Degavolver MTG Card


Degavolver - Apocalypse
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Volver
Abilities Kicker
Released2001-06-04
Set symbol
Set nameApocalypse
Set codeAPC
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number6
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byRon Spencer

Key Takeaways

  1. Its modularity offers strategic card advantage through situational adaptability.
  2. Kicker costs accelerate resource generation, potentially delivering a quicker offensive.
  3. Versatility in combos makes Degavolver a valuable addition to a competitive MTG collection.

Text of card

Kicker o1o B and/or o R If you paid the o1o B kicker cost, Degavolver comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it and has "Pay 3 life: Regenerate Degavolver." If you paid the o R kicker cost, Degavolver comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it and has first strike.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Degavolver stands out for its potential to give you an edge in card utility. Although it doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its modular abilities let you adapt to varying game situations, providing a form of card advantage through versatility.

Resource Acceleration: This creature can be pivotal in resource acceleration strategies. Thanks to its kicker costs, Degavolver can enter the battlefield with additional +1/+1 counters, potentially becoming a substantial threat quicker than other creatures of similar mana value.

Instant Speed: Degavolver’s abilities aren’t at instant speed, but the card certainly rewards MTG players who can manage their resources wisely. The flexibility to pay the kicker cost as you cast it allows for sophisticated plays, adapting to the fluid dynamics of the game while keeping your opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Degavolver offers a flexible evolution ability, accessing its full potential can be hampered if the required cards aren’t readily available in your hand. This may lead to situations where you have to let go of essential cards, thus undermining your strategic plans.

Specific Mana Cost: Degavolver’s activation cost demands colored mana specific to its kicker abilities. This not only restricts the types of decks that can reliably harness its powers but also poses a challenge when attempting to balance your mana base, especially in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a base cost along with additional mana for its kicker effects, Degavolver’s investment might outweigh its returns compared to other creatures at a similar or lower cost bracket. Players might find that utilizing these resources on other creatures or spells could result in a more immediate impact on the game’s state.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Degavolver stands out for its ability to adapt to various game situations thanks to its modal volving mechanic. With the right mana investment, it can either grow stronger or gain crucial abilities that can turn the tides of battle in your favor.

Combo Potential: Its kicker costs open up numerous possibilities for synergy with other cards that benefit from counters or abilities activation. The Degavolver works well in decks that manipulate +1/+1 counters or those looking to exploit its pro-red or pro-white abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a playing field where creature-based strategies dominate, Degavolver can serve as a flexible response. Its potential to become a larger threat or a specialized creature that can block some of the common meta threats makes it a smart addition to collections aiming to compete in fluctuating environments.


How to Beat Degavolver

In the realm of MTG, Degavolver presents as a multifaceted creature card that offers versatility with its kicker costs. Crafted to give players the option to adapt on-the-go, this creature can grow to become quite the formidable opponent on the battlefield. However, despite its potential, overcoming Degavolver relies on strategical plays and pinpoint timing.

To effectively counter it, a player must prioritize removal spells that can target Degavolver before its abilities become too overwhelming. Spells like Swords to Plowshares or Fatal Push provide efficient solutions that deal with Degavolver at a low cost. As it’s a creature of potentially variable size, it’s crucial to assess the mana availability your opponent has to maximize their creature’s abilities and plan your removal accordingly.

Moreover, preventive strategies work well to handle Degavolver. Employing counterspells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak when your opponent attempts to cast Degavolver, especially with additional kicker costs, can nip the threat in the bud. Lastly, maintaining board control with creatures that can outclass Degavolver in combat or cards that restrict your opponent’s ability to pay kicker costs will also tilt the match in your favor.


Cards like Degavolver

Degavolver is a versatile creature card in Magic: The Gathering that fits well into decks emphasizing +1/+1 counters and offers adaptability during play. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other creatures like Rakavolver or Necravolver, which also stem from the Volver family and share the feature of having optional kickers for additional effects. However, Degavolver shines in its potential for regeneration and power increase. Unlike its cousins, which offer alternative abilities like flying or lifelink, Degavolver can become a formidable blocker with the right mana investment.

Taking a broader look at creatures with modular abilities, we also see cards like Arcbound Ravager. While not a Volver, the Ravager allows for an aggressive growth strategy by moving +1/+1 counters from artifacts about to perish, to itself, rapidly increasing its power. Unlike Degavolver, it doesn’t offer the regeneration option, but it brings its explosive potential to the board, especially in artifact-heavy decks.

In essence, Degavolver’s real strength lies in its defensive capabilities and the strategic depth it offers. It’s a thought-provoking choice for MTG players who appreciate creatures that can adapt to various situations and serve as long-standing battlefield assets.

Rakavolver - MTG Card versions
Necravolver - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Ravager - MTG Card versions
Rakavolver - Apocalypse (APC)
Necravolver - Apocalypse (APC)
Arcbound Ravager - Darksteel (DST)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Degavolver MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse, 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 Degavolver and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Degavolver has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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