01-25 - Number 142
2024-02-23 - Number 174
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Frog Snake |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
: Steeple Creeper gains flying until end of turn.
"If the Fin Clade cannot produce a reliable venomous krasis, mobile in both air and water, then the Guardian Project will absorb its resources." —Vannifar
Cards like Steeple Creeper
Steeple Creeper is a unique creature in the MTG realm, offering versatility in terms of battlefield presence. When examining creatures of a similar ilk, we encounter cards such as Pteramander, which shares the adaptability of switching between flying and non-flying states and has a place among flying creature decks in MTG. Pteramander, however, starts off as a flier but can grow larger, contrasting with Steeple Creeper’s initial lack of flight unless a specific condition is met.
In comparison, Sky Theater Strix also navigates through the skies, rewarding you for casting noncreature spells, not unlike how Steeple Creeper requires a slight mana investment to gain flight. Yet, the Strix does not provide the adaptability in keyword abilities that Steeple Creeper does, as it remains perpetually airborne. Merfolk Spy is another card we might look at, being a creature that can easily become unblockable. While not directly related to flying, this feature makes it a functional counterpart in evasion strategies similar to Steeple Creeper’s potential for aerial assault.
Thus, while there are various flying creatures and those that can manipulate their combat abilities, Steeple Creeper has its niche within creatures that can temporarily gain flight, presenting a form of tactical flexibility distinct from its peers in MTG.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Steeple Creeper provides strategic flexibility on the board, able to swing in the air as a flier when necessary. This adaptability can be leveraged to outmaneuver opponents’ defenses and maintain board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Though Steeple Creeper doesn’t directly provide mana acceleration, its ability to convert a small investment into a larger threat can efficiently pave the way for more expensive plays, making it a valuable component in the Simic guild decks.
Instant Speed: The creature itself may not have instant speed, but its ability to gain flying until end of turn can be activated at instant speed. This allows you to keep mana untapped until just the right moment to surprise an opponent with an aerial attack.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Steeple Creeper does not have a discard requirement, which is beneficial as it allows players to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a specific combination of green and blue mana to cast, which might not seamlessly fit into all deck archetypes, potentially restricting its playability to Simic (green-blue) decks or those that can reliably generate both types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one green and one blue, Steeple Creeper’s cost is on the higher end for its base stats of 4/2. While it does offer the ability to gain flying until end of turn for an additional two mana, this ability’s cost efficiency is questionable when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that come with inherent flying or other abilities without additional mana investment.
Reasons to Include Steeple Creeper in Your Collection
Versatility: Steeple Creeper offers flexibility for deckbuilders by fitting into both blue and green decks. Its ability to gain flying until end of turn makes it a strategic asset in various situations, especially in games that drag on and when flying creatures are pivotal.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with abilities that activate when creatures gain flying or when dealing combat damage as a flyer. It has the potential to be a key piece in decks that revolve around such mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: Though Steeple Creeper isn’t a staple in all formats, its place in creature-based or Simic guild decks is well-assessed. Its adaptability could prove advantageous in a meta where versatility and evasion are crucial.
How to beat
Steeple Creeper has found its place among the proliferating creatures within the Simic guild in MTG, but overcoming this creature is far from an insurmountable task. Players should consider options like direct removal spells; for example, Murder or Doom Blade are effective tools that can easily dispatch Steeple Creeper from the battlefield. If playing within the Blue or Black color spectrum isn’t feasible, look to Red for spells like Lightning Strike or Shock to cut this creature down before its flying ability can be activated.
Another strategic approach is to employ counterspells. A well-timed Counterspell or Negate can prevent Steeple Creeper from ever touching the board. For those favoring a more combative solution, combat tricks in Green, such as Giant Growth or Prey Upon, can bolster your creatures sufficiently to compete with or exceed the Creeper’s power and toughness. Lastly, enabling adequate flying defense, through creatures or reach, ensures you can block and reduce the aerial threat posed by Steeple Creeper, securing your position in the match.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each card is pivotal in MTG and being equipped with the right strategies against cards like Steeple Creeper can significantly enhance your gameplay and deck resilience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steeple Creeper MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Steeple Creeper 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
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Printings
The Steeple Creeper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 142 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2024-02-23 | Ravnica: Clue Edition | CLU | 174 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Steeple Creeper 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 |
| Timeless | Legal |