Tidal Terror MTG Card


Tidal Terror enhances card advantage, allowing players to maintain a full hand and control the game flow. It acts as a resource accelerator, enabling faster deployment of creatures and spells to outpace opponents. Offers instant-speed adaptability for strategic play, forcing opponents to remain guarded and cautious.
Tidal Terror - March of the Machine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Octopus
Abilities Cycling,Islandcycling,Landcycling
Released2023-04-21
Set symbol
Set nameMarch of the Machine
Set codeMOM
Power 5
Toughness 6
Number82
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byNicholas Gregory

Text of card

Whenever Tidal Terror attacks, you may tap two other untapped creatures you control. If you do, Tidal Terror can't be blocked this turn. Islandcycling (, Discard this card: Search your library for an Island card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.)


Cards like Tidal Terror

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Tidal Terror is a unique entry in the realm of blue tempo spells. It bears similarities to other bounce spells such as Unsummon or Vapor Snag, which also focus on returning creatures to their owner’s hand. However, Tidal Terror stands out due to its capacity to target nonland permanents, offering broader flexibility compared to Unsummon’s creature-only restriction. Nevertheless, Vapor Snag has an added bite by inflicting 1 damage to the creature’s controller, offering a slightly more aggressive tactic.

Delving deeper, there’s Capsize, which shares the nonland targeting utility. Capsize comes with a built-in buyback mechanic, allowing for repetitive usage at the cost of additional mana. This recurring threat capability gives Capsize longer-term board influence, while Tidal Terror is a one-time affair. Additionally, Into the Roil deserves mention for its kicker mechanic that permits drawing a card if extra mana is paid. This gives the spell dual functionality as both a disruption tool and a means to maintain card advantage.

Through comprehensive analysis and comparison, it’s clear that while Tidal Terror aligns with various water-themed disruption spells, its broader application offers a distinct strategic advantage to players aiming to disrupt a myriad of threats across the battlefield.

Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tidal Terror by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Zanam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Zahid, Djinn of the Lamp - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Brine Elemental - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Zanam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Zahid, Djinn of the Lamp - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Brine Elemental - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tidal Terror serves as a pivotal tool for any player looking to build a wave of card advantage in their hand. By drawing cards, you can consistently flood your board with the right assets, ensuring you’re never found adrift without options in the heat of a match.

Resource Acceleration: In the vast ocean of gameplay, Tidal Terror can often act as a catalyst, speeding up your resource acquisition. It aids in summoning larger creatures or casting more spells sooner than your opponent, giving you a clear current to victory.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Tidal Terror at instant speed allows for reactive gameplay, enabling you to adapt to the ebb and flow of the match. Cast it during your opponent’s turn to maximize strategic depth, or make a splash when they least expect it, keeping your tactics as elusive as the sea itself.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the limitations of Tidal Terror in gameplay is the precondition that you must discard another card to use it. This can be particularly challenging when your hand is already sparse, causing you to sacrifice valuable assets that could potentially pivot the direction of the match.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Tidal Terror is demanding as it requires both blue and generic mana. This specification may not pose an issue in mono-blue or two-colored decks, but it can hinder the card’s inclusivity in more color-diverse decks where mana resources are stretched across a broad spectrum of needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to resource allocation, Tidal Terror’s mana value can be a deterrent. The balancing act of investing a substantial amount of mana for a creature card can potentially lead to lost tempo, especially when alternative options might yield a more immediate or impactful board presence for the same or a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Tidal Terror in Your Collection

Versatility: Tidal Terror can be a Swiss Army knife for blue-based decks, giving players the ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies while bolstering their own board presence with a formidable sea creature.

Combo Potential: This card opens up aquatic synergies and can be a linchpin in decks that capitalize on sea-themed cards. It can work well with other creatures and spells that gain added benefits from creatures with islandwalk or from having a certain number of islands in play.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-changing competitive landscape, Tidal Terror can come in handy as a meta-game tool. It serves as an adaptable piece in matches where large creatures rule the battlefield and control of the board is paramount.


How to beat

Tidal Terror can be a formidable card to face in the arena of Magic: The Gathering. As a card with potential to disrupt your strategy, understanding the ways to counter it is crucial for any player aiming for victory. One effective strategy is to use instant-speed removal spells, which can eliminate Tidal Terror before it has the opportunity to capitalize on its ability to become unblockable. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile are excellent choices for swiftly dealing with this threat.

Another angle to consider is employing counter spells, a preventive measure to ensure that Tidal Terror never sees the battlefield in the first place. Negate or Cancel are prime examples of spells that can prevent Tidal Terror from ever making an impact. Additionally, artifact-based strategies using Grafdigger’s Cage can stop the recursion of cards from the graveyard, a common synergy with Tidal Terror’s gameplay.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming Tidal Terror lies in anticipation and preparedness. By managing your resources wisely and selecting the right moment to act, you can neutralize Tidal Terror’s influence in the game, maintaining control over the match and paving your way to success.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tidal Terror MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Tidal Terror and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tidal Terror has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal