Unscrupulous Agent MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Detective |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Michal Ivan |
Text of card
When Unscrupulous Agent enters the battlefield, target opponent exiles a card from their hand.
Obtaining evidence through the "proper" channels can take weeks of paperwork. Sometimes justice just can't wait.
Cards like Unscrupulous Agent
Unscrupulous Agent forges its place in the realm of combo-enabling cards in Magic: The Gathering. It nods at cards like Thassa’s Oracle, which seeks to end the game by exploiting library mechanics. Unscrupulous Agent’s power, however, lies in its versatility, letting you fill your graveyard, something Thassa’s Oracle doesn’t tamper with. Also, the Agent’s extra benefit of stealing an opponent’s spell contrasts sharply with the Oracle’s singular focus on a Devotion-based win condition.
Another relative is Notion Thief, which shares the concept of disrupting an opponent’s strategy by snatching their draw advantage. Notion Thief does this in a more direct, blanket fashion, while Unscrupulous Agent is selective but more punishing by targeting the spell itself. Diluvian Primordial is another card that interacts with opponent’s spells. Although it’s much pricier in terms of mana, it offers a formidable body on the battlefield along with its spell-theft ability, unlike the less-committal mana cost of the Agent.
Deciding on the inclusion of Unscrupulous Agent in a MTG deck calls for sizing up these nuances among its peers. It might not replace the other cards but instead works alongside or complements them based on the strategic direction of your deck.
Cards similar to Unscrupulous Agent by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Unscrupulous Agent. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | 86#CS | |
 | Orzhov Flash | Standard | Orzhov Flash | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024 |
 | Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Unscrupulous Agent gives players a significant edge by allowing them to peek at the top few cards of their library and cherry-pick the one they need, adding it directly to their hand. This selection process ensures that they’re drawing into their strategy and staying steps ahead of their opponents.
Resource Acceleration: Beyond simply drawing cards, this agent is savvy about resources. By generating additional mana through its abilities, it can be instrumental in ramping up to enable more powerful plays earlier on in the match, setting a brisk pace that can overwhelm the opposition.
Instant Speed: Flexibility in gameplay is crucial and the Unscrupulous Agent doesn’t disappoint. Being able to activate its ability at instant speed means you can adapt to the evolving battlefield on the fly—whether that’s in response to an opponent’s move or simply optimizing your own turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unscrupulous Agent compels players to discard another card to cast it. This trade-off is risky, especially in situations where your hand is already depleted or if the discarded card could have been pivotal for future strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue and black mana, Unscrupulous Agent may not be universally adaptable. Decks not running these colors or lacking the ability to produce them efficiently could face challenges incorporating this card effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be deemed steep for its effects, Unscrupulous Agent competes with other cards in the slot. Players may opt for lower-cost alternatives that don’t impose a discard penalty, thus questioning its slot efficiency in certain decks.
Reasons to Include Unscrupulous Agent in Your Collection
Versatility: Unscrupulous Agent offers a flexible role in your deck, easily sliding into strategies that thrive on manipulating opponents’ decisions and disrupting their plays.
Combo Potential: Acting as both an enabler and benefitting from other deception tactics within your deck, Unscrupulous Agent can work in tandem with cards that exploit your opponents’ weakened state.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where psychological play and control are key, the influence of Unscrupulous Agent can shift the tide of the game, making it a smart meta choice.
How to beat Unscrupulous Agent
Unscrupulous Agent is a clever piece in MTG that can disrupt your deck by filtering your opponent’s hand. It’s akin to cards like Thoughtseize, with the strategic advantage of hand knowledge and disruption. Unlike Thoughtseize, which allows you to choose nonland cards from your opponent’s hand, Unscrupulous Agent grants card draw, potentially leading to card advantage.
Navigating against Unscrupulous Agent involves strategic hand management. Concepts like playing out key cards to avoid discard, thus mitigating the Agent’s impact, are paramount. Players should also consider holding onto instant-speed removal or counterspells. Cards like Negate and Spell Pierce become invaluable, as they can directly counter Unscrupulous Agent while it’s on the stack, preserving your hand integrity.
Remember, cards that flexibly react to threats can be pivotal when facing such interference. Resourceful play and a keen sense of timing often prove to be crucial. Thus, understanding your deck and anticipating the opponent’s moves can help you maintain control and outmaneuver the disruption introduced by Unscrupulous Agent.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unscrupulous Agent MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Unscrupulous Agent and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unscrupulous Agent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |