Identity Thief MTG Card


Identity Thief provides repeatable card advantage by copying creatures with “enter-the-battlefield” effects. Its transformation powers amplify resource impact, letting you mimic higher-cost creatures ahead of time. While restrictive in mana cost and play timing, it can disrupt opponents and prove versatile in combat.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Shapeshifter
Power 0
Toughness 3

Text of card

Whenever Identity Thief attacks, you may exile another target nontoken creature. If you do, Identity Thief becomes a copy of that creature until end of turn. Return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.


Understanding the Stealth of Identity Thief

Delving into Magic: The Gathering’s rich landscape of creature cards, Identity Thief is a unique player on the battlefield. This evasive creature presents an intriguing dynamic not entirely dissimilar to that found in cards like Vesuvan Shapeshifter. As with the Shapeshifter, the Identity Thief has the ability to adapt and transform, taking on the abilities and strength of other creatures temporarily on assault. However, where Vesuvan Shapeshifter may morph at will, Identity Thief requires the trigger of an attack to steal an identity.

Cards like Identity Thief

Identity Thief stands out amongst its peers with its distinctive approach to mimicry and control. When drawing parallels to cards such as Clone or Stunt Double, which copy creatures on the spot, Identity Thief waits for the ripe moment to swing into action. The Thief strikes with stealth, temporarily becoming the mirror image of target creatures it taps, a maneuver setting it apart from the immediate, yet permanent copying the others offer. Unlike Cackling Counterpart, which creates a token copy at instant speed, Identity Thief resets with each attack, offering a recurring way to sidestep creature abilities or simply renew its disguise.

Comparing the tactical applications, Identity Thief offers a fresh angle in creature control, subtly weaving in and out of multiple identities, providing flexible combat and board presence strategies. Its transient nature may both shield and reveal opportunities for players to exploit every turn, a characteristic that keeps opponents guessing and games dynamic.

Vesuvan Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Stunt Double - MTG Card versions
Cackling Counterpart - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Stunt Double - MTG Card versions
Cackling Counterpart - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Identity Thief by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Identity Thief’s ability to exile and copy another creature not only disrupts your opponent’s strategy, but can also be leveraged to reuse your own creatures’ enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects, essentially offering a repeatable advantage turn after turn.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly enhancing your mana pool, liberating Identity Thief’s transformative potential can accelerate your resource impact by copying high-cost creatures earlier than you might be able to cast them, effectively matching the tempo of faster opponents or larger threats.

Instant Speed: This creature’s activated ability is not at instant speed, but it interacts favorably with instant speed tricks and removals. By replacing a blocked or blocking creature, it can effectively negate combat damage and capitalizes on end-of-turn plays, setting you up for surprise tactics during the combat phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Identity Thief necessitates discarding another creature card, which can put a strain on your hand especially when you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With its exacting color combination of blue mana in the casting cost, Identity Thief may not seamlessly fit into every deck, particularly those that are color-intensive or multi-colored.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana, Identity Thief may come into play later than some would prefer. In competitive play where tempo is crucial, this can sometimes be a drawback as lower-cost creatures or spells could provide more immediate impact.


Reasons to Include Identity Thief in Your Collection

Versatility: Identity Thief’s ability to temporarily become a copy of another attacking creature offers a high degree of adaptability. It can adjust its role on the battlefield with each attack, perfect for decks that prize flexibility.

Combo Potential: This card has synergy with enter-the-battlefield effects or creatures with on-death triggers. Since Identity Thief returns the copied creature to its owner’s control at the end of turn, you can potentially reuse those valuable abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creatures with powerful abilities dominate, Identity Thief can be a tactical inclusion. It doesn’t just create a copy; it also removes the target creature from combat, which can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and turn the tide in your favor.


How to Beat Identity Thief

Identity Thief presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This creature stands out with its ability to temporarily duplicate other creatures, disrupting your game plan by exiling one of your creatures upon attacking. Defeating this shapeshifter, however, can be straightforward with the right strategy.

Removal spells are your first line of defense. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can cleanly take Identity Thief out before it gets a chance to mimic your creatures. Counterspells also work wonders, as they prevent Identity Thief from ever entering the battlefield. Essence Scatter is a highly efficient option for countering creature spells.

If Identity Thief is already active, focus on controlling the board. Utilize cards like Pacifism to neutralize it without triggering its exile ability. Alternatively, cards that grant hexproof to your creatures, such as Blossoming Defense, can protect them from being targeted and exiled. By prioritizing removal or protection, you can easily navigate around the threats posed by Identity Thief and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the game dynamics with Identity Thief is a gratifying challenge for MTG players. Understanding when and how to leverage this card’s transformative power can make all the difference in your matches. Whether you’re accelerating your resource impact or reusing powerful enter-the-battlefield effects, this card adds strategic depth to your gameplay. However, balancing its pros against potential drawbacks is key. Discover how to optimize Identity Thief’s use in your decks and weigh the unique advantages it brings to the table. Eager to outsmart your opponents with clever card interactions? Dive in with us and refine your MTG strategies.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Identity Thief MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Eldritch Moon Promos, 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 Identity Thief and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Identity Thief Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 615592015NormalBlackDan Scott
22016-07-22Eldritch Moon PromosPEMN 64s2015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
32016-07-22Eldritch MoonEMN 642015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
42016-07-22Eldritch Moon PromosPEMN 642015NormalBlackDan Scott
52022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2242015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Identity Thief has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Identity Thief card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-07-13 Auras attached to the exiled creature will be put into their owners' graveyards. Any Equipment will become unattached and remain on the battlefield. Any counters on the exiled permanent will cease to exist.
2016-07-13 Identity Thief copies the printed values of the targeted creature, plus any copy effects that have been applied to that creature. It won't copy other effects that have changed the targeted creature's power, toughness, types, color, or so on. It also won't copy counters on the targeted creature.
2016-07-13 Identity Thief will still be a copy of the creature during the next end step when the exiled card returns. If it has an ability that triggers at the beginning of the end step, that ability will trigger for Identity Thief and not for the returned creature.
2016-07-13 If the targeted creature has an ability that triggers when it attacks, it'll be too late for it to trigger once Identity Thief has that ability. The same is true if another object has an ability that triggers when a creature with certain characteristics attacks and Identity Thief doesn't have those characteristics until after it becomes a copy.
2016-07-13 If the targeted creature is a double-faced or melded permanent, Identity Thief copies the face shown. Because Identity Thief is not a double-faced card or meld card, it won't be able to transform or meld. If it copies a melded permanent or the back face of a double-faced card, its mana value will be 0. Exiled double-faced cards and exiled meld cards will return with their front faces up.
2016-07-13 If the targeted creature is itself copying a permanent, Identity Thief will become whatever it's copying, as modified by that copy effect. For example, if you target a Hamlet Captain that has become a copy of Permeating Mass, Identity Thief will become a Permeating Mass.
2016-07-13 Noncopy effects that have already applied to Identity Thief will continue to apply to it. For example, if Woodcutter's Grit gave Identity Thief +3/+3 and hexproof earlier in the turn, Identity Thief will still have those bonuses after copying a creature.
2016-07-13 This effect can cause Identity Thief to become a copy of a creature that can't normally attack, such as Lupine Prototype or a creature with defender. In these cases, it remains attacking.
2016-07-13 This effect can cause Identity Thief to stop being a creature. For example, if you target an animated Gideon Jura (a planeswalker with a loyalty ability that turns him into a creature), only the printed wording will be copied; the “becomes a creature” effect won't. Identity Thief will become a noncreature Gideon with no loyalty, be removed from combat, and then be put into its owner's graveyard.