Sure-Footed Infiltrator MTG Card


Draws cards upon dealing combat damage, offering a continuous flow of resources. Demands careful deck construction due to specific mana and discard requirements. Maintains relevancy with rise in rogue strategies and unblockable tactics.
Sure-Footed Infiltrator - Zendikar Rising
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Rogue
Released2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set nameZendikar Rising
Set codeZNR
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number83
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMathias Kollros

Text of card

Tap another untapped Rogue you control: Sure-Footed Infiltrator can't be blocked this turn. Whenever Sure-Footed Infiltrator deals combat damage to a player, draw a card.

"I've yet to discover the ruin that can keep me out."


Cards like Sure-Footed Infiltrator

Sure-Footed Infiltrator has carved its niche in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a solid creature for strategies revolving around unblocked attackers. This card draws a parallel to Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive, which also facilitates unblocked combat damage through its unique ability affecting creatures with power or toughness 1. However, Sure-Footed Infiltrator takes this a step further, by not only making itself potentially unblockable but also drawing a card each time it deals combat damage to a player.

Another card worth noting in comparison is Whirler Rogue. While Sure-Footed Infiltrator offers card draw and a way to make itself unblockable, Whirler Rogue provides two additional artifact creature tokens and the capacity to tap those tokens to ensure an attacker can’t be blocked this turn. This represents a broader approach in terms of creating an unblockable situation, contrasted with the self-sufficient, aggressive card draw inherent to Sure-Footed Infiltrator.

The varied capabilities of these cards highlight the importance of choosing the right piece for your deck’s engine. Sure-Footed Infiltrator stands out for players seeking to strike a delicate balance between offensive momentum and card advantage, particularly in Rogue and unblockable-centric decks.

Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive - MTG Card versions
Whirler Rogue - MTG Card versions
Tetsuko Umezawa, Fugitive - MTG Card versions
Whirler Rogue - MTG Card versions

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Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sure-Footed Infiltrator shines in delivering card advantage. Each time it deals combat damage to a player, it allows you to draw a card, refilling your hand and providing a consistent flow of options.

Resource Acceleration: While this nimble rogue doesn’t directly produce additional mana like some other cards, it accelerates your resources effectively. The cards drawn from its ability can land you additional lands or spells, which ultimately propel your gameplay forward.

Instant Speed: Another subtle benefit is its synergy with instant speed spells. In decks utilizing flash or instant speed interaction, Sure-Footed Infiltrator can continue to connect with opponents unblocked, leveraging timings that render your opponents’ defenses useless.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Part of leveraging Sure-Footed Infiltrator effectively requires card draw synergy, potentially causing hand depletion if not tactically used. This makes the card’s benefit constrained, as the player must carefully consider their hand before opting to use its ability.

Specific Mana Cost: Sure-Footed Infiltrator demands a precise mana arrangement involving both blue and generic mana. This cost can be restrictive, primarily if your deck is not optimized for blue mana availability or if you’re running a multicolored deck where mana resources are spread across various color requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at four mana might be a steep investment in the fast-paced games, especially dealing with a meta where lower cost creatures with immediate impact are prevalent. This can result in a less favorable tempo, giving opponents the opportunity to establish board presence or execute strategies with less monetary commitment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sure-Footed Infiltrator offers adaptability in deck-building with its ability to provide card draw while dealing combat damage. This makes it a valuable addition to rogue-themed decks and any strategy emphasizing unblockable creatures.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with other rogues to potentially draw multiple cards in a turn. It can also form synergistic relationships with cards that care about drawing or discarding, amplifying its impact on the game.

Meta-Relevance: With a steady rise in rogue strategies and cards that reward drawing extra cards, Sure-Footed Infiltrator maintains its relevance. In a meta where evasion is key, it can be a consistent performer on the battlefield.


How to beat Sure-Footed Infiltrator

Sure-Footed Infiltrator has carved its niche in MTG as a strategic card enabling crucial card draw and unblockable attacks when paired with another Rogue. To dismantle the advantage it bestows, focus on removing rogues from the battlefield. Direct removal spells like Shock or Fatal Push can efficiently dispatch the Infiltrator before it becomes a consistent threat. Moreover, sweepers like Shatter the Sky maintain a clear board, pre-emptively handling this elusive adversary.

Alternatively, employing instant-speed interaction disrupts the Infiltrator’s synergy during combat, thwarting card draw opportunities. Keep in mind, enchantments such as Pacifism hinder it without necessitating a direct confrontation. If your strategy revolves around a strong defense, consider cards like Propaganda to make attacks costly, or Crawlspace to limit the number of attackers, thereby mitigating the Infiltrator’s impact on the game. Consequently, maintaining a steady hand of responsive actions can preserve your lead against Sure-Footed Infiltrator’s subtle yet potent influence in a match.


BurnMana Recommendations

With the finesse of Sure-Footed Infiltrator, your MTG collection gains an edge in strategy and finesse. This card can seamlessly integrate into rogue-themed decks and complement strategies that capitalize on unblocked creatures. Its ability to fuel your hand with more options makes it a tactical choice for those looking to maintain card advantage. While it shines among its rogue counterparts and has synergy with instant speed spells, keep in mind its mana requirements and proper deck optimization. Elevate your game by including Sure-Footed Infiltrator and unlock new potentials in card draw dynamics. Dive deeper into strategic tips and deck-building ideas with us and hone your skills for the ultimate gameplay experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sure-Footed Infiltrator MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Sure-Footed Infiltrator and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sure-Footed Infiltrator has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-09-25 Once a creature has blocked Sure-Footed Infiltrator, activating its first ability won’t cause it to become unblocked or remove that blocking creature from combat.
2020-09-25 You can tap any other untapped Rogue you control, including one you haven’t controlled continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn, to pay the cost of Sure-Footed Infiltrator’s first ability.