Ahn-Crop Invader MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Zombie Minotaur Warrior |
| Released | 2019-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | War of the Spark |
| Set code | WAR |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 113 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tomasz Jedruszek |
Key Takeaways
- Card advantage is gained by utilizing board presence for Ahn-Crop Invader’s self-sacrifice combat boosts.
- Resource acceleration occurs indirectly through strategic creature sacrifices, maintaining battlefield tempo.
- Instant speed power increase from sacrifices makes Ahn-Crop Invader a feared combat trick element.
Text of card
As long as it's your turn, Ahn-Crop Invader has first strike. , Sacrifice another creature: Ahn-Crop Invader gets +2/+0 until end of turn.
"Give me a crew like this one and I'd rule any sea I sailed." —Angrath
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ahn-Crop Invader may not offer direct card draw, but with its ability to sacrifice another creature, it paves the way for synergies with decks that benefit from self-sacrifice mechanics. By effectively utilizing your board for added effects each turn, it helps maintain a strategic advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not providing traditional mana acceleration, the invader’s synergy with sacrifice-based strategies can potentially free up resources bound in creatures that have outlived their use on the battlefield. This indirect resource management can be pivotal in maintaining tempo and pressure on your opponent.
Instant Speed: Even though Ahn-Crop Invader operates at sorcery speed, its ability to instantly boost its power by sacrificing another creature can create surprise advantages during combat. This can lead to profitable trades, forcing your opponent to rethink their blocks and attacks, making the invader a formidable presence during the battle phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ahn-Crop Invader demands a card sacrifice to activate its abilities, which can be detrimental when your hand is nearly empty and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a red mana requirement, Ahn-Crop Invader may not seamlessly slot into multicolored decks or those that are mana-color sensitive.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its power level is decent, Ahn-Crop Invader’s three mana cost for a 2/2 creature might not be the most mana-efficient play compared to other creatures in the same mana range that offer additional benefits or have higher power and toughness.
Reasons to Include Ahn-Crop Invader in Your Collection
Versatility: Ahn-Crop Invader is a solid choice for any deck that aims to be aggressive. Its prowess in turning any creature into a burst of damage makes it a multipurpose card, capable of adapting to numerous battlefield scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks revolving around sacrificing creatures for value. It can easily become a substantial threat by utilizing small creatures that have already served their purpose or tokens that are expendable.
Meta-Relevance: Particularly in a game environment where aggressive strategies are prevalent, Ahn-Crop Invader stands out as a formidable force. It can swiftly close games or trade favorably on the battlefield, keeping you one step ahead of the competition.
How to beat
An encounter with Ahn-Crop Invader in MTG can be a tricky one, given its aggressive nature and the ability to sacrifice another creature to gain a big boost in attack power. This creature from the War of the Spark set is a favorite among players who enjoy an assertive red strategy, capitalizing on its mechanic to turn the tide in battle.
To hold your ground against the Ahn-Crop Invader, one effective strategy is to deploy removal spells before it can unleash its full potential during the combat phase. Because it relies on the presence of other creatures to sacrifice, board control tactics work well to diminish its power. Spot removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile offer immediate solutions to this threat. Additionally, ensuring a blockading presence deters the sacrifice play, as it becomes a less appealing option if it leads to the Invader’s demise.
Staying ahead of your adversary means being proactive and anticipating their moves. Therefore, having an answer ready for when Ahn-Crop Invader hits the battlefield is key to prevent this aggressive strategy from overrunning your defenses. In conclusion, managing the board state and maintaining removal options at hand are your tickets to victory over the hard-hitting tactics of the Ahn-Crop Invader.
Cards like Ahn-Crop Invader
Ahn-Crop Invader is a formidable force in the roster of aggressive creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is notably seen with cards like Haste creatures and those enabling the sacrificing of other creatures to gain benefits. It aligns closely with cards such as Raging Raptors, which, like Ahn-Crop Invader, thrives on aggressive plays but instead of ratcheting up power, it fetches lands upon damage.
Another parallel can be drawn with Reckless Fireweaver. Although it doesn’t boast the strength-enhancing sacrifice ability, it deals damage to opponents whenever artifacts come into play, complementing the aggressive strategy that Ahn-Crop Invader exemplifies. Act of Treason shares the theme of exploiting creatures temporarily, but it’s a spell that snatches opponents’ creatures only for a turn without offering a permanent board presence or a finishing blow capability like Ahn-Crop Invader does.
It’s evident when comparing these cards that Ahn-Crop Invader merges the aggressive haste feature with a strategic sacrifice option, setting it apart from similar MTG cards. This versatility makes it an asset in decks that aim to press the advantage and close out games quickly.
Cards similar to Ahn-Crop Invader by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ahn-Crop Invader MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Ahn-Crop Invader 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 Ahn-Crop Invader has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
