Sylvan Basilisk MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Basilisk
Power 2
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. The Basilisk’s destruction ability can forcibly clear opponents’ creatures, maintaining a card advantage.
  2. Despite its power, it lacks synergy with discard-focused strategies and may have a higher casting cost.
  3. Its defining force in creature-heavy metas makes it an essential addition to relevant decks.

Text of card

If Sylvan Basilisk attacks and is blocked, destroy all creatures blocking it. (Destroy the creatures before they deal damage. The Basilisk doesn't damage your opponent.)


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When it comes to gaining an upper hand in the game, the Sylvan Basilisk stands out with its ability to effectively control the board. Each time it becomes blocked, you have the potential to remove an opponent’s creature, often without losing your Basilisk. This can lead to card advantage, as you maintain your creature while depleting the opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: While the Sylvan Basilisk itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, its presence on the battlefield can lead to indirect resource acceleration. It discourages opponents from blocking, which can allow your other creatures to connect more frequently, paving the way for resource-boosting strategies and maintaining pressure on your opponent without sacrificing your own creatures.

Instant Speed: Though the Sylvan Basilisk is a creature and doesn’t have flash inherently, its synergies with instant speed spells and abilities can be quite beneficial. For instance, coupling the Basilisk with instant-speed enchantments or spells that grant it deathtouch can instantly turn it into a lethal threat, or using instant speed tricks to nullify its blockers can set up favorable board states, providing significant strategic advantages during the course of a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside to the Sylvan Basilisk is the absence of a discard effect which could benefit some strategies. In decks that capitalize on discarding cards, the Basilisk may not synergize as well.

Specific Mana Cost: The Sylvan Basilisk requires specific green mana to cast. This can make it less versatile for multicolor decks that may not have the green mana readily available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost at four, including three green mana, the Basilisk can be seen as having a comparatively high cost for its stats and abilities, making it less efficient than some alternatives which could provide a greater impact on the game for the same or lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Sylvan Basilisk in Your Collection

Versatility: Sylvan Basilisk holds a unique position within a multitude of deck strategies. Its ability to destroy any creature that blocks it can be a game-changer in board control, making it adaptable to both casual and more tactical gameplay styles.

Combo Potential: This creature’s destructive touch pairs well with mechanics that force opponents to block, allowing smart players to craft devastating combinations that can clear the board of pesky threats. The presence of Sylvan Basilisk can be a cornerstone around which clever deck synergies are built.

Meta-Relevance: In matches where creatures are the dominant force, including Sylvan Basilisk can tilt the battlefield in your favor. It serves as a valuable piece in metas where creature-based strategies prevail, acting as both a deterrent to attackers and a reliable defense removal.


How to beat

The Sylvan Basilisk presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its deadly rule that destroys any creature that blocks it. It’s a green card known for its ability to clear a path through an opponent’s defenses. However, overcoming this creature is not as daunting as it may seem. Spells that remove the Sylvan Basilisk without forcing a block are effective. Removal spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch the beast before it becomes a blocker-demolishing problem. Additionally, using flying creatures can soar over it, as the Basilisk’s ability only triggers when it becomes blocked.

Indirect strategies, such as counter spells or enchantments like Pacifism, can also neutralize the threat by preventing it from attacking or blocking. Board wipes like Wrath of God can also reset the playing field, removing the Basilisk regardless of its intimidating ability. It’s important to remember that while the Sylvan Basilisk can be a powerful asset, strategic plays and the right removal cards can effectively counter its abilities and keep it from controlling the game.


Cards like Sylvan Basilisk

The Sylvan Basilisk presents unique control abilities in MTG, reminiscent of other cards that turn creatures into unwilling suicide attackers. Comparable to the likes of Thorn Elemental or Deadly Recluse, the Basilisk holds the power to strategically dictate opponent’s blocking decisions. However, it outshines them with its ability to destroy any creature it becomes blocked by, regardless of power or toughness. Even formidable creatures can fall victim to the Basilisk’s touch.

Another parallel is drawn with cards such as Engulfing Slagwurm, which also consumes any creature it blocks or becomes blocked by. Nonetheless, the Basilisk differs with its lower mana cost and the absence of life-gain. This opens a different dynamic, focusing on field control rather than life maintenance. Then consider the Typhoid Rats, a smaller creature that, like the Basilisk, sports deathtouch. However, the potency of Sylvan Basilisk lies in its ability to manipulate the battlefield on a grander scale.

In essence, while there are several cards in MTG that echo the Basilisk’s control playstyle, its particular brand of forced attrition strategy easily carves a niche for itself. Hence, the Sylvan Basilisk is a staple in decks that benefit from controlling combat scenarios and decimating opposing forces effectively.

Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Deadly Recluse - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Typhoid Rats - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Deadly Recluse - Magic 2010 (M10)
Engulfing Slagwurm - Scars of Mirrodin (SOM)
Typhoid Rats - Innistrad (ISD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sylvan Basilisk MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Starter 1999, 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 Sylvan Basilisk and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sylvan Basilisk Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-24Portal Second AgeP02 1461997normalblackRon Spencer
21999-07-01Starter 1999S99 1451997normalwhiteRon Spencer
32007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 3012003normalblackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sylvan Basilisk has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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