Veil of Assimilation MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Number | 37 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Wayne Wu |
Text of card
Whenever Veil of Assimilation or another artifact enters the battlefield under your control, target creature you control gets +1/+1 and gains vigilance until end of turn.
"Hear only harmony. See only glory. Speak only truth." —Atraxa
Understanding Veil of Assimilation’s Place in the Meta
Veil of Assimilation joins the ranks of enchantments in Magic: The Gathering that distill complexity from the battlefields of play. It stands shoulder to shoulder with cards like Imprisoned in the Moon, which sidelines a troublesome permanent by converting it into a harmless basic land. While Veil of Assimilation doesn’t outright neutralize the permanent, it does forge an advantage by stripping an opponent of their options with skillful precision.
Cards like Veil of Assimilation
Veil of Assimilation undoubtedly brings a unique mechanic to the battlefield, and when compared to similar effects within MTG, this card offers a nuanced approach to disrupting opponent strategies. Imprisoned in the Moon is a card that shares the essence of transformation, turning a creature or planeswalker into a land, but lacks the recursive theft Veil of Assimilation can execute with permanents lost to the exile zone. Then there’s Confiscation Coup, which also seizes control of an asset, but once again, it does this only upon entry and without the potential for repeated asset appropriation that Veil of Assimilation can achieve over the course of a game.
Each of these cards presents control players with options for dealing with threats, but it’s the continuous and potentially game-long impact of Veil of Assimilation that sets it apart. Imposing both a looming threat of exiling permanents and the subsequent appropriation of those exiled pieces, this card adds a layer of depth to game dynamics that its contemporaries simply cannot match.
Cards similar to Veil of Assimilation by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Veil of Assimilation enables you to exile an opponent’s cards, effectively negating their strategies while padding your own options. This can be particularly advantageous if you control the flow of cards and maintain upper hand in card quality and quantity.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, it disrupts your opponent’s resources, slowing down their game plan and accelerating yours by comparison. This subtler form of resource acceleration can be crucial in tipping the scales in a match.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Veil of Assimilation at instant speed offers you the flexibility to respond during your opponent’s turn. This can be pivotal in reactive strategies, allowing you to wait for the most opportune moment to disrupt their play without sacrificing the momentum of your own.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Veil of Assimilation requires players to discard a card, which could be detrimental when hand resources are already stretched thin, particularly in longer games where every card in hand is vital.
Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a very particular mana cost that may not easily fit into multi-colored decks, potentially limiting its integration into a wide array of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Veil of Assimilation has potential benefits, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other cards in its category, making it a less appealing choice when deck building for efficiency and tempo.
Reasons to Include Veil of Assimilation in Your Collection
Versatility: Veil of Assimilation offers a unique blend of disruption and protection that can be a game-changer in matches. Its ability to shut down activated abilities of a target artifact or creature makes it a flexible tool for various situations.
Combo Potential: This card opens up possibilities for inventive deck builders. It can be woven into strategies that aim to neutralize key components of your opponent’s game plan, thereby enhancing your own combo set-ups.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting landscape of the competitive scene, having Veil of Assimilation at your disposal means you’re well-equipped to handle decks that rely heavily on activated abilities, maintaining your edge in a diverse meta.
How to beat
Veil of Assimilation presents itself as a quirky and effective way to disrupt opponent strategies in MTG. This card shines by converting an opponent’s creature to your side of the battlefield. When it comes to facing this card in a game, it’s vital to understand that its strength lies in its ability to target and turn key creatures against their owner.
One effective tactic is to limit the number of impactful creatures you play, minimizing the potential targets for Veil of Assimilation. Additionally, running instant-speed removal or hexproof-enabling cards can thwart your opponent’s attempts at taking control of your creatures. If you’re in blue, consider countermagic to stop Veil of Assimilation from resolving in the first place, or use bounce spells to return the targeted creature to your hand in response.
Another strategy is to employ sacrifice effects, allowing you to reap a benefit from your creature before losing it to the Veil. As with any powerful card, adapting your play to accommodate its presence is key, and knowing when to hold back or push forward can make all the difference when Veil of Assimilation is a potential threat on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Veil of Assimilation MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Veil of Assimilation 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Veil of Assimilation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.