Stingblade Assassin MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Faerie Assassin |
| Abilities | Flying, Flash |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nicholas Gregory |
Text of card
Flash Flying When Stingblade Assassin enters the battlefield, destroy target creature an opponent controls that was dealt damage this turn.
Cards like Stingblade Assassin
Delving into the depths of rogue strategies, Stingblade Assassin emerges as a stealthy contender within the realm of deathtouch creatures in Magic: The Gathering. While it shares the lethal deathtouch ability with cards like Typhoid Rats, it carves its niche through its additional capacity to evolve. Unlike Typhoid Rats’ static presence, Stingblade Assassin has the potential to grow, which can be a game-changer as it threatens to become bigger with each +1/+1 counter.
In a similar stealth strike, Vampire Nighthawk offers a competitive edge with not only deathtouch but flying and lifelink as well. This menacing vampire, however, trades the possibility of growth for immediate board impact. Another kin in covert operations is the Hooded Blightfang. Although it lacks the raw power evolution of Stingblade Assassin, it compensates with the ability to drain life whenever a creature with deathtouch attacks. This often turns the tide by chipping away at the opponent’s life total while you stay on the offensive.
Though each secret assassin bears unique capabilities, Stingblade Assassin stands out with its growing threat, making it a card that can adapt and potentially outpace its static counterparts, thereby carving its unique stake in Magic: The Gathering’s shadowy corners.
Cards similar to Stingblade Assassin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stingblade Assassin enables players to potentially remove an opponent’s threat while also creating a board presence. This dual action provides a player with an advantage by dealing with an opposing threat and developing their own game state simultaneously.
Resource Acceleration: While Stingblade Assassin itself doesn’t generate additional mana or tokens, its synergies in rogue or assassin decks can lead to indirect resource acceleration. For example, integrating with cards that benefit from death triggers or rogue class mechanics could ramp up a player’s resources or pave the way for more potent plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Stingblade Assassin using flash means it can be introduced to the battlefield at times that disrupt an opponent’s strategy. Playing creatures at instant speed can be a powerful tactic, providing defensive agility or enabling surprise attacks that can shift the momentum of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stingblade Assassin demands a card discard to unleash its potential. This effect can backfire when your hand is already depleted, leaving you at a card disadvantage against opponents who maintain card-rich hands.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Stingblade Assassin is pinned to a specific mana composition, requiring both black and green. This necessity may restrict its inclusion exclusively to decks that can comfortably produce both types of mana, narrowing its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost edging on the higher side for its abilities, Stingblade Assassin faces tough competition from other creatures or spells in the same cost range. Players might find more impactful plays with other cards that offer either cheaper removal options or creatures with more robust stats or effects.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Stingblade Assassin emerges as a flexible card that may seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck archetypes, particularly those seeking to exploit deathtouch or rogue synergies.
Combo Potential: This card’s on-death trigger supports strategies hinging on creature death, such as sacrifice-based decks or those aiming to profit from graveyard interaction.
Meta-Relevance: Amidst a play environment teeming with potent creatures, Stingblade Assassin holds its ground as a cost-effective solution for eliminating threats, maintaining its relevance across various meta shifts.
How to beat Stingblade Assassin
Stingblade Assassin from Magic: The Gathering stands out as a tricky creature card, thanks to its deathtouch ability which allows it to destroy any creature it deals damage to, regardless of the creature’s health. Facing this card on the battlefield can disrupt your strategies, particularly if you rely on large, powerful creatures.
One effective tactic to overcome Stingblade Assassin is through the use of removal spells that don’t involve direct combat. Spells that force a sacrifice or exile creatures circumvent the deathtouch ability entirely, rendering the Assassin powerless. Board wipes, which clear the entire field of creatures, can also reset the board and provide you with a clean slate to re-establish your presence.
An alternative approach focuses on using cheaper creatures that can be sacrificed without significantly impacting your overall gameplay. This can minimize the Assassin’s impact and spare your more important creatures from its deadly touch. Whether you employ tactical spell casting or expendable creatures, a well-thought strategy can neutralize the threat of Stingblade Assassin and turn the tides in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stingblade Assassin MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Stingblade Assassin 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stingblade Assassin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.