Thopter MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 38 setsSee all |
Type | Token Artifact Creature — Thopter |
Abilities | Flying |
Power | 1 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying
Cards like Thopter
The allure of Thopter cards in MTG rests in their inherent synergy with artifact and flying strategies. Cards like Thopter Spy Network echo the value of Thopter cards by providing an avenue to create 1/1 flying artifact creature tokens with each artifact that hits the battlefield under your control. While the Spy Network is more of an engine than a standalone Thopter, it still underscores the thematic linkage.
Another peer to thopter-type cards is Whirler Rogue. This card not only produces two 1/1 flying Thopters but also taps artifacts to make a creature unblockable for a turn, amplifying the tactical advantage of small flying creatures. Similarly, Pia and Kiran Nalaar shine by spawning two Thopter tokens and providing flexibility in sacrificing artifacts for direct damage, showcasing the versatility and combat manipulation that Thopter cards often facilitate.
All in all, Thopter cards in MTG typify the blend of incremental advantage and tactical flexibility. Whether it’s establishing aerial dominance or enabling artifact interactions, cards in this vein, like Thopter Spy Network, Whirler Rogue, and Pia and Kiran Nalaar, each serve to highlight the depth and potential Thopter cards offer on the battleground. Their capacity to sway the match subtly yet significantly makes them a staple in applicable MTG decks.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thopter cards often enable players to create multiple artifact creature tokens without depleting their hand, effectively increasing their presence on the battlefield while keeping a full grip of cards. This ability to multiply assets without direct cost to your card resources can significantly tilt the balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Many Thopter-generating cards have synergies with artifact strategies that can ramp up your mana production. The Thopters themselves are artifacts, which can be utilized with various cards to tap for mana or even sacrificed for considerable resource acceleration, propelling you ahead of the game’s natural pace.
Instant Speed: Certain Thopter cards can be activated or cast at instant speed, offering flexibility in both offensive and defensive strategies. The ability to create blockers or threats on an opponent’s turn provides a tactical advantage, enhancing your control over the game’s flow and allowing for more reactive and nuanced play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thopter cards sometimes ask players to discard other cards, potentially pressuring your hand and diminishing future plays, especially during early-game scenarios where maximizing every card’s potential is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Many Thopter cards necessitate a blend of colorless and colored mana, making them less flexible for decks not built around a compatible mana base. This can hamper your ability to cast other spells when you need them.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Some Thopter cards come with a higher mana investment compared to alternative creature or artifact options. In competitive play where speed and efficiency are key, the mana you spend on a Thopter could be a setback if it doesn’t substantially impact the board.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thopter cards offer flexible support across various deck builds. With their inherent flying ability, they can be a strategic fit in strategies aiming for air dominance or needing reliable blockers.
Combo Potential: Thopters often synergize well with artifact-centered decks. Many have abilities that generate Thopter tokens, dovetailing into combos that exploit token proliferation or artifact sacrifice for game-altering effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a gaming environment where board presence and incremental advantages are key, the Thopter’s low casting cost paired with its utility can maintain momentum against a broad range of opposing tactics.
How to beat
Navigating the skies of any MTG battlefield, Thopter cards offer a flexible strategy with their often low casting cost and flying ability. Overcoming these nimble artifacts can be tricky due to their potential for buffing, utility in artifact synergies, and evasion techniques. To effectively counter a Thopter strategy, focus on card types that neutralize their advantages. Cards with reach or those that allow creatures to block multiple flyers can help mitigate the aerial assault. Board wipes are particularly effective, clearing the skies of Thopters regardless of their enhancements. Another tactic is using artifact destruction spells which target the backbone of Thopter decks, disrupting their synergy and rendering their strategy less effective.
Maintaining card advantage is also crucial. Utilize draw spells to replenish your hand, ensuring you have answers to the relentless swarm of Thopter tokens. Prioritize spells that can deal with multiple targets, such as Electrickery or Golgari Charm, since Thopter decks often rely on overwhelming opponents with a multitude of flying tokens. Lastly, incorporating cards that can switch up the game state, like Ensnaring Bridge, will keep Thopters at bay while you set up your win condition. A well-rounded deck with a balance of removal, card draw, and board control can navigate and dismantle a Thopter strategy successfully.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thopter MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Thopter and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Thopter Magic the Gathering card was released in 31 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 12 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2008-10-03 | Shards of Alara | ALA | 3 | 2003 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
2 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 5 | 2003 | Token | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
3 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 10 | 2015 | Token | Black | Adam Paquette | |
4 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 11 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
5 | 2016-01-01 | League Tokens 2016 | L16 | 5 | 2015 | Double Faced Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
6 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 7 | 2015 | Token | Black | Adam Paquette | |
7 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
8 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 9 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
9 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 9 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
10 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 6 | 2015 | Double Faced Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
11 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 14 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
12 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
13 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 26 | 2015 | Token | Black | Adam Paquette | |
14 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 25 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
15 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 11 | 2015 | Token | Black | Darren Tan | |
16 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 26 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
17 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
18 | 2020-09-25 | Zendikar Rising Commander | ZNC | 11 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
19 | 2021-02-05 | Kaldheim Commander | KHC | 8 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
20 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 29 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
21 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 19 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
22 | 2021-07-23 | Forgotten Realms Commander | AFC | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
23 | 2021-11-19 | Crimson Vow Commander | VOC | 6 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
24 | 2022-02-18 | Neon Dynasty Commander | NEC | 12 | 2015 | Token | Black | Johan Grenier | |
25 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 36 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
26 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War | BRO | 10 | 2015 | Token | Black | Samuel Perin | |
27 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Commander | BRC | 6 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
28 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Commander | ONC | 21 | 2015 | Token | Black | Richard Wright | |
29 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Japanese Promo Tokens | WMOM | 6 | 2015 | Token | Borderless | Naochika Morishita | |
30 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 16 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray | |
31 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 19 | 2015 | Token | Black | David Astruga | |
32 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 47 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
33 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 20 | 2015 | Token | Black | Samuel Perin | |
34 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 19 | 2015 | Token | Black | David Sondered | |
35 | 2024-03-08 | Fallout | PIP | 17 | 2015 | Token | Black | Victor Harmatiuk | |
36 | 2024-04-19 | Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander | OTC | 27 | 2015 | Token | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
37 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 26 | 2015 | Token | Black | Adam Paquette | |
38 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 | MH3 | 13 | 2015 | Token | Black | Andrew Murray |