The Unspeakable MTG Card
2004-10-01 - Number 98
2016-11-16 - Number 65841
2017-03-31 - Number 13
2020-09-26 - Number DDS-13
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 9 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying,Trample |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 7 |
Text of card
Flying, trample Whenever The Unspeakable deals combat damage to a player, you may return target Arcane card from your graveyard to your hand.
It is madness that drives men to seek forbidden knowledge, and madness has given it form.
Cards like The Unspeakable
Delve into the mystical world of arcane delights with The Unspeakable, a formidable card in Magic: The Gathering. This card bears resemblance to cards like Demonlord Belzenlok in that they both provide a significant presence on the battlefield along with a substantial impact when they come into play. What makes The Unspeakable distinct is its unique synergy with arcane spells, requiring you to cast three specific spells in a turn to cheat it into play without paying its mana cost.
Another parallel can be drawn with Tidespout Tyrant. Both creatures offer substantial advantages when casting spells, though in different ways. While Tidespout Tyrant allows you to bounce other permanents as you cast spells, The Unspeakable rewards a well-navigated combo of castings with a triumphant entrance. Additionally, both creatures have a hefty mana cost, which denotes a game-changing potential if not addressed promptly by opponents.
When evaluating The Unspeakable against its counterparts, its unique interaction with arcane spells and its potential for an abrupt appearance on the battlefield should be considered. The card is an embodiment of strategic depth in Magic: The Gathering, presenting a rewarding challenge for players who master its complex conditions.
Cards similar to The Unspeakable by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Whether you’re angling for an upper hand in a long duel or hunting for essential combo pieces, wielding The Unspeakable in your arsenal can provide a significant edge. This formidable card, once summoned, presents the opportunity to recast a previously played arcane spell without any additional cost. This ability to revisit your spellbook at no extra charge is a true game-changer, making The Unspeakable a catalyst for maintaining momentum and architectural dominance on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Although The Unspeakable may not directly create mana or tokens, its synergy with other cards that benefit from casting or recasting of spells can be a form of indirect resource acceleration. By facilitating the casting of additional spells without tapping into your mana pool, The Unspeakable can effectively fuel your strategy and power up your maneuvers at a pace that might overwhelm your opponents.
Instant Speed: While The Unspeakable itself is not an instant, its intrinsic ability to recast arcane spells at instant speed provides a tactical advantage. It allows you to adapt to the dynamic ebb and flow of the game, outmaneuvering opponents by responding to their actions with well-timed spells. Moreover, it endows your deck with the element of surprise and strategic depth, augmenting your reactive capabilities during critical junctures of play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of The Unspeakable is its kinship with spells that require you to discard cards to cast it. This can be particularly problematic when you have an empty hand or when every card in your grip is crucial for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The Unspeakable demands a specific spread of mana colors—three blue mana—which makes it less flexible for multicolor decks that might struggle with such exacting requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at a total of nine mana, The Unspeakable is on the higher end of the mana curve. There are other powerhouse creatures and spells that demand less of your mana pool and can impact the game sooner.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Unspeakable has a dynamic role in decks that capitalize on casting numerous spells in a single turn. Its flying and trample abilities make it a formidable creature in both offensive and defensive positions.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks designed around the Arcane mechanics, paving the way for synergies with other spells that can set off a chain of spellcasting, ultimately leading to the casting of The Unspeakable itself.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with spell-based strategies, The Unspeakable could serve as a significant threat that demands an immediate answer, making it a strategic choice against decks that struggle to deal with large, evasive creatures.
How to beat The Unspeakable
Overcoming The Unspeakable in MTG requires strategic planning and a clear understanding of the card’s strengths and weaknesses. This formidable creature from the Kamigawa set can be challenging to handle once on the board, thanks to its ability to return a card from your graveyard to your hand when it deals combat damage.
A key strategy is to prevent The Unspeakable from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Counterspells are your first line of defense, with options such as Mana Leak and Counterspell itself offering efficient ways to stop it during the casting phase. Should The Unspeakable manage to land, having removal spells ready is crucial. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can exile it, bypassing its potent abilities entirely.
If The Unspeakable is already in play and swinging for combat damage, consider deploying creatures with flying or reach to block it or using spells like Unsummon or Vapor Snag to return it to its owner’s hand, providing a temporary reprieve. Focusing on these interruption and removal tactics will help tilt the match in your favor against The Unspeakable’s daunting presence.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase The Unspeakable MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Treasure Chest, 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 The Unspeakable 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
Printings
The The Unspeakable Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2017-03-31. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | CHK | 98 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Khang Le | |
| 2 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65841 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 3 | 2017-03-31 | Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might | DDS | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | DDS-13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Daarken |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where The Unspeakable has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |