Unpredictable Cyclone MTG Card
2020-04-24 - Number 325
2020-04-24 - Number 139
2020-04-24 - Number 139p
2020-04-24 - Number 139s
2002-06-24 - Number 80885
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Abilities | Cycling |
Text of card
If a cycling ability of another nonland card would cause you to draw a card, instead exile cards from the top of your library until you exile a card that shares a card type with the cycled card. You may cast that card without paying its mana cost. Then put the exiled cards that weren't cast this way on the bottom of your library in a random order. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
Cards like Unpredictable Cyclone
Unpredictable Cyclone is a unique enchantment card that gives players a thrilling edge in Magic: The Gathering decks focused on grabbing chances and turning the tide. Its closest kin in terms of card mechanics is Possibility Storm, which also hijacks the normal casting process by pulling spells out of a player’s deck. However, where Unpredictable Cyclone exclusively affects cycling, Possibility Storm applies to all spells but lacks the cycling bonus.
Another similar MTG card is Wild Evocation, which like Unpredictable Cyclone, introduces an element of randomness to the game. But, unlike the focused strategy of Unpredictable Cyclone, which demands a cycling component, Wild Evocation pulls at the threads of chance each turn without specific triggers. Cascade cards like Bloodbraid Elf also offer comparable ‘free spells’ experiences, but they rely on spells having lesser mana costs, whereas Unpredictable Cyclone opens up any converted mana cost as long as cycling is involved.
While evaluating these cards, Unpredictable Cyclone stands out for its ability to dictate the battlefield’s tempo, potentially bringing high-cost cards into play early. This MTG card is a gambit, laced with the potential to unleash unexpected and game-changing effects for those willing to cycle through their deck and embrace the chaos of chance.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Unpredictable Cyclone. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Rakdos Combo | Legacy | MO82#CS |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unpredictable Cyclone offers a unique take on card advantage by replacing your draws with potentially more impactful free spells, offering a way to bypass mana costs and surprise opponents with unexpected plays.
Resource Acceleration: This enchantment accelerates your game plan by sifting through your library faster, ensuring you can access the cards you need at the right moment, thus fueling your strategy and momentum on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: While Unpredictable Cyclone itself is not an instant, it allows you to cast certain spells with instant speed as a result of its effect. This spontaneous play can disrupt opponents’ strategies and provide you with defensive or offensive options when they are most needed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One drawback of Unpredictable Cyclone is the necessity to remove a card from your hand each time you wish to activate its cyclone ability. This can result in a loss of valuable resources, particularly in the tense late-game stages when every card matters.
Specific Mana Cost: Unpredictable Cyclone demands a precise mix of mana to cast — three generic and two red. This makes it less versatile and can pose a challenge in multicolored decks that may struggle to provide the needed red mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, there’s no denying that Unpredictable Cyclone comes with a significant initial investment. Players may find that, due to this high cost, it competes for a spot with other impactful cards in the crucial five mana slot within their decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Unpredictable Cyclone is a dynamic addition to any collection, given its ability to transform any cycling action into a potentially game-changing play. This card slots into various deck archetypes that aim to cycle cards for value, providing an unexpected twist that opponents may struggle to counter.
Combo Potential: With its unique effect, Unpredictable Cyclone opens the door to numerous combo possibilities. By cycling cards, players can cheat high-cost spells into play, setting up for impressive turns that can swing the game in their favor or even create instant win conditions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s constantly evolving, having a card that can adapt and exploit the shifting tides is invaluable. Unpredictable Cyclone could be the wildcard in your collection that capitalizes on the frequent changes in popular deck types and the overall game flow.
How to Beat Unpredictable Cyclone
Unpredictable Cyclone offers players a unique way to leverage cycling. This enchantment transforms potentially dead draws into unexpected value by possibly cheating out more potent cards directly onto the battlefield. To counter this, consider including enchantment removal in your deck. Cards such as Disenchant or Naturalize can efficiently manage the Cyclone before it spirals out of control.
Counterspells also work well against it, so having a Mana Leak or Negate at the ready can preempt the Cyclone’s setup. Hand disruption tactics can throw off your opponent’s game plan as well. By using Thoughtseize or Duress, you can pluck the Unpredictable Cyclone out of their hand before they have a chance to cast it, maintaining the predictability of the match in your favor.
Ultimately, staying aware of the card and preparing your deck to handle enchantments will ensure that the only storm you face is the one you control. Keep the board clear and disruption high to weather any strategy that relies heavily on leveraging cards like Unpredictable Cyclone.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unpredictable Cyclone MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Unpredictable Cyclone 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
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Printings
The Unpredictable Cyclone Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by Noah Bradley.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 80885 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Noah Bradley | ||
| 2 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 325 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Noah Bradley | |
| 3 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Noah Bradley | |
| 4 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Promos | PIKO | 139p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Noah Bradley | |
| 5 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Promos | PIKO | 139s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Noah Bradley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unpredictable Cyclone has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unpredictable Cyclone card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-04-17 | Artifact, creature, enchantment, instant, planeswalker, and sorcery are card types. Supertypes (such as legendary) and subtypes (such as Giant) are not. |
| 2020-04-17 | If a spell has in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as the value of X when casting it without paying its mana cost. |
| 2020-04-17 | If the cycled card has multiple card types, you stop when you exile a card that shares any of those types. You don’t exile card to find one that shares all of its types, and you can’t choose to keep going to find a different one of those types. |
| 2020-04-17 | If you cast a spell “without paying its mana cost,” you can’t choose to cast it for any alternative costs. You can, however, pay additional costs, such as kicker costs. If the card has any mandatory additional costs, such as that of Swallow Whole, those must be paid to cast the card. |
| 2020-04-17 | If you exile your entire library without exiling a card that shares a card type, you put the library back in a random order and continue. You won’t draw a card. |
| 2020-04-17 | If you wish to cast the last exiled card, you do so as part of the resolution of the cycling ability. You can’t wait to cast it later. Timing permissions based on a card’s type are ignored. |