Wasp of the Bitter End MTG Card
2017-07-14 - Number 206
2020-08-13 - Number 134
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Insect Horror |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever you cast a Bolas planeswalker spell, you may sacrifice Wasp of the Bitter End. If you do, destroy target creature.
As the Second Sun glided into its final position in the sky, a chorus of wings sounded to herald the return of Nicol Bolas.
Cards like Wasp of the Bitter End
Wasp of the Bitter End is an intriguing piece in the Magic: The Gathering creature lineup. As a member of the insect family with flying, it takes its place alongside other flying insects such as Baleful Strix, although it carries the unique ability to contribute to the cycling mechanic. Wasp of the Bitter End activates when you cycle or discard another card, distinguishing itself by allowing you to destroy a target creature or planeswalker.
Another insect to consider is Serrated Scorpion, which doesn’t boast flying but shares the low mana cost and presents an advantage in being able to deal damage to each opponent when it dies. This element of direct damage provides a different strategic angle. Then there’s Thopter Squadron, a larger flying artifact creature that can also produce additional flying tokens, although it comes with a higher mana cost and lacks direct interaction with the discard mechanic.
In essence, Wasp of the Bitter End provides a valuable niche within MTG creature play, meshing well with cycling decks and offering targeted removal options, which bolsters its position as a card to consider in certain strategies.
Cards similar to Wasp of the Bitter End by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wasp of the Bitter End lets you maintain pressure on the battlefield while also acting as potential removal, leading to a subtle advantage in board state. Every time you counter a spell with Wasp on the field, you’re inching ahead in the game, effectively getting more out of your card than merely a creature.
Resource Acceleration: Handy in decks harnessing the power of the graveyard, Wasp of the Bitter End can help cycle through your deck more efficiently. By sending your countered spells to the graveyard, you accelerate your resources to harness with other graveyard synergistic mechanics, paving the way for more strategic plays.
Instant Speed: Wasp of the Bitter End’s triggered ability operates at instant speed, providing flexibility and surprise. You can disrupt your opponent’s game plan during their turn, which can be pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Wasp of the Bitter End requires you to discard a card to trigger its effect. This can potentially deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options later in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates black mana to cast, which constrains deck-building options. It may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that do not heavily utilize black mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost might demand more mana resources than other creatures with similar abilities. Considering the investment, you might find alternative creatures or spells that are more cost-efficient for your strategy.
Reasons to Include Wasp of the Bitter End in Your Collection
Versatility: Wasp of the Bitter End is a flexible addition to any collection, capable of seamlessly integrating into various deck archetypes. Its flying ability gives it an edge in evading ground-based defenses, making it a valuable attacker or defender as the situation requires.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergy with Bolas planeswalkers, providing not only a creature presence but also an opportunity to control the board by destroying an opponent’s creature or planeswalker when a Bolas planeswalker is played. Its dual utility can become the linchpin in tightly constructed combos.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its role in complementing Bolas-related strategies, Wasp of the Bitter End has its place in decks tailored to exploit the synergies within the current metagame. Its ability to respond to the casting of prominent planeswalkers allows it to be a tactical asset against various prevalent competitive decks.
How to beat
Wasp of the Bitter End is a unique creature card that players may encounter in their MTG battles. Its abilities revolve around the synergy with a deck’s strategy, as it is particularly potent in scenarios involving Bolas planeswalkers. The flying attribute means it can evade many ground-based defenses, and the added feature of creature removal upon casting a Bolas planeswalker card can disrupt an opponent’s board presence.
When devising a strategy to overcome this pesky insect, consider cards that limit its flying capability, such as Gravity Well, or removal spells that circumvent the conventional battlefield strategies, like Fatal Push, which can take care of low-mana creatures. Ensnaring cards like Pacifism also allow players to effectively restrain the Wasp without triggering its removal ability, providing another avenue to avoid its sting.
Therefore, while Wasp of the Bitter End can be a formidable foe when played alongside the right planeswalkers, players can outsmart and neutralize this threat with creative deck-building and timely card play. By anticipating the flight path of this wasp, MTG enthusiasts can prepare their decks to ensure that the Bitter End doesn’t come for them.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wasp of the Bitter End MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Wasp of the Bitter End and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Wasp of the Bitter End Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Tomasz Jedruszek.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-07-14 | Hour of Devastation | HOU | 206 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 134 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wasp of the Bitter End has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wasp of the Bitter End card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-07-14 | You choose a target for Wasp of the Bitter End’s triggered ability right after casting a Bolas planeswalker spell, but you don’t choose whether to sacrifice Wasp of the Bitter End or not until that ability resolves. If the creature becomes an illegal target, the entire ability doesn’t resolve and you can’t sacrifice Wasp of the Bitter End. |