Xenic Poltergeist MTG Card
1994-03-04 - Number 20
1995-04-01 - Number 173
1995-04-01 - Number 173
1995-08-01 - Number 69
1995-08-01 - Number 60
1997-03-24 - Number 206
2011-01-10 - Number 104
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Tap to turn target non-creature artifact into an artifact creature with both power and toughness equal to its casting cost. This transformation lasts until your next upkeep; target retains all its original abilities as well.
Cards like Xenic Poltergeist
Exploring the realm of unique abilities in Magic: The Gathering, Xenic Poltergeist offers a rare effect, transforming noncreature artifacts into creatures temporarily. This stands in comparison to Karn, Silver Golem who also animates noncreature artifacts. However, Xenic Poltergeist does not alter the artifact’s original properties whereas Karn can change an artifact’s power and toughness reflecting its cost.
Analogous abilities are also seen in Tezzeret the Seeker, who turns artifacts into 5/5 creatures, but where Xenic Poltergeist allows for smaller artifacts to retain their size, Tezzeret overshadows them with uniform might. March of the Machines is another notable mention that shares a similar effect, except it’s a lasting change for all artifacts on the battlefield. Xenic Poltergeist stands out by offering a controlled, targeted alteration that can be strategically advantageous.
Evaluating these alternatives provides insight into the versatile role Xenic Poltergeist can play. It may not match the raw power of Tezzeret or the sweeping effect of March of the Machines, but its precision makes it a worthy utility in decks that can exploit the temporary creature status of artifacts.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Xenic Poltergeist provides a unique form of board flexibility by transforming noncreature artifacts on the battlefield into creatures. This can unexpectedly turn seemingly benign artifacts into threats, enabling players to make the most of all the resources at their disposal.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be strategically important in decks focused on artifact synergies. Converting an artifact into a creature can be coupled with effects that untap creatures for additional uses, or to simply surprise opponents by creating an unexpected blocker or attacker on the field. This effectively maximizes the use of artifacts that may have already served their initial purpose.
Instant Speed: Though Xenic Poltergeist itself is not an instant, it grants artifacts transformed into creatures the ability to be used at instant speed, if they have abilities that allow it. This adds a level of depth to gameplay decisions and can disrupt the opponent’s strategy during their turn. Its activated ability can be used in response to various situations, providing a tactical advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Utilizing Xenic Poltergeist within your gameplay necessitates careful hand management due to its demand for the right card types to maximize value. This can lead to tricky situations, especially when your available card options are sparse.
Specific Mana Cost: Xenic Poltergeist requires a unique blend of mana to cast, tapping not only two generic mana but also one black mana. This specialized cost can restrict deck-building options and might not always align smoothly with a player’s mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for its ability to animate artifacts, players might find Xenic Poltergeist a bit too resource-intensive, particularly when there are alternatives that could animate for less or offer additional benefits on top of the animation effect.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Xenic Poltergeist offers unique flexibility by turning noncreature artifacts into creatures, which can seamlessly integrate into artifact-centric or control decks that manipulate the board state.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that capitalize on temporary creature creation or abuse artifact destruction, leading to potential game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifacts are prevalent, Xenic Poltergeist becomes a tool for turning passive artifacts into active threats or unlocking new angles of attack, making it a tactical addition reflective of the current meta.
How to beat
Xenic Poltergeist transforms everyday artifacts into powerful animated creatures within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This unique ability appears intimidating, but defeating this card is a matter of strategic play. When facing an opponent utilizing Xenic Poltergeist, swift removal of key artifacts before they can be animated is crucial. Cards like Shatter or Naturalize are efficient at dismantling artifacts, ensuring they never become a threat on the battlefield.
Moreover, keeping removal spells at the ready for when the artifacts are animated is also effective. Direct damage spells or targeted elimination such as Doom Blade against the freshly minted creatures can neutralize the immediate danger. Additionally, since the Xenic Poltergeist must tap to use its ability, it becomes vulnerable to sorcery speed removal if used during your opponent’s turn. Exploit this window of opportunity by using sorceries like Day of Judgment to clear the board.
Lastly, countering the initial casting of Xenic Poltergeist through counterspells or negating its activations with Stifle or Trickbind can halt your opponent’s strategy in its tracks. It is about anticipation and timely reactions. Correctly assessing the situation and utilizing your card pool can ensure your victory against this spectral threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Xenic Poltergeist MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities and Fourth Edition, 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 Xenic Poltergeist 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 Xenic Poltergeist Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 1994-03-04 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-03-04 | Antiquities | ATQ | 20 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 173 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 173 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 69 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 5 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 60 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 6 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 206 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Kerr | |
| 7 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 104 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Xenic Poltergeist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Xenic Poltergeist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Wears off at the beginning of the upkeep, not during upkeep. |
| 2008-08-01 | A noncreature permanent that turns into a creature can attack, and its abilities can be activated, only if its controller has continuously controlled that permanent since the beginning of their most recent turn. It doesn’t matter how long the permanent has been a creature. |