Quicksilver Behemoth MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Beast
Abilities	Affinity
Released	2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Darksteel
Set code	DST
Power	4
Toughness	5
Number	30
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anthony S. Waters

Key Takeaways

Quicksilver Behemoth champions card advantage, potentially making costly demands on opponents’ removal strategies.
Its ability to shield valuable planeswalkers fosters resource acceleration, while putting pressure on opponents.
Though mana-intensive, its combination of size and recurring threats can significantly impact gameplay.

Text of card

Affinity for artifacts (This spell costs less to play for each artifact you control.) When Quicksilver Behemoth attacks or blocks, return it to its owner's hand at end of combat. (Return it only if it's in play.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deploying Quicksilver Behemoth can provide a significant presence on the battlefield with its sizable stats, often demanding multiple resources from your opponent to deal with it. This could lead to a two-for-one situation, where removing your Behemoth costs your opponent more than one card, tilting the card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Quicksilver Behemoth itself isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its imposing presence can protect your planeswalkers or other value engines, allowing you to propel your resources forward safely. The behemoth can serve as a formidable blocker, enabling you to stall the game until you can leverage your mana and other assets more effectively.

Instant Speed: While Quicksilver Behemoth doesn’t possess the trait of being an instant, its formidable nature on the board indirectly pressures your opponent to keep mana untapped and spells ready. This often means they will need instant-speed answers or face an immediate and substantial threat, indirectly influencing the pace and tempo of the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback for the Quicksilver Behemoth in gameplay is its affinity for players having to discard a card to reap its benefits. This cost can be quite steep, especially when your hand is already running low on cards, potentially disrupting your strategy and leaving you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for the Quicksilver Behemoth calls for a specific combination, including blue mana. This requirement ties it closely to blue-centric or blue-inclusive decks, thus limiting its versatility across the varied MTG deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a mana cost at the higher end of the spectrum, the Quicksilver Behemoth may deter players seeking early game tempo. For its casting cost, alternatives may offer swifter board presence or more immediate impact, factors often critical to gaining the upper hand in a match.

Reasons to Include Quicksilver Behemoth in Your Collection

Versatility: With its large 4/5 body, Quicksilver Behemoth adapts to various deck styles. Whether you are running a blue-based control deck or a more aggressive build, this card could easily fit as a resilient creature that can quickly swing games in your favor.

Combo Potential: This card bounces back to your hand unless you played it from your hand, allowing for intriguing interactions with mechanics that get triggered when creatures enter the battlefield or when spells are cast from your hand.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that values reliable recurring threats, having a creature that can consistently apply pressure each turn is vital. Quicksilver Behemoth maintains its relevance especially in metagames that are heavy on sorcery-speed removal.

How to beat

Quicksilver Behemoth presents a formidable challenge on the battlefield with its respectable bulk and imposing presence in Magic: The Gathering. As a large blue creature, it can dominate combat, demanding an answer from opponents. Its primary drawback, however, is its mandatory return to its owner’s hand at the beginning of the next end step if it attacked that turn. This predictability opens up avenues to strategize against it.

To turn the tide in your favor against Quicksilver Behemoth, prioritize removal spells that can target it before it attacks or during your opponent’s turn. These include instant-speed spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile, which can swiftly deal with the creature before it becomes a recurring threat. Alternatively, countering it upon casting with Negate or Mana Leak ensures it never hits the field. Cards that force a sacrifice, such as Diabolic Edict, are also effective, given that the Behemoth has no inherent protection from such effects. Board wipes like Wrath of God remain a clean solution, especially if the behemoth has resolved and you’re looking to reset the board.

Overall, understanding the behemoth’s mechanic of returning to the hand and having the right spells at the ready will give you the upper hand, allowing you to maintain control of the game and thwart your opponent’s plans.

Cards like Quicksilver Behemoth

Quicksilver Behemoth offers players an intriguing gameplay dynamic with its imposing presence on the battlefield. It stands toe-to-toe with other heavy hitters in the blue creature category, such as Colossal Whale, which also brings substantial power and toughness to the table. However, Quicksilver Behemoth has the distinct advantage of being able to attack every turn, should you choose to do so, as long as you control no other creatures. This contrasts with Colossal Whale’s conditional ability tied to attacking and exiling other creatures.

The sea behemoth’s closest relatives can be found in cards like Hoverguard Sweepers and Phyrexian Ingester, both of which offer some form of utility upon entering the battlefield. Yet, neither have the consistent forced attack mechanic the Quicksilver Behemoth possesses, making it unique in creating persistent offensive pressure. However, these cards can provide more strategic options due to their abilities to control the board.

Assessing the value of these mighty blue creatures, Quicksilver Behemoth commands attention for its unique offensive capabilities and how it can shape player strategies during the game. While it may not come with the immediate board impact of its comparatives, its ability to relentlessly pressure opponents game after game should not be underestimated.

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Quicksilver Behemoth 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 Quicksilver Behemoth and other MTG cards: