Vertigo Spawn MTG Card
2006-02-03 - Number 42
2016-08-26 - Number 125
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Illusion |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Defender (This creature can't attack.) Whenever Vertigo Spawn blocks a creature, tap that creature. It doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
Cards like Vertigo Spawn
Vertigo Spawn holds a curious niche within Magic: The Gathering as a defensive creature with the ability to incapacitate opponents’ attackers. This blue card bears resemblance to creatures like Thalakos Seer, which also carries the often underestimated ability to tap opposing creatures. However, Vertigo Spawn’s distinction lies in its ability to tap an attacker every time it blocks, due to its unique untap mechanic.
Looking at other creatures with similar functions, Frost Lynx enters the arena. It taps down a target creature when it enters the battlefield but lacks the consistency of Vertigo Spawn, which can repeat the action across multiple turns. Wall of Frost also presents a compelling comparison with its ability to freeze any creature it blocks, yet it doesn’t possess the flexibility of untapping itself like Vertigo Spawn does.
Ultimately, evaluating the utility of these creatures shows that while others might offer a one-time use or different advantages, Vertigo Spawn’s persistent capacity to intrude on an opponent’s combat strategy offers a unique tactical edge, making it a card worth considering in defensive MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Vertigo Spawn by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Vertigo Spawn offers a unique strategic advantage by locking down your opponent’s key creatures, effectively denying them card utility and potentially leading to card advantage on your side of the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Although Vertigo Spawn doesn’t directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, its low casting cost facilitates a quicker board presence, enabling you to allocate mana to other spells sooner in the game.
Instant Speed: This card’s triggered ability can be used at instant speed, disrupting your opponent’s plans during their turn and providing a tactical edge by deciding which creature gets tapped and potentially unable to attack or block at crucial moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Vertigo Spawn demands a strategic hand management due to its echo cost, which might put you at a disadvantage if your hand size is already diminished from previous plays or opposing disruptions.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue mana for casting and its echo cost, Vertigo Spawn can be restrictive in multicolored decks, compelling players to have a reliable blue mana base to utilize it effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: It’s notable that Vertigo Spawn’s utility in subduing an opponent’s creature comes at a two mana cost, which may be seen as inefficient when considering other low-cost creatures or spells that can provide a quicker board presence or control options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Vertigo Spawn offers flexibility in blue-centric control and tempo builds. Its ability to lock down potential threats with each attack makes it a nuisance for opponents across a variety of game states.
Combo Potential: With the capacity to consistently tap down opposing creatures, Vertigo Spawn can be a crucial part of combos that capitalize on tapped creatures, such as those utilizing cards like Opposition or Freed from the Real for control or infinite loop strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive creature decks are prevalent, having a low-cost creature that can effectively mitigate incoming attacks each turn can be influential in maintaining board stability while setting up for your winning strategy.
How to beat Vertigo Spawn
Vertigo Spawn presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This blue creature card is known for its ability to incapacitate attacking units, representing a tactical obstacle for opponents. Its power lies in being able to tap an attacker, effectively neutralizing the threat it poses for a turn. When faced with Vertigo Spawn, the key to overcoming its disruptive presence is removing it from play directly.
Targeted removal spells that bypass its ability can work wonders. Cards like Murder instantly destroy the creature, regardless of its tapping potential. Alternatively, flying creatures are a sound strategy, soaring over the Spawn’s reach, rendering its ability irrelevant. Additionally, cards that can grant mass unblockability such as Distortion Strike, can help your creatures avoid engagement with Vertigo Spawn entirely, allowing you to press the attack without hindrance.
Understanding and disrupting the synergies that your opponent might build around Vertigo Spawn is also critical. In essence, while Vertigo Spawn can be a thorn in one’s side, it is far from insurmountable. With the right strategies and card choices, this creature can be effectively managed or altogether bypassed, ensuring it becomes a mere ripple in your strategy rather than a tidal wave.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vertigo Spawn MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Vertigo Spawn 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
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Printings
The Vertigo Spawn Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2016-08-26. Illustrated by Ittoku.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 42 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ittoku | |
| 2 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 125 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ittoku |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vertigo Spawn has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vertigo Spawn card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-02-01 | If the creature was already tapped when Vertigo Spawn blocked it, that creature still won’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. |
| 2006-02-01 | If two Vertigo Spawns block the same creature, both abilities trigger, but each only affects the creature during its controller’s next untap step. The creature can untap during its controller’s untap step following that one. |