Swarm of Locus MTG Card
2019-11-07 - Number 48
2021-08-20 - Number 48
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Insect Locus |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever CARDNAME attacks, it gets +1/+0 until end of turn for each Locus you control.
Cards like Swarm of Locus
Swarm of Locusts brings its unique flair to the pantheon of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It can be juxtaposed with Endless Cockroaches, as both summon an insect army to the battlefield. While Endless Cockroaches ensure a persistent board presence by returning to a player’s hand upon death, Swarm of Locusts hinges on the strategy of summoning an increasing number of tokens, each of which can become an independent threat on the battlefield.
In the same vein, Ant Queen also generates insect tokens. She bears the ability to create a 1/1 insect token at will, for a cost. Unlike Ant Queen, the generating ability of Swarm of Locusts is tied to a specific trigger, potentially offering a more economical advantage by creating tokens without spending mana. Comparatively, Brood of Cockroaches operates similarly to Endless Cockroaches, its resilience defined by its ability to return to your hand during the next upkeep after being put into the graveyard from the battlefield, whereas Swarm of Locusts focuses on aggressive expansion.
Ultimately, Swarm of Locusts can be a powerful choice in MTG, meshing well with strategies that capitalize on large swarms of creatures. Each of these cards has its situational advantages, but Swarm of Locusts stands out for its potential to overwhelm opponents with a relentless wave of tokens.
Cards similar to Swarm of Locus by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Swarm of Locusts card provides a consistent influx of insect creature tokens, which can quickly multiply and overwhelm the field, supplying a relentless stream of creatures to support board presence.
Resource Acceleration: This card synergizes well with other cards that benefit from numerous creatures entering the battlefield, effectively turning each insect token into a prospective source for mana generation or other strategic advantages.
Instant Speed: Its ability can be activated at instant speed, affording you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn or to maximize the strategic timing of token generation without committing to a main phase action.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In addition to other costs, Swarm of Locust requires the player to discard a card, which can be particularly detrimental when hand resources are already running low. This potentially disrupts strategic plays and diminishes available options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Swarm of Locust demands a very specific mana assembly, which could complicate its inclusion in multi-colored decks or those with a more diverse mana base. This limitation could hamper the card’s versatility and impact deck building choices.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Looking at the competitive landscape, Swarm of Locust’s mana value may be deemed steep relative to its effect. Players often weigh options that provide more immediate or impactful board presence or card advantage for the same or lessened mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Swarm of Locusts card is a valuable addition to any deck looking for consistent creature generation. Its ability to produce insect tokens offers players a steady stream of blockers or attackers, suitable for a variety of strategies from aggro to control decks.
Combo Potential: This card aligns perfectly with synergies that capitalize on the quantity of creatures you control. It can effortlessly enhance strategies focused on token generation, sacrificing creatures for greater benefits, or powering up through sheer numbers.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where board presence is crucial, having a card like Swarm of Locusts allows for quick adaptation. It can help establish control and maintain a significant presence on the board, making it a worthy contender in the constantly evolving metagame.
How to beat
The Swarm of Locusts card brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield, thanks to its ability to multiply its presence swiftly. Players need effective strategies to counter this overwhelming card. Addressing the threat early on is crucial; removal spells that target multiple creatures or board wipes can prevent the locust population from exploding out of control. It’s essential to keep the swarm at bay before the numbers become unmanageable.
Another effective approach is to employ cards that limit the abilities of your opponent’s creatures. Utilizing cards with effects that negate the activation or triggered abilities of your opponent’s creatures can significantly reduce the impact of Swarm of Locusts. This approach can transform an impending peril into a manageable situation, allowing you to control the game and maintain a stable board state.
Lastly, staying vigilant and ready to react is key. Understanding when to disrupt your opponent’s momentum or remove their creatures from the board can mean the difference between victory and being overwhelmed. With precision and timely interaction, Swarm of Locusts can be contained, preserving your chances for triumph.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Swarm of Locus MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021, 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 Swarm of Locus 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 Swarm of Locus Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Emily Maltby.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 | CMB1 | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Emily Maltby | |
| 2 | 2021-08-20 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021 | CMB2 | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Emily Maltby |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Swarm of Locus card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-12 | It’s unlikely the Swarm of Locus pun will survive creative review. They’ll assign a new creature type, as Locus can’t be both a land type and a creature type. For now, the triggered ability of Swarm of Locus counts both the temporary-creature type Locus and the land type Locus. Other effects that refer to one won’t affect the other. |