Twinshot Sniper MTG Card


Twinshot Sniper - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Goblin Archer
Abilities Channel,Reach
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number168
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBrent Hollowell

Key Takeaways

  1. Draw extra cards each turn with Twinshot Sniper, potentially turning the tide in long battles.
  2. Instant speed lets you maximize impact by choosing the optimal moment for Twinshot Sniper’s abilities.
  3. Be wary of its discard requirement and specific mana costs, which could limit its usage.

Text of card

Reach When Twinshot Sniper enters the battlefield, it deals 2 damage to any target. Channel — , Discard Twinshot Sniper: It deals 2 damage to any target.

"Pierce the heart and pierce the head, even the mightiest fall down dead."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Twinshot Sniper gives players an edge by letting them potentially draw an additional card each turn. This consistent advantage can tip the scales in prolonged matches, keeping your hand filled with options.

Resource Acceleration: Leveraging its ability to create token creatures, this card subtly boosts your resources. These tokens can be pivotal for ramp strategies, enabling you to deploy your threats earlier than usual.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed interaction cannot be overstated. Twinshot Sniper can be cast at the most opportune times, allowing you to maximize its effect by choosing the right moment to act, whether that’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy or protecting your own board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Twinshot Sniper mandates discarding a card to activate its key ability. This can inadvertently strain your hand if you’re running low on cards, making it a potential liability in drawn-out matches.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands both green and red mana, which could restrict its integration into a wider variety of decks. Players not using a Gruul (red-green) strategy may find the Sniper less adaptive to their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s four mana cost is a significant investment, especially considering it’s for a creature with a rather pedestrian 2/3 stat line. Within this same mana range, there are alternatives that may provide more immediate board impact or greater value over time.


Reasons to Include Twinshot Sniper in Your Collection

Versatility: Twinshot Sniper can easily fit within various deck archetypes due to its ability to deal direct damage while also offering card draw through its connive mechanic. It’s a well-rounded choice for players looking to add flexibility to their gameplay.

Combo Potential: This card’s capability to manipulate counters and its synergy with instant and sorcery spells make it a solid asset in decks that thrive on these interactions. Deploying Twinshot Sniper can set the stage for impactful plays and dynamic turns.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies prevail, the Sniper can be a crucial tool for controlling the board and maintaining advantage. Its relevance in current strategies ensures that it will be a worthy addition to your arsenal that can adapt as the meta evolves.


How to beat

Twinshot Sniper can be a tricky card to face off against in MTG. Players may find it challenging because of its innate ability to deal two damage split as you choose among one or two targets when it enters the battlefield. Its Encore ability further creates multiple copies for a single all-out attack. A smart strategy against this sniper involves removing it swiftly with instant-speed removal spells. Keeping low-cost removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile in your deck could be the key to preemptively stopping the Twinshot Sniper before its Encore ability can be a major threat.

Additionally, countering the card with spells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can prevent it from entering the battlefield altogether. It’s also quite effective to utilize creature-based strategies, such as putting out blockers with equal or greater toughness to absorb the damage Twinshot Sniper deals, effectively neutralizing its impact. As with many MTG encounters, managing your resources and knowing when to time your spells or abilities against the Sniper will often dictate the outcome of the match. By keeping these tactics in mind, you’ll stand a better chance at overcoming the pressure the Twinshot Sniper can put you under.


Cards like Twinshot Sniper

Exploring the nuances of the Twinshot Sniper within the vast Magic: The Gathering repertoire reveals its unique position. This card invites comparisons with precision-based creatures such as Cunning Sparkmage and Vulshok Sorcerer. Both cards, like Twinshot Sniper, provide the ability to deal direct damage to creatures or players. Where Twinshot Sniper edges ahead is its conniving Encore ability, letting it re-enter the battlefield and double the impact on a pivotal turn.

Analogous in function, Firebrand Archer is another card that deals damage to opponents whenever you cast a noncreature spell. Though lacking the direct targeting ability of Twinshot Sniper, the Archer compensates with a lower casting cost. In contrast, Twinshot Sniper’s advantage lies in its late-game potential via the Encore mechanic, giving it another round of utility and potential board control.

Ultimately, while each card finds its niche in different strategies and deck builds, the Twinshot Sniper distinguishes itself with its flexible Encore ability, resonating well with savvy players who favor recurring and targeted removal tactics in their MTG games.

Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions

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Ticking Mime Bomb - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Splitter - MTG Card versions
Urabrask's Anointer - MTG Card versions
RMS Titanic - MTG Card versions
Dinotomaton - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Buzzcrusher - MTG Card versions
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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Twinshot Sniper MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Twinshot Sniper and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Twinshot Sniper has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Twinshot Sniper card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-02-18 Discarding the card is part of the cost to activate a channel ability.
2022-02-18 If a channel ability requires a target, you may not activate it without a target just to discard the card.