Glimmerbell MTG Card


Glimmerbell - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elemental Jellyfish
Abilities Flying
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Power 1
Toughness 3
Number53
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred bySimon Dominic

Key Takeaways

  1. Glimmerbell excels in versatility, untapping at instant speed for strategic combat and combo plays.
  2. Its specific mana needs and moderate cost may limit deck compatibility, yet it offers undeniable tactical value.
  3. With flying and untap abilities, Glimmerbell is a powerful inclusion in any deck seeking aerial control.

Text of card

Flying : Untap Glimmerbell.

"Their paths aren't random, but they don't float with the wind. Could they be following surges in crystalline energy?" —Naireh, Ketria elementalist


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Glimmerbell provides an edge with its flexibility in combat and potential for combo plays. Its ability to untap for a low mana investment can translate into additional blockers or enablers for triggered abilities, ensuring strategic versatility and maintenance of hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: Though Glimmerbell itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost makes it a strategic play. It slots seamlessly into decks that aim for a quick board presence, laying the groundwork for more impactful, higher-cost cards in the later game stages.

Instant Speed: Glimmerbell’s untap ability can be activated at instant speed, providing tactical advantages mid-battle. React to your opponent’s moves by freeing up Glimmerbell to block or engage in combos whenever necessary, keeping opponents on their toes and safeguarding your strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Glimmerbell doesn’t have this issue, which is a plus for decks that aim to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Glimmerbell requires both blue mana and generic mana, which constrains its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce blue mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that involves two mana, it might be seen as high for a creature with a base stat of 1/3. In faster-paced games, players may prefer creatures that offer more impact for the same or lower mana cost.


Reasons to Include Glimmerbell in Your Collection

Versatility: Glimmerbell offers a unique blend of flying capability and untap potential, making it a flexible inclusion in decks focused on evasive creatures or those looking to capitalize on tapping and untapping synergy.

Combo Potential: The ability to untap Glimmerbell pairs well with cards that benefit from multiple activations in a single turn, enabling intricate combos that can take your opponents by surprise.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures can make a big impact, Glimmerbell’s low cost and ability to dodge sorcery-speed removal can be particularly useful against opponents who aren’t prepared for an aerial strategy or untap shenanigans.


How to beat

Glimmerbell is a nifty creature card that has earned its place in many blue decks within MTG. Its flying ability lets it soar over ground-based defenses, making it a persistent threat in the air. The card’s main highlight, though, is its untap ability, which can be activated for two mana, allowing it to dodge sorcery speed removals or be ready to block after an attack.

To effectively counter Glimmerbell, instant speed removal spells are key. Since it can untap with mana, waiting for the opponent to tap out before launching removal ensures it can’t escape. Additionally, cards that grant reach or possess flying can serve as solid defenses against it, negating its aerial advantage. Employing board sweepers can clear it off the battlefield irrespective of its untap trick. Lastly, enchantments or abilities that stop activated abilities can shut down Glimmerbell’s potential, leaving it as a mere blocker or attacker without its signature move.

Understanding the timing and resource management will play a pivotal role in diminishing the impact of Glimmerbell in your matches. By anticipating your opponent’s moves and keeping the right answers in hand, you can neutralize this card’s utility and maintain control of the game.


Cards like Glimmerbell

Glimmerbell stands out in the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This simple yet effective creature card has a kinship with cards like Spire Owl and Cloudkin Seer. Both Glimmerbell and Spire Owl carry the ability to fly, which allows for consistent aerial attacks and defense. Nevertheless, Glimmerbell boasts an additional utility with its untap capability. A small payment enables the player to untap Glimmerbell, readying it for defense or engaging in combos after an initial attack or block.

Cloudkin Seer also offers an advantage upon entry, drawing the player a card, which is something Glimmerbell doesn’t do. However, Seer lacks the untap feature that makes Glimmerbell a versatile choice during gameplay. Faerie Duelist is another comparable creature, arriving on the battlefield with a flash and temporarily reducing an opposing creature’s power. While Duelist’s combat trick is useful for one turn, Glimmerbell’s continuous untap option allows for ongoing strategic advantages throughout the game.

Assessing these creatures reveals that Glimmerbell, with its multiple untap opportunities, holds a unique position. It’s not just about flying over blockers but also about providing defensive reliability and combat flexibility, making it a noteworthy card among its aerial peers.

Spire Owl - MTG Card versions
Cloudkin Seer - MTG Card versions
Faerie Duelist - MTG Card versions
Spire Owl - Urza's Saga (USG)
Cloudkin Seer - Core Set 2020 (M20)
Faerie Duelist - Ravnica Allegiance (RNA)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Glimmerbell MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Glimmerbell and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Glimmerbell has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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