Wavesifter MTG Card


Wavesifter excels in card advantage and strategic flexibility through its Clue token generation ability. The card demands specific mana and has a higher casting cost, potentially limiting its inclusion in decks. Despite drawbacks, Wavesifter’s versatility and combo potential make it a noteworthy choice for certain MTG strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elemental
Abilities Evoke,Flying,Investigate
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying When Wavesifter enters the battlefield, investigate twice. (To investigate, create a Clue token. It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.") Evoke (You may cast this spell for its evoke cost. If you do, it's sacrificed when it enters the battlefield.)


Cards like Wavesifter

Wavesifter emerges as a unique multifaceted option within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering creatures. It presents parallels to cards like Elvish Visionary, which allows for instant card draw upon entering the battlefield. While Elvish Visionary draws a single card, Wavesifter, with its evoke cost, offers a one-time draw of two cards and the added benefit of investigating twice. This creates a comparable card draw effect albeit distributed over a potentially longer span of time.

Turning the focus to Mulldrifter, another card with the evoke mechanic, it draws two cards at the same evoke cost. However, where Wavesifter distinguishes itself is through the investigate mechanic, granting future draw opportunities and artifact synergy. Coiling Oracle is yet another creature offering comparable value, though instead of drawing, it serves to ramp or draw by revealing the top card of your library, which could be beneficial or not, dependent on the deck’s composition.

All factors considered, Wavesifter holds a commendable position among creature cards that provide card advantage. Its ability to support artifact strategies and stretch resources across turns gives it a distinctive strategic edge in MTG gameplay.

Elvish Visionary - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions
Coiling Oracle - MTG Card versions
Elvish Visionary - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions
Coiling Oracle - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Wavesifter by color, type and mana cost

Moritte of the Frost - MTG Card versions
Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty - MTG Card versions
Prophet of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, the Toymaker - MTG Card versions
Overbeing of Myth - MTG Card versions
Keruga, the Macrosage - MTG Card versions
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary - MTG Card versions
Murkfiend Liege - MTG Card versions
Sages of the Anima - MTG Card versions
Species Gorger - MTG Card versions
Fleetfeather Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - MTG Card versions
Galloping Lizrog - MTG Card versions
Bioessence Hydra - MTG Card versions
A-Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Roalesk, Apex Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Gale, Primeval Conduit - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Scout - MTG Card versions
Ambassador Blorpityblorpboop - MTG Card versions
Moritte of the Frost - MTG Card versions
Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty - MTG Card versions
Prophet of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, the Toymaker - MTG Card versions
Overbeing of Myth - MTG Card versions
Keruga, the Macrosage - MTG Card versions
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary - MTG Card versions
Murkfiend Liege - MTG Card versions
Sages of the Anima - MTG Card versions
Species Gorger - MTG Card versions
Fleetfeather Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - MTG Card versions
Galloping Lizrog - MTG Card versions
Bioessence Hydra - MTG Card versions
A-Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Roalesk, Apex Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Gale, Primeval Conduit - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Scout - MTG Card versions
Ambassador Blorpityblorpboop - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Wavesifter. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
WUGWUG ModernModern Challenge 32 2024-05-06
WURGWURG ModernModern Preliminary 2024-03-12
WUBGWUBG ModernModern Challenge 32 2024-04-30
Four-Color GlimpseFour-Color Glimpse ModernHBMO24 - Sunday Modern ReCQ
WUBRGWUBRG ModernModern Preliminary 2024-03-15 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Wavesifter, when exploited, grants the ability to investigate twice. This enables the drawing of two additional cards upon sacrificing the Clue tokens, giving an edge by expanding your hand and options on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The Clue tokens produced by Wavesifter not only contribute to card draw but also act as a versatile asset. They can be used at pivotal moments, keeping you primed for strategic plays or unexpected shifts in the game’s dynamic.

Instant Speed: Although Wavesifter itself is a creature card, it synergizes well with instant-speed mechanics. Being able to crack open Clue tokens on your opponent’s end step ensures you stay reactive and flexible, potentially drawing into instant-speed answers or game-changing cards.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Wavesifter obliges players to actually sacrifice a Clue to trigger its draw card ability. This essentially means you’re losing a potential resource which could put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re running low on other cards in hand and counting on every draw.

Specific Mana Cost: To cast Wavesifter, you need a specific combination of green and blue mana. This makes the card less flexible, as it cannot be easily slotted into any deck but requires a certain mana base set up that supports these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Wavesifter offers the advantage of creating Clue tokens upon entering the battlefield or dying, its five-mana cost can be quite steep. Considering the mana investment, one could argue there are other cards available in the game that could provide similar or better card advantage for a lower mana cost.


Reasons to Include Wavesifter in Your Collection

Versatility: Wavesifter is an adaptable card that can be incorporated into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to evoke and create clues provides value, even in decks not centered on clue mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to generate clues makes it a perfect fit for strategies that capitalize on tokens or artifact synergies, offering numerous options for intricate combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-evolving landscape of the game, Wavesifter’s potential for card draw and board presence makes it a savvy choice for countering decks that rely heavily on single-target removal or lack card advantage.


How to beat Wavesifter

Wavesifter has made ripples in the MTG community for its ability to churn out Clue tokens, facilitating card draw and manipulation for many decks. However, like any card, it can be mitigated or bested on the battlefield. Addressing the creature before its evoke cost is paid may be key as it prevents the creation of Clue tokens. This can be achieved through the use of instant-speed removal spells which can be played in response to the evoke trigger.

Another strategy is creature counterspells or traditional removal options after Wavesifter has entered the battlefield. It’s important to consider the timing, ensuring it is done before your opponent can sacrifice those Clue tokens for card advantage. Also, grave hate can be pivotal, limiting the recursion often associated with evoke creatures. Moreover, strategies that prevent your opponent from drawing additional cards are equally effective, as they diminish the value gained from sacrificing Clue tokens, undermining the card advantage Wavesifter aims to create.

Taking these tactics into account could mean the difference between falling behind and staying afloat against the current that Wavesifter brings to the MTG landscape.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the dual nature of Wavesifter is essential to harness its full potential in MTG play. Using this card optimally requires a balance between timing and resource management. As the game unfolds, the strategic generation of Clue tokens can become a pivotal factor in maintaining card advantage. Whether looking to expand your deck’s versatility, explore new combo possibilities, or simply compete in the ever-shifting meta, Wavesifter can play a key role. Dive deeper into the tactical uses of this card and others like it, enriching your collection and gameplay. For an in-depth look at maximizing the effectiveness of your MTG strategies, join the community at BurnMana and stay ahead of the wave.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wavesifter MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Wavesifter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Wavesifter Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Nils Hamm.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 2172015NormalBlackNils Hamm
22021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 7262015NormalBlackNils Hamm
32024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 2202015NormalBlackNils Hamm

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wavesifter has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wavesifter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-06-18 The token is named Clue and has the artifact subtype Clue. Clue isn't a creature type.
2021-06-18 The tokens are normal artifacts. For example, one can be sacrificed to activate the ability of Breya's Apprentice and one can be the target of Break Ties.
2021-06-18 You can't sacrifice a Clue to activate its own ability and also to activate another ability that requires sacrificing a Clue (or any artifact) as a cost, such as that of Lonis, Cryptozoologist.