Canopy Stalker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Cat |
| Released | 2020-07-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Core Set 2021 |
| Set code | M21 |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 175 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ilse Gort |
Key Takeaways
- Advantageous in creature-heavy decks, replacing itself in hand upon death, and activating enter/exit triggers.
- Must-block ability potentially disrupts opponent strategies but requires careful play to avoid drawbacks.
- Demands specific mana and deck composition, competing with other four-mana value creatures in deckbuilding.
Text of card
Canopy Stalker must be blocked if able. When Canopy Stalker dies, you gain 1 life for each creature that died this turn.
The forest's cover offers shade, shelter, and an increased risk of sudden death.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Canopy Stalker encourages advantageous combat trades. If it dies, its ability to force a draw for its controller provides an edge by replacing itself in hand, mitigating the loss of the creature on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or tokens, Canopy Stalker synergizes well with decks that capitalize on creatures entering or leaving the battlefield to trigger effects for resource ramp.
Instant Speed: While Canopy Stalker itself isn’t an instant, it benefits from instant speed spells and abilities in MTG. Flashing in complimentary buffs or using instants that manipulate combat can maximize Canopy Stalker’s impact on the game, especially given its must-block clause.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Canopy Stalker compels a discard from the player if it dies while they control a creature with a power greater than 2, potentially backfiring during gameplay.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands an exact two green mana to cast, which might restrict its incorporation into multi-colored or mana-flexible strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a four mana value, there are alternative creatures at this cost threshold that might offer more impressive abilities or stats, potentially overshadowing Canopy Stalker’s place in a deck.
Reasons to Include Canopy Stalker in Your Collection
Versatility: Canopy Stalker is adaptable to various green-centered decks. It functions well in decks that emphasize creature presence and can be particularly effective in decks with a focus on life gain due to its must-be-blocked clause, which can potentially lead to favorable combat outcomes.
Combo Potential: With the ability to force blocks, Canopy Stalker pairs well with effects that punish blocked or blocking creatures. This synergizes with cards that might deal damage to creatures or otherwise utilize the combat step for additional benefits.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature combat is prevalent, Canopy Stalker shines. Its presence on the board can shape how opponents approach blocking, giving the user a psychological edge. Furthermore, as it is a creature that demands an immediate answer, it can divert attention away from other critical threats in your deck.
How to beat
Canopy Stalker is a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering known for its ability to force blocks and its death-trigger that gains you life. This ability can be quite a roadblock for certain strategies. A solid tactic to counter Canopy Stalker is to manage the battlefield with removal spells. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder can efficiently deal with it before you’re forced into an unwelcome block. Additionally, having flying or reach creatures gives you an edge, as Canopy Stalker can only be blocked by creatures with power 4 or greater – a limitation that flying creatures typically sidestep.
Control strategies also work well against Canopy Stalker. Counterspells, such as Counterspell or Neutralize, can prevent it from hitting the board in the first place. Board wipes, like Wrath of God or Damnation, are equally effective, clearing the way regardless of individual creature abilities. Lastly, leverage your life gain cards strategically. If the Canopy Stalker does trigger its life-gain ability upon death, cards that benefit from life gain or mitigate damage can lessen its impact on your overall strategy.
In essence, to outmaneuver Canopy Stalker, a combination of calculated creature management, utilizing the right spells, and strategic planning will ensure it doesn’t hinder your path to victory.
Cards like Canopy Stalker
Canopy Stalker is an intriguing creature card in MTG that invites comparison with other beasts of the forest. Evidently, it shares some common ground with cards like Skyshroud Sentinel, which also favors an environment surrounded by trees. Both creatures thrive with a green mana base, yet Canopy Stalker presents a unique ability that compels opponents to face it in combat, distinguishing itself in its aggressive playstyle.
Another similar card is Heir of the Wilds. Like Canopy Stalker, it’s a creature that benefits from its surroundings and comes with the added advantage of deathtouch. While Heir of the Wilds can threaten any potential blockers due to its deathtouch ability, Canopy Stalker forces engagement from the opponents, adding an element of strategy.
Exploring further, we see similarities with Snarespinner, a creature card adept at defending against flying creatures. Canopy Stalker doesn’t share this aerial defensiveness but compensates with its ability to guarantee combat with opponents, pushing for more direct encounters. This inherent aggression can prove invaluable for players adopting an assertive play strategy.
Analyzing these comparable creatures illustrates Canopy Stalker’s unique position in MTG. Through requiring opponents to block if possible, it adds a layer of tactical complexity to the forest’s fight for dominance.
Cards similar to Canopy Stalker by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Canopy Stalker MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 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 Canopy Stalker and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Canopy Stalker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Canopy Stalker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-06-23 | Canopy Stalker's triggered ability counts itself, as well as any other creatures that die before the triggered ability resolves. |
| 2020-06-23 | If each creature the defending player controls can't block for any reason (such as being tapped), then Canopy Stalker isn't blocked. If there's a cost associated with blocking Canopy Stalker, the defending player isn't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to be blocked in that case either. |
| 2020-06-23 | If your life total is brought to 0 or less at the same time that Canopy Stalker is dealt lethal damage, you lose the game before its last ability goes on the stack. |
| 2020-06-23 | Only one creature is required to block Canopy Stalker. Other creatures may also block it, and are free to block other creatures or not block at all. |
| 2020-06-23 | The defending player, not you, chooses which creature blocks Canopy Stalker. |
