Watcher in the Web MTG Card


Efficiently blocks multiple creatures, offering strong defense and conserving player’s life and board state. Specific green mana cost may limit use to certain deck types or require mana-fixing strategies. Excellent inclusion for meta where wide strategies are prevalent, providing significant combat deterrence.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Spider
Abilities Reach
Power 2
Toughness 5

Text of card

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Watcher in the Web can block an additional seven creatures each combat.

"Lost in the woods" is an optimistic way to describe a villager's disappearance. "Found in the woods" is frequently more appropriate.


Cards like Watcher in the Web

Watcher in the Web is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering with a distinctive ability that allows it to block an additional seven creatures each combat. This makes it a defensive powerhouse in situations involving multiple attackers. It finds competition in the card Guardian of the Ages, which also has a strong defensive presence. However, while Guardian of the Ages eventually becomes an offensive threat once it is attacked, Watcher in the Web maintains a consistent guard without transitioning to offense.

In comparing it to other spider creatures like Sentinel Spider, we find that Watcher in the Web lacks vigilance but compensates with its remarkable blocking capability. Meanwhile, Sentinel Spider combines vigilance and reach, providing a balanced offensive and defensive utility. Lastly, we’ve got Penumbra Spider, which offers a different kind of resilience by creating a copy of itself upon death, ensuring a persistent defense unlike Watcher in the Web’s one-time stopgap measure.

Conclusively, although it may not be as versatile as other defensive creatures, Watcher in the Web excels in its role as a dedicated blocker, adept at deterring even the most aggressive multi-creature assaults in the game.

Guardian of the Ages - MTG Card versions
Sentinel Spider - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Spider - MTG Card versions
Guardian of the Ages - MTG Card versions
Sentinel Spider - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Spider - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Watcher in the Web by color, type and mana cost

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Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Panther Warriors - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Watcher in the Web provides an effective defensive option that can deter multiple attackers at once, potentially preserving your other creatures or life total. This spider can block an additional seven creatures each combat, offering a substantial swing in board presence without sacrificing card quantity.

Resource Acceleration: Although Watcher in the Web itself doesn’t directly produce mana or accelerate resources, its ability to efficiently protect your life and other creatures helps maintain your board state. This enables you to commit more confidently to your game plan and devote resources to furthering your strategy.

Instant Speed: While Watcher in the Web isn’t an instant, the significant defensive capability it offers ensures that once it’s on the battlefield, it’s always a force to be reckoned with. That said, pairing it with flash-granting spells or abilities can surprise opponents and disrupt their combat calculations during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Watcher in the Web does not have a discard requirement, some players may misconceive the inclusion of certain abilities that necessitates sacrificing the creature. This is not the case with Watcher in the Web, however, understanding each card’s synergy within a deck is crucial for strategic gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: Watcher in the Web has a specific mana cost that includes green mana, potentially restricting it to decks that run forests or mana-fixing abilities. Players without access to green mana sources may find it challenging to integrate this card into their strategy effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total of five mana required to cast Watcher in the Web, this card may be considered costly in terms of mana efficiency. When you’re needing to establish a board presence or manage threats quickly, there might be other creatures or spells that provide a similar level of defense or utility for less mana investment.


Reasons to Include Watcher in the Web in Your Collection

Versatility: Watcher in the Web is a superb addition to decks that require a strong defensive line. With its ability to block an additional seven creatures each combat, it ensures your life total is protected against wide strategies like token or aggro decks.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with effects that trigger upon blocking or being blocked by multiple creatures. It can also be used creatively in conjunction with cards that reward you for having creatures with specific abilities or for engaging in combat with multiple creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where board swarms are common, Watcher in the Web can be a critical bulwark. It not only halts opponents’ aggressive swarms but also positions you favorably in the late game, where its sheer blocking capability can outmatch many common threats.


How to beat

Watcher in the Web is a formidable creature card that can make attacking into an opponent’s board a daunting prospect. Its key ability to block an additional seven creatures can turn it into a wall that frustrates any wide strategy your opponent might deploy. But like any card in MTG, there are strategies to overcome it.

One efficient method is to use removal spells that bypass its defensive prowess. Spells like Doom Blade or Murder can eliminate it regardless of how many creatures it can block. Another approach is to use flying creatures, as Watcher in the Web can only block creatures with flying if it has reached the state enabling it to do so. Cards like Shatter the Sky or Wrath of God can also clear the board, Watcher included, setting you up for a clean attack.

Remember, key to defeating this card and similar defensive stalwarts is to include versatile removal in your deck and be patient in timing your strikes. Overcommitting against a player with Watcher in the Web deployed without a clear strategy can lead to an unfavorable board state. Effective removal and evasion are your surest paths to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Watcher in the Web exemplifies a defensive keystone for MTG enthusiasts who understand the value of a stalwart defense. As much as the MTG world is about building overwhelming forces, it’s equally about tactical preservation and making each card count. With Watcher in the Web, you gain a guardian capable of repelling numerous attackers and keeping you in the game longer against swarm strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your collection, this card is a strategic asset worth considering. Dive deeper with us, enhance your deck, and outmaneuver opponents who underestimate the quiet power of a well-placed defender.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Watcher in the Web MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Mystery Booster, 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 Watcher in the Web and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Watcher in the Web Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Vincent Proce.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-04-08Shadows over InnistradSOI 2392015NormalBlackVincent Proce
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 13692015NormalBlackVincent Proce
32020-09-26The ListPLST SOI-2392015NormalBlackVincent Proce

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Watcher in the Web has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal