Instill Infection MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Instill Infection pairs removal with card drawing, pivotal for maintaining resource equilibrium.
  2. Instant speed allows tactical responses, giving players a crucial element of surprise.
  3. Enhances decks focusing on -1/-1 counters, bringing additional synergy and combo potential.

Text of card

Put a -1/-1 counter on target creature. Draw a card.

"The results of our ninth inoculation were the same. The specimen was, of course, euthanized before the contagion could spread." —Vedalken research notes


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Instill Infection provides an edge through its ability to draw a card after resolving its effect. This not only removes a target creature but also replaces itself in your hand, helping to maintain or pull ahead in the resource battle.

Resource Acceleration: Although Instill Infection does not directly accelerate resources in the form of mana or tokens, its inclusion in a deck can free up other card slots that may focus on creature removal, thus indirectly contributing to more efficient deck functioning.

Instant Speed: The capacity to utilize Instill Infection at instant speed is a tactical advantage, allowing players to respond effectively to opponents’ actions during their turn. This can disrupt their strategy and give you the element of surprise, often swinging the momentum of the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Instill Infection demands you to part with another card from your hand, which can deplete your resources and potentially leave you at a disadvantage, especially in tight situations where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a precise combination of mana types, making it less flexible and requiring a dedicated spot in decks that can accommodate its black mana cost. This limitation may deter it from being a staple in more versatile or multi-colored deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluated against other options in the game, Instill Infection’s mana investment might be seen as steep for its effect. Players might find themselves weighing its benefit against other cards that could offer a similar impact for a lower cost or provide additional advantages, affect the board state more significantly, or align better with their overarching game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Instill Infection offers a multi-faceted approach to gameplay, suitable for decks that strive for board control. Its ability to deal damage and generate card advantage makes it a useful tool in various situations.

Combo Potential: This card can enhance strategies centered around -1/-1 counters, synergizing with other cards that benefit from or proliferate these counters.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with creature-based strategies, Instill Infection can be a key player, efficiently removing creatures while keeping your hand replenished, maintaining both board presence and momentum.


How to beat

Instill Infection is a specialized card within the black mana sphere of Magic: The Gathering. Renowned for its dual-purpose ability, this card not only causes damage by giving a creature -1/-1 until end of turn, but it also allows the player to draw a card. Despite its benefits, like disrupting opposing creature strategies and replenishing your hand, Instill Infection can be countered effectively.

For those facing Instill Infection across the table, the key is to shield your creatures or invalidate the spell. Counterspells, hexproof, or indestructible abilities are your best friends in this confrontation. Alternatively, instant-speed creature buffs can surprise an opponent, turning a lethal spell into a dud. Cards like Gods Willing can provide protection to a targeted creature, while blossoming defense adds a layer of power and resilience. Swift strategies can neutralize the impact of Instill Infection and maintain your board presence.

By anticipating possible removal actions and preparing countermeasures, you can stand your ground against Instill Infection’s attempt to disrupt play. It’s a delicate dance of action and reaction, but with a well-prepared counter-strategy, you restrain the infection from spreading and maintain the integrity of your game plan.


Cards like Instill Infection

Instill Infection is an intriguing card within the pantheon of creature removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. In the same realm, we find Grasp of Darkness as a noteworthy parallel. Both cards decreases a creature’s power and toughness, though Grasp of Darkness offers a more potent reduction. Yet, Instill Infection pulls ahead by allowing the player to draw a card, adding a layer of card advantage not granted by Grasp of Darkness.

Another kindred spell is Dead Weight. This enchantment permanently weakens a creature but lacks the immediate impact and card draw provided by Instill Infection. Pharika’s Cure also shares similarities, delivering life gain in addition to targeting a creature’s toughness. However, it doesn’t offer the new card like Instill Infection does.

Ultimately, while each of these spells has its own place in deck strategies, Instill Infection offers a combination of creature weakening and card drawing that is unique to its design, making it a versatile option for players who seek to maintain their hand while dealing with opposing threats.

Grasp of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Dead Weight - MTG Card versions
Pharika's Cure - MTG Card versions
Grasp of Darkness - Scars of Mirrodin (SOM)
Dead Weight - Innistrad (ISD)
Pharika's Cure - Theros (THS)

Cards similar to Instill Infection by color, type and mana cost

Sewers of Estark - MTG Card versions
Feast or Famine - MTG Card versions
Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Nocturnal Raid - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Haze - MTG Card versions
Insidious Dreams - MTG Card versions
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - MTG Card versions
Death Pulse - MTG Card versions
Irradiate - MTG Card versions
Burden of Greed - MTG Card versions
Shriveling Rot - MTG Card versions
Hideous Laughter - MTG Card versions
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - MTG Card versions
Chill to the Bone - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Trap - MTG Card versions
Snuff Out - MTG Card versions
Tendrils of Corruption - MTG Card versions
Launch Party - MTG Card versions
Grisly Spectacle - MTG Card versions
Fatal Fumes - MTG Card versions
Sewers of Estark - HarperPrism Book Promos (PHPR)
Feast or Famine - Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari (DDJ)
Slaughter - Exodus (EXO)
Nocturnal Raid - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Psychotic Haze - Torment (TOR)
Insidious Dreams - Torment (TOR)
Hagra Mauling // Hagra Broodpit - From Cute to Brute (PCTB)
Death Pulse - Onslaught (ONS)
Irradiate - Mirrodin (MRD)
Burden of Greed - Darksteel (DST)
Shriveling Rot - Darksteel (DST)
Hideous Laughter - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
When Fluffy Bunnies Attack - Unhinged (UNH)
Chill to the Bone - Coldsnap (CSP)
Ravenous Trap - The List (PLST)
Snuff Out - Doctor Who (WHO)
Tendrils of Corruption - The List (PLST)
Launch Party - Jumpstart (JMP)
Grisly Spectacle - Iconic Masters (IMA)
Fatal Fumes - Dragon's Maze (DGM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Instill Infection MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Modern Masters 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 Instill Infection and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Instill Infection Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Chris Rahn.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 682003normalblackChris Rahn
22015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 852015normalblackChris Rahn
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 6952015normalblackChris Rahn
42020-09-26The ListPLST MM2-852015normalblackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Instill Infection has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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