Xathrid Slyblade MTG Card


The Slyblade offers an edge by protecting your game plan with its hexproof ability when flipped. Its instant speed morphing allows for reactive plays, adapting quickly to changing game states. Despite the utility, its mana investment is steep, potentially straining your resources.
Xathrid Slyblade - Magic 2015
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Assassin
Abilities Hexproof
Released2014-07-18
Set symbol
Set nameMagic 2015
Set codeM15
Power 2
Toughness 1
Number124
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySteve Prescott

Text of card

Hexproof (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.) : Until end of turn, Xathrid Slyblade loses hexproof and gains first strike and deathtouch. (It deals combat damage before creatures without first strike. Any amount of damage it deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.)

Designed by Rob Pardo


Cards like Xathrid Slyblade

Xathrid Slyblade from MTG makes its mark as a unique creature within the vast array of black cards. Its closest peer is perhaps the Masked Assassin, which also harbors hidden potential with similar morph abilities. Both creatures can pay mana to turn face up, but the Xathrid Slyblade distinguishes itself with its hexproof ability, protecting it from targeted spells—a feature the Masked Assassin lacks.

In the realm of combat tricks, there’s Nantuko Vigilante. While not sharing the hexproof trait, this creature also exploits the morph mechanic to destroy artifacts or enchantments. Unlike Xathrid Slyblade, the Vigilante rather targets non-creature permanents. Both cards offer players tactical surprise twists during gameplay. Moreover, Skinthinner resembles our Slyblade in function; it morphs to destroy a creature, but it cannot grant itself hexproof. Therefore, the Slyblade upholds a sturdier defensive stance.

Ultimately, Xathrid Slyblade offers both offensive and defensive strategies, making it a versatile card among creatures with morph. Its ability to dodge removal spells while threatening to become an assassin gives it a solid position in games that value stealth and resilience.

Nantuko Vigilante - MTG Card versions
Skinthinner - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Vigilante - MTG Card versions
Skinthinner - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Xathrid Slyblade by color, type and mana cost

Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Husk - MTG Card versions
Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Wall of Bone - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Lasher - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Husk - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When the Xathrid Slyblade is flipped face-up, its hexproof ability can serve as a safeguard for your strategies, effectively complicating your opponent’s removal plans and potentially keeping them a card behind.

Resource Acceleration: While Xathrid Slyblade doesn’t directly accelerate resources through traditional mana ramp mechanisms, by using its morph ability, you can conveniently manage your mana and develop your board, optimally utilizing your available resource each turn.

Instant Speed: The power of the Xathrid Slyblade lies in its morph ability to be turned face-up at instant speed, allowing you to react swiftly to threats, surprise your opponent with sudden hexproof, and smoothly adapt to the ebb and flow of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Xathrid Slyblade requires you to have Hexproof to utilize its full potential, which may necessitate additional cards or mana to achieve, potentially using up valuable resources.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s activation cost includes both black and generic mana, which could be cumbersome for multicolored decks that may not always have the precise mana available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a three mana requirement to cast and an additional mana to activate its Hexproof ability, the Xathrid Slyblade can be considered mana-intensive, especially when compared to other creatures or spells that provide immediate value or pose a greater threat on the board.


Reasons to Include Xathrid Slyblade in Your Collection

Versatility: Xathrid Slyblade offers flexibility in deck building due to its ability to morph, becoming a powerful assassin on the battlefield. It can serve as an unsuspecting blocker or a strategic attacker in the right circumstances.

Combo Potential: With its unique hexproof turning ability, this card can seamlessly integrate into strategies that require targeted removal while setting up for combo plays, slipping through defenses or enabling sacrifice synergies.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that’s constantly shifting, having a card like Xathrid Slyblade can be crucial. Its adaptability to various situations makes it a worthy inclusion, competitive in environments where unsuspected threats can turn the tide of battle.


How to beat

When your match includes the Xathrid Slyblade, you’re dealing with a stealthy and potential game changer in the combat phase. One of its main strengths is its Hexproof ability, keeping it safe from targeted spells or abilities until its transformation. To circumvent this, focus on using board wipes or cards that affect each creature rather than targeting individual ones. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can handle the Xathrid Slyblade without triggering its Hexproof.

Furthermore, since the Slyblade must tap and pay mana to become unprotected and gain deathtouch, timing your removal spells after the Hexproof is lost but before the creature deals damage becomes crucial. Fast acting instant removals like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can effectively take it out before it becomes lethal. Also, keeping creatures with First Strike or cards that prevent combat damage can neutralize the risk if combat is unavoidable. Ultimately, understanding the Slyblade’s activated abilities and having a strategy to disrupt its mechanics are key to maintaining control over the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Xathrid Slyblade MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015, 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 Xathrid Slyblade and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Xathrid Slyblade has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal