Stirge MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Insect Bat |
| Abilities | Blood Drain,Flying |
| Released | 2022-06-10 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | CLB |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 150 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jamroz Gary |
Text of card
Flying Stirge can't block. Blood Drain — , Pay 1 life, Sacrifice Stirge: Draw a card.
"I will never complain about mosquitos again." —Imoen
Cards like Stirge
The Stirge card adds a unique touch to the lineup of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It aligns closely with creatures like Thopter and Cloudfin Raptor, all of which share the flying trait and offer strategic aerial advantages. Yet Stirge stands out with its distinct ability to leech life from opponents, a reciprocal benefit not common among its counterparts. Thopter tokens generally lack this life gain feature, focusing more on being a reliable flying blocker or an aggressive creature in the air. Cloudfin Raptor, on the other hand, while it can grow stronger via its evolve mechanic, does not provide the direct life-transfer effect which can be crucial for swingy games.
Tapping into life gain strategies, we can compare it to Vampire Nighthawk which boasts life link, flying, and deathtouch. While the Nighthawk provides more combat versatility, the Stirge offers a more cost-effective solution for early gameplay life stratagems. It’s important to consider how deploying a Stirge early might stack life advantage over time, potentially outclassing the Nighthawk in prolonged battles.
Analysing these creatures, Stirge can be quite potent within the right deck, giving players early game advantages and the potential for long-term benefits. Its synergy within life gain and flying-focused decks could certainly carve a niche in Magic: The Gathering gameplay.
Cards similar to Stirge by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Stirge card offers a dynamic entry into your arsenal with the potential to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while bolstering your own resources. It provides an edge by potentially drawing cards, reflecting its capacity to sway the momentum in your favor during extended matches.
Resource Acceleration: Resource manipulation is a subtle yet powerful aspect of the Stirge card. It can open up new avenues for gameplay, either by generating additional resources or interacting with existing ones in a manner that advances your board state more swiftly than your opponents expect.
Instant Speed: The versatile timing of Stirge, which operates at instant speed, offers strategic depth to your play. This flexibility allows you to adeptly navigate your turns, waiting for the opportune moment to unleash its effects, catching an opponent unprepared and turning the tide to your advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing the Stirge card demands you discard another card, which can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleted. During critical moments, having to lose a potentially important card can hinder your strategy, making timing crucial when deploying Stirge.
Specific Mana Cost: Stirge’s mana cost is color-specific, requiring a certain combination to cast it effectively. This can limit its integration into decks and restrict its playability to certain color schemes, potentially making it a less versatile choice compared to other creatures in your arsenal.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With regard to the power and abilities it offers, Stirge may come off as having a higher mana cost. This elevated cost could slow your early game, as there may be more cost-effective creatures or spells that provide similar benefits without such a significant investment of your mana resources.
Reasons to Include Stirge in Your Collection
Versatility: Stirge slots into a variety of decks, thriving in those that capitalize on life gain or deal direct damage. Its ability to simultaneously affect life totals makes it a dynamic choice for different playstyles.
Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin in strategies that exploit life total changes, such as synergizing with cards that trigger upon life gain or life loss, multiplying its impact on the game.
Meta-Relevance: With an evolving competitive scene that often fluctuates between aggressive and slower, control-based decks, Stirge can be a timely addition, adept at swinging life differentials in your favor.
How to beat Stirge
Stirge is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering with an ability that can be quite a nuisance to opponents. As a card that represents a constant threat of life drain, it’s essential to know how to effectively counteract its effects. The smart way to handle a creature like Stirge is through removal spells. Cards that can exile creatures, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, are incredibly effective, as they take care of the problem permanently without giving your opponent any additional benefits.
Another efficient strategy is to use cards that can deal damage directly to the creature, such as Lightning Bolt or Shock. These instant-speed spells can disrupt your opponent’s plan before they have the chance to gain any advantage from the life drain. Additionally, board wipes are a perfect solution against a swarm of such creatures. Supreme Verdict or Damnation can clear the field, giving you the upper hand. It is also beneficial to keep blockers ready, as Stirge typically has low toughness and can be defended against without much trouble.
Ultimately, understanding the meta and equipping your deck with versatile responses will ensure that you’re prepared to tackle the challenge presented by Stirge, keeping your life total secure and maintaining control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stirge MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for 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 Stirge 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stirge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |