Xyru Specter MTG Card
2019-11-07 - Number 51
2021-08-20 - Number 51
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Summon — Specter |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying When CARDNAME deals damage to an opponent, that player discards a card unless they challenge you. If challenged, and you show them two black cards in your hand, they must discard two cards.
Cards like Xyru Specter
Xyru Specter takes its unique position in the pantheon of specter creatures within the game. Much like other notorious specter cards, such as Hypnotic Specter, it hinges on the mechanic of causing discard upon dealing damage. However, Xyru Specter also brings a distinct offering to the table – it provides a card advantage only if your opponent doesn’t choose to take the hit. While the classic Hypnotic Specter forces a random discard with each successful attack, it doesn’t offer the choice or the potential card draw.
Looking at Blizzard Specter, another kin in the lineage, we note the added versatility it provides. Blizzard Specter not only makes your opponent discard but also grants you the option to return a permanent to their hand. This gives you more control over the board state, which is absent in Xyru Specter. Moreover, Liliana’s Specter enters the battlefield with an immediate discard effect, regardless of its ability to deal combat damage, which streamlines the discard process but lacks the conditional draw.
After reviewing the elements, Xyru Specter carves out its niche with a conditional player choice that can lead to either disruption or advantage, a trait that offers a dynamic playstyle for enthusiasts of discard-based strategies.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Xyru Specter offers a unique spin on card advantage by giving players the ability to disrupt an opponent’s hand while simultaneously stocking their own with potential threats or answers. Its ability to grant card superiority can be pivotal in outpacing the opposition.
Resource Acceleration: Unlike more straightforward mana dorks, Xyru Specter potentially accelerates your resources through its spectral tokens. These tokens can evolve your board state more aggressively and often catch an unprepared adversary off guard.
Instant Speed: Xyru Specter can be played at instant speed, allowing a strategic player to optimize their mana usage. This flexibility provides the freedom to weave a more reactive and adaptable strategy, responding in real-time to the shifting landscape of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Xyru Specter necessitates that players discard a card to unleash its full potential. This can backfire in situations where hand size is crucial, and dwindling options may leave you at a disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting Xyru Specter comes with the necessity of black mana, restricting its integration primarily to decks that run on black or have a reliable mana base to accommodate its specific cost.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three black mana and one colorless, Xyru Specter’s cost is steep compared to other creatures in its class. Players often weigh the benefits of flying and the discard ability against other creatures or spells that could be more impactful for the same investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Xyru Specter boasts a flexible role in multiple deck archetypes due to its ability to disrupt opponent’s hands while offering a potential flying threat on the board.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that capitalize on discarded cards, such as reanimator decks or those utilizing mechanics like Madness, opening avenues for powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where hand disruption is key to dismantling opponent strategies, the recurring effect of Xyru Specter can make it a recurring nuisance in the right setup, keeping pace with ever-evolving competitive play.
How to beat
Xyru Specter is an interesting challenge in deck match-ups due to its ability to become a formidable threat if left unchecked on the battlefield. This creature can stealthily chip away at your life while refilling your opponent’s hand, amplifying their strategic advantage with each draw. Addressing the presence of Xyru Specter requires prompt attention, and the key to overpowering it lies in eliminating it before its negative impact scales. Removal spells are your allies here – consider options like Murder or Path to Exile, which can dispatch this specter efficiently at instant speed.
Don’t overlook the power of board control cards either. Sweeping effects such as Wrath of God or Damnation help reset the playing field, eradicating Xyru Specter alongside any other threats that may have accumulated. If you prefer a more targeted approach, spells such as Unsummon or bounce effects can disrupt your opponent’s tempo, buying you precious time to establish control or swing the game in your favor.
In summary, overcoming a card like Xyru Specter involves strategic removal, maintaining board control, and staying ahead of your opponent’s game plan. With the right responses and a proactive stance, this specter becomes less daunting and more manageable within the scope of a well-orchestrated strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Xyru Specter MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021, 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 Xyru Specter 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
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Printings
The Xyru Specter Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Jeff Stewart.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 | CMB1 | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Stewart | |
| 2 | 2021-08-20 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021 | CMB2 | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jeff Stewart |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Xyru Specter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-12 | If you’re challenged, you may reveal any number of cards from your hand. The effect that allowed a player to challenge you will specify what you must reveal to win the challenge. |
| 2019-11-12 | “Summon” isn’t a card type. Xyru Specter is a creature. |