Inkfathom Infiltrator MTG Card


Offers card advantage by its consistent unblockability, enhancing your strategic execution in-game. Applies pressure on the adversary by dealing unblockable damage, creating a resource advantage. Its inability to block allows for full mana utilization during an opponent’s turn, keeping options open.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Rogue
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

Inkfathom Infiltrator can't block and is unblockable.

No one can navigate the dank maze of Shadowmoor's rivers better than the cruel and covetous merrows. They use the currents to steal—and to steal away.


Cards like Inkfathom Infiltrator

Inkfathom Infiltrator is a standout card in the realm of unblockable creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This card shares features with the notorious Tormented Soul, which is also immune to being blocked but is less powerful with its 1/1 stats compared to Inkfathom Infiltrator’s 2/1. However, the Infiltrator takes it a notch higher by not being able to block, contrasting with Tormented Soul’s capability.

Another card worth mentioning is the elusive Jhessian Infiltrator. Both it and Inkfathom Infiltrator boast the same power, but the Jhessian variant has a different evasion tactic, with Landwalk, allowing it to go unnoticed if an opponent controls an Island. Meanwhile, the Shadowmage Infiltrator, though a more versatile card with its card draw ability, comes at a higher mana cost and does not have the outright unblockability that makes the Inkfathom Infiltrator so menacing.

All things considered, while there are various cards in Magic: The Gathering that share similarities, Inkfathom Infiltrator’s blend of power and unblockable traits makes it an attractive choice for players aiming to strike their opponents swiftly and relentlessly.

Tormented Soul - MTG Card versions
Jhessian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Tormented Soul - MTG Card versions
Jhessian Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Inkfathom Infiltrator by color, type and mana cost

Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Dimir Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Witch - MTG Card versions
Zombie Outlander - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hibernation Sliver - MTG Card versions
Woodlot Crawler - MTG Card versions
Returned Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
Fathom Feeder - MTG Card versions
House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - MTG Card versions
Cavern Harpy - MTG Card versions
Lazotep Chancellor - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Dimir Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Witch - MTG Card versions
Zombie Outlander - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hibernation Sliver - MTG Card versions
Woodlot Crawler - MTG Card versions
Returned Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
Fathom Feeder - MTG Card versions
House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - MTG Card versions
Cavern Harpy - MTG Card versions
Lazotep Chancellor - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Inkfathom Infiltrator doesn’t just pose a threat on its own; it’s also an excellent enabler for card advantage. As a shadow creature, it’s tough for opponents to block, ensuring that its ability to slip through defenses gets your synergistic strategies online.

Resource Acceleration: While Inkfathom Infiltrator itself isn’t directly accelerating your resources, it sets a streamlined pace for your plays by offering consistent damage output. This puts pressure on opponents, forcing them to deal with it and often using more resources than you invested in it, indirectly giving you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: This card may not operate at instant speed, but its unblockable nature means you’re always on the offensive, swiftly reducing your opponent’s life total. Plus, the infiltrator can effectively leave your mana open to cast instant speed spells, maintaining the element of surprise during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some other stealth-based creatures, Inkfathom Infiltrator doesn’t ask for a card to be thrown away as extra cost. However, the inability to block can be seen as a similar trade-off, potentially leaving you vulnerable to opponent’s attacks.

Specific Mana Cost: Inkfathom Infiltrator requires a precise mix of blue and black mana, making it less flexible for decks that aren’t dedicated to these colors or aren’t equipped with a strong mana base to accommodate multicolored cards with ease.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing both blue and black mana for a 2/1 creature, Inkfathom Infiltrator might be seen to have a higher cost considering its power and toughness. When compared to other two-drop creatures, the Infiltrator’s inability to block could be seen as a downside that doesn’t align with its mana cost.


Reasons to Include Inkfathom Infiltrator in Your Collection

Versatility: Inkfathom Infiltrator slides easily into any deck strategy focusing on evasiveness and chip damage. With the ability to be unblockable by creatures, it guarantees consistent player damage or can be a reliable way to deliver effects that trigger on dealing combat damage.

Combo Potential: This infiltrator can pair well with cards that capitalize on successful hits to an opponent, such as those with cipher or cards that benefit from creatures connecting with an opponent. Its synergy with rogue and merfolk tribes also enhances its versatility in tribal setups.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Inkfathom Infiltrator remains particularly effective. It skirts past potential blockers, allowing you to maintain pressure and board presence against more defensively-oriented decks.


How to beat

Inkfathom Infiltrator is a stealthy card that can slip past enemy defenses, thanks to its unblockability with all of the hallmarks of a potent aggressor in creature-centric decks. This merfolk rogue can’t be blocked except by Rogues, which presents a challenging obstacle if you’re not prepared with specific answers. However, this same trait is also its Achilles’ heel, as it can’t block either, leaving your opponent vulnerable.

To counter Inkfathom Infiltrator, consider using removal spells that don’t rely on targeting a blocker. Cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can clear the board without the need to engage in combat. You can also capitalize on its inability to block by adopting an aggressive strategy, employing creatures with trample or hefty power to force through devastating attacks.

Overall, while Inkfathom Infiltrator can be a thorn in the side of many players, a deck with flexible removal or overwhelming force can turn the tide. Recognize its limitations as a defender, and you can craft a strategy to navigate around this elusive threat and maintain control of the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Creating a finely tuned MTG deck calls for strategic choices and understanding your cards’ strengths and weaknesses. With its innate unblockability, Inkfathom Infiltrator is a choice agent of damage, useful for getting those critical hits in. Remember, its inflexibility in mana cost and inability to block demands a tailored deck for optimum effectiveness. Whether evading dull head-on attacks or brilliantly executing controlled strikes, expanding your arsenal with versatile and synergistic cards like the Infiltrator can be pivotal. Dive into our comprehensive guides to cultivating a collection that resonates with your style and discover new conjunctions for your next victorious shuffle. Step into the fold for advanced strategies and deck optimization tips.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Inkfathom Infiltrator MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and The List, 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 Inkfathom Infiltrator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Inkfathom Infiltrator Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2008-05-02. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-05-02ShadowmoorSHM 1672003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
22020-09-26The ListPLST SHM-1672003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Inkfathom Infiltrator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal