Tidal Wave MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 100
2016-06-10 - Number 75
2017-10-24 - Number 21
2019-11-07 - Number 526
2020-09-26 - Number EMA-75
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Put a Wave token into play. Treat this token as a 5/5 blue creature that counts as a Wall. Bury the token at end of any turn.
When mountains ride the sea, waves live upon the fields.
Cards like Tidal Wave
Tidal Wave brings a unique dynamic to the table in Magic: The Gathering as a defensive instant. Comparing it to other blue “fog” spells, such as the classic Fog Bank, showcases Tidal Wave’s immediate impact by creating a wall creature token with the ability to disrupt an opponent’s attack. Unlike Fog Bank, which remains on the battlefield as a permanent defensive unit, Tidal Wave’s token sacrifices itself at the end of combat, serving more as an emergency measure rather than a lasting defense.
Considering cards with a similar “on-the-fly” creature generation, AEtherize comes to mind, allowing you to return all attacking creatures to their owner’s hand instead of generating a blocker. The cost is higher, but the effect can be game-altering against numerous threats. Wall of Frost is another relevant mention with its ability to stop attackers in their tracks while surviving multiple battles — offering a more permanent solution compared to the ephemeral nature of Tidal Wave’s token.
To sum up, within the repertoire of blue defensive spells, Tidal Wave carves out its niche by being a cost-effective, surprising way to deter a single attack, situating itself cleverly between one-time spells and enduring defenders.
Cards similar to Tidal Wave by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tidal Wave presents an intriguing play by creating a token creature, essentially adding another card to the battlefield without losing one from your hand, providing you with an edge in maintaining board presence.
Resource Acceleration: While it might not directly increase your mana pool, having a surprise blocker like the Tidal Wave token can be pivotal in saving your resources for future turns or more crucial spells.
Instant Speed: The true strength of Tidal Wave lies in its instant speed, granting you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s attacks when they least expect it. This strategic timing could be the difference between a close loss and a triumphant victory.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For certain strategies, having to discard a card can represent a setback, particularly if the hand is already depleted or if the cards in hand are key components to your game plan. This requisite offsets the potential defensive value by possibly hampering your offensive capabilities.
Specific Mana Cost: Tidal Wave’s casting cost necessitates blue mana, which may not be readily available in multicolor decks that don’t heavily focus on blue. This can lead to situations where the card is uncastable due to a lack of the necessary mana sources at critical moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to deploy Tidal Wave is not insignificant. For three mana, other cards might offer more versatile responses or proactive plays. In fast-paced games or against decks that optimize for efficiency, the mana invested in this card could be seen as a loss when compared to other options in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include Tidal Wave in Your Collection
Versatility: Tidal Wave is a multifunctional card that suits a variety of blue decks. Its ability to create a surprise blocker can be crucial in saving life points or defending against surprise attacks.
Combo Potential: The instant speed of this card allows players to setup and execute combos during an opponent’s turn. It is frequently used in conjunction with cards that benefit from the creation or sacrifice of creatures.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt aggressive strategies, Tidal Wave remains relevant in metas dominated by creature-based decks. It provides a cost-effective way to handle threats temporarily and can be a game-changer in the right situation.
How to beat
Tidal Wave brings a versatile defensive option to the table, summoning a sizeable blocker at an instant’s notice. This card, often used as a quick fix against incoming attackers, can surprise opponents and protect your life total effectively. However, it’s crucial to recognize that, despite its strengths, Tidal Wave has its limitations.
Overcoming this sea-themed deterrent demands a mix of timing and resource management. Cards that prevent the casting of spells on your turn, such as Teferi, Time Raveler, can effectively neutralize Tidal Wave’s impact. Additionally, removal spells that can be cast at instant speed ensure that the generated blocker never gets the chance to fulfill its role. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile dispatch Tidal Wave’s token effortlessly, preserving your attacking momentum.
Focusing on tactics that bypass blockers can also render Tidal Wave redundant. Evasion abilities such as flying or trample help your creatures sail past the temporary aquatic defense. Implementing strategies that counteract instant-speed tricks will ensure that Tidal Wave becomes more of a minor ripple than a crashing wave in your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tidal Wave MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Eternal Masters, 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 Wave 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 Tidal Wave Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Brian Snõddy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 100 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 2 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 75 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 3 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 21 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 526 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | EMA-75 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tidal Wave has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |