Drill-Skimmer MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Thopter
Abilities	Flying
Released	2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Darksteel
Set code	DST
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	118
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Zug

Key Takeaways

Card filtering with Drill-Skimmer can decisively swing games by finding key cards quickly.
Artifact synergy and speed make Drill-Skimmer a dynamic addition to artifact decks.
High casting costs and mana specificity may limit Drill-Skimmer’s inclusion in decks.

Text of card

Flying Drill-Skimmer can't be the target of spells or abilities as long as you control another artifact creature.

In close proximity, their magnetic energies merge and form a field of protection.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Drill-Skimmer stands out by enabling you to filter through your deck efficiently. This ability can be pivotal in securing the cards that you need to tip the scales in your favor, keeping you one step ahead of your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Drill-Skimmer has a unique synergy with artifact-centric strategies, effectively serving as a catalyst for plays that could otherwise take additional turns to set up. The acceleration ensures your game plan unfolds much quicker, keeping the pressure on your adversary.

Instant Speed: The flexibility to activate Drill-Skimmer’s abilities at instant speed cannot be overstated. This offers a strategic advantage, allowing you to adapt to the changing battlefield dynamically. Reacting to your opponent’s moves in real-time forces them to contend with an unpredictable and ever-present threat.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Drill-Skimmer necessitates the discard of a card as an additional cost to play it. This trade-off can hinder your hand if you’re already managing a limited array of options, potentially setting back your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Drill-Skimmer is not just specific but also relatively demanding. Requiring both generic and colored mana, it can be challenging to cast, especially early in the game or in a multicolor deck where mana resources are stretched between various needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a considerable mana cost to get Drill-Skimmer on the battlefield, players may find themselves at a disadvantage, as other cards could offer similar or better abilities for less investment. Efficient deck building often means finding the most value for the mana spent, and in the case of Drill-Skimmer, it might not make the cut.

Reasons to Include Drill-Skimmer in Your Collection

Versatility: Drill-Skimmer is a flexible card that can adapt to different playing styles. It’s suitable for various deck types that appreciate a durable flying blocker or may exploit artifact synergies in creative ways.

Combo Potential: This card can serve as a key piece in decks that focus on artifact-centric combos. Its ability to potentially go indestructible under the right conditions makes it a resilient component in complex board states.

Meta-Relevance: Given its robustness against commonly played removal spells, including Drill-Skimmer can be a strategic decision if the environment is filled with targeted removal decks. Its presence can challenge opponents to find alternative ways to handle it, subtly shaping the flow of the game.

How to beat

Drill-Skimmer presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. As an artifact creature with the ability to sidestep traditional removals, it requires a strategic approach to overcome. One effective tactic is to utilize artifact removal spells that can target Drill-Skimmer directly, stripping away the opponent’s defenses. Cards like Abrade or Nature’s Claim offer a cost-efficient means to dismantle your adversary’s artifact-based strategies, including the Drill-Skimmer.

Another approach is to counter its synergy with other artifacts by focusing on cards that restrict or negate the effects of multiple artifacts at once. Options like Stony Silence or Kataki, War’s Wage can be devastating against decks heavily reliant on artifact creatures. Additionally, consider employing creature-based strategies that either fly over or outpace the stat line of Drill-Skimmer. Creatures with high power-to-cost ratios or having evasive abilities like trample can apply pressure, forcing an opponent to use their Drill-Skimmer defensively, ultimately limiting its offensive capabilities.

Always remember that like any card in the vast MTG landscape, analyzing the strengths and potential interactions of Drill-Skimmer within the context of your playing environment is crucial for developing a solid strategy to beat it.

Cards like Drill-Skimmer

Drill-Skimmer is an intriguing artifact creature card that fits nicely into decks that capitalize on artifact or flying synergies within Magic: The Gathering. Its comparison to other artifact creatures like Ornithopter reveals some distinct advantages and trade-offs. Ornithopter is well-known for its 0 casting cost, making it an efficient way to get a flyer on the board quickly. However, Drill-Skimmer requires more of an investment at four mana, bringing additional resilience through higher toughness.

Another comparable card is Steel Overseer, which, like Drill-Skimmer, appeals to enthusiasts of artifact-based strategies. Though Steel Overseer doesn’t innately have the ability to fly, its power lies in its ability to bolster other artifacts on the battlefield. Drill-Skimmer doesn’t offer such a broad impact but stands strong as a self-sufficient creature with its shielding ability from being targeted by spells or abilities as long as you control another artifact.

As we evaluate the similar options available, it’s clear that Drill-Skimmer can be a valuable asset, particularly in decks that are heavy on artifacts and require a sturdy aerial defender. It stands out with its unique protection, which, when aligned with a thoughtful strategy, can make a significant difference in the duel.

Cards similar to Drill-Skimmer by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Drill-Skimmer MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, 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 Drill-Skimmer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Drill-Skimmer has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal