Universal Surveillance MTG Card


Universal Surveillance provides card advantage and ensures a constant flow of playable options. The card offers resource acceleration by allowing an extra land play each turn. Flexibility at instant speed gives strategic control and keeps you ahead of the game.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Improvise

Text of card

Improvise (Your artifacts can help cast this spell. Each artifact you tap after you're done activating mana abilities pays for .) Draw X cards.

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Cards like Universal Surveillance

Universal Surveillance is a unique card in the vast landscape of MTG, known for its monitoring capabilities on opponents’ movements. In terms of functionality, it resembles cards like Telepathy which also grants insight into your adversaries’ hands. Where Universal Surveillance excels is in its unrelenting observation, granting vision not just in one turn but persisting throughout the game. Telepathy, by contrast, provides transparency but lacks the endurance and comprehensive control offered by Universal Surveillance.

Additionally, there’s the card Peek, offering a fleeting glimpse at an opponent’s hand along with the advantage of card draw – albeit for a single round. Such cards provide strategic information but are momentary compared to the lasting surveillance of our subject card. While Peek acts as a helpful spy, it doesn’t provide the ongoing awareness that makes Universal Surveillance a game-long resource. Therefore, although both cards sit in the realm of insight, there is a clear distinction in their duration and depth of information provided.

Assessing these similar options, Universal Surveillance stands out in MTG for players seeking continuous intel on their opponent’s strategies, making it more than just a reactive tool, but a proactive cornerstone for strategic plays.

Telepathy - MTG Card versions
Peek - MTG Card versions
Telepathy - MTG Card versions
Peek - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Universal Surveillance by color, type and mana cost

Volcanic Eruption - MTG Card versions
Timetwister - MTG Card versions
Baleful Stare - MTG Card versions
Déjà Vu - MTG Card versions
Exhaustion - MTG Card versions
Time Ebb - MTG Card versions
Political Trickery - MTG Card versions
Dream Cache - MTG Card versions
Fade Away - MTG Card versions
Undo - MTG Card versions
Tinker - MTG Card versions
Sage's Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Relearn - MTG Card versions
Ingenious Mastery - MTG Card versions
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions
Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions
Tasha's Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
Reminisce - MTG Card versions
Fabricate - MTG Card versions
Counsel of the Soratami - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Eruption - MTG Card versions
Timetwister - MTG Card versions
Baleful Stare - MTG Card versions
Déjà Vu - MTG Card versions
Exhaustion - MTG Card versions
Time Ebb - MTG Card versions
Political Trickery - MTG Card versions
Dream Cache - MTG Card versions
Fade Away - MTG Card versions
Undo - MTG Card versions
Tinker - MTG Card versions
Sage's Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Relearn - MTG Card versions
Ingenious Mastery - MTG Card versions
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions
Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions
Tasha's Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
Reminisce - MTG Card versions
Fabricate - MTG Card versions
Counsel of the Soratami - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Universal Surveillance ensures that you are never left wanting for options. This powerful card grants you full access to the top card of your deck, meaning you can play it whenever the situation is right. It’s a fantastic way to keep your hand consistently filled with actionable plays.

Resource Acceleration: In addition to letting you peek at your future draws, Universal Surveillance offers the exceptional upside of ramping your mana resources. By providing an avenue to play an additional land each turn, it enables a faster deployment of your game plan, outpacing your opponent and increasing the pressure.

Instant Speed: One of the defining features of Universal Surveillance is its ability to act at instant speed. This flexibility allows players to hold back mana and make strategic decisions in response to the evolving battlefield. Reacting to opponents’ moves or optimizing your own turns based on the latest information ensures you’re always a step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Universal Surveillance necessitates discarding a card, which could backfire during critical moments when your hand is scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires blue and white mana, potentially restricting its incorporation exclusively to Azorius or multicolor control decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: A conversion cost of six mana, including two specific colors, might be too steep when alternative cards can accomplish similar goals with less investment.


Reasons to Include Universal Surveillance in Your Collection

Versatility: Universal Surveillance provides an outstanding flexibility as it allows players to keep an eye on their opponents’ hands while maintaining card parity. This enchantment can be easily slotted into various decks, from control to combo, enhancing your knowledge of the game state.

Combo Potential: Insight into your opponent’s hand isn’t just a defensive play; it can pave the way for strategic plays and combos. By knowing what’s coming, you can time your plays perfectly or disrupt your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment.

Meta-Relevance: In today’s dynamic game environment where strategy and anticipation are key, Universal Surveillance can give you the upper hand. Understanding the typical plays and trends in the meta allows this card to act as both a shield and a sword in your deck, making it a crucial addition for serious players.


How to beat

Universal Surveillance marks its presence in the realm of control cards within MTG with a curious ability to oversee the battlefield. Its capability to scrutinize an opponent’s hand and exile nonland cards presents a strategic edge, especially during the late game when precise knowledge of upcoming threats is invaluable. This characteristic makes it an asset in control decks that aim to dictate the tempo of the match.

However, like all cards, Universal Surveillance isn’t without vulnerabilities. To navigate past its prying eyes, one must emphasize speed and reduce reliance on high-impact spells that can become targets for its exile ability. Aggressive decks that deploy threats early and often can pressure a Universal Surveillance user before this card can fully shine. Additionally, leveraging instant-speed spells that can respond to the activation of Universal Surveillance’s ability, like counter spells, can turn the tide in your favor giving you the upper hand in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

Lastly, employing strategies that capitalize on card types beyond nonland spells, such as powerful land-based mechanics, can circumvent the blanket of surveillance and disrupt the control player’s plans, making Universal Surveillance less of a concern as you drive towards victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Universal Surveillance is a bit of a game-changer for MTG enthusiasts. The card advantage and additional land play it offers can truly catapult your game to new heights. On the fence about adding it to your collection? We strongly advise giving this card a spin. Not only can it enhance your strategic plays, but it can also evolve with the meta, keeping you one step ahead. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and get a deeper understanding of how Universal Surveillance can revolutionize your deck, join us. We’re here to help you harness the full power of your deck and elevate your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Universal Surveillance MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Neon Dynasty Commander, 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 Universal Surveillance and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Universal Surveillance Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Aaron J. Riley.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979352015NormalBlackAaron J. Riley
22022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 172015NormalBlackAaron J. Riley
32022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 272015Art seriesBorderless
42022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 542015NormalBlackAaron J. Riley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Universal Surveillance has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal