Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration MTG Card


Insectile Aberration offers unique card advantage through its seamless, advantageous transformation. It aligns with instant-speed strategies, enabling a fast-paced, dynamic game tempo. Disclosing your hand could be a strategic downside, hinting at your upcoming moves.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Insect
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying

"Unfortunately, all my test animals have died or escaped, so I shall be the final subject. I feel no fear. This is a momentous night." —Laboratory notes, final entry


Cards like Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration

In the realm of transformation creatures in Magic: The Gathering, the Insectile Aberration card is not alone. In this arena, it’s worth drawing comparisons to cards like Delver of Secrets, from which the Aberration originates. Delver of Secrets also transforms into an Insectile Aberration, however, the process hinged solely on revealing an Instant or Sorcery card from the top of your library.

Another card that stands shoulder to shoulder is Thing in the Ice. This horror transforms into Awoken Horror, with a potent ability to return all non-Horror creatures to the owner’s hand upon transformation. This, in its essence, is slightly different from Insectile Aberration that houses the Flying ability.

We can also spotlight the werewolf creature Lambholt Pacifist, which morphs into Lambholt Butcher under specific conditions. Still, it doesn’t deliver the Flying function as the Insectile Aberration does.

Given these comparisons, we recognize that despite existing similarities, the Insectile Aberration card stands out, reinforcing its distinctiveness in the transforming creatures category in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration by color, type and mana cost

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Merfolk of the Pearl Trident - MTG Card versions
Flying Men - MTG Card versions
Shrieking Drake - MTG Card versions
Cloud Pirates - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Osprey - MTG Card versions
Manta Riders - MTG Card versions
Faerie Squadron - MTG Card versions
Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Fugitive Wizard - MTG Card versions
Wandering Ones - MTG Card versions
Teardrop Kami - MTG Card versions
Dreamcatcher - MTG Card versions
Drifter il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Sage of Epityr - MTG Card versions
Screeching Sliver - MTG Card versions
Timebender - MTG Card versions
Cloud Sprite - MTG Card versions
Merrow Witsniper - MTG Card versions
Cursecatcher - MTG Card versions
Martyr of Frost - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Insectile Aberration’s ability to transform from the Delver of Secrets into a flying attacker grants increased field presence without the need for an additional card. This everyday transformation successfully gains a card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Unlike several cards that rely on heavy mana resources, the Insectile Aberration transforms from an initial single mana-cost Delver depending on the top card’s nature in your library. This capability significantly hastens the game pace, providing considerable resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The transformational ability of Insectile Aberration integrates well with an instant-speed strategy. You can reveal an instant or sorcery card at the beginning of your upkeep, which instantaneously transforms the Delver into an Insectile Aberration. This quick speed optimizes your timing, permitting strategic game plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to playing Insectile Aberration is the card needs to be flipped from Delver of Secrets by revealing an instant or sorcery card from your hand, effectively disclosing your plan to your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The requirement of blue mana for Insectile Aberration might restrict its versatility. This color-specific cost makes it most useful only in blue-based or multicolored decks where blue mana is readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it starts as the modestly costed 1/1 Delver of Secrets, flipping it into a 3/2 Insectile Aberration requires an instant or sorcery card reveal, which might take time or resources that could have been used more efficiently.

So, while the transformation is undoubtedly powerful, it isn’t always the most cost-effective play in a given scenario.


Reasons to Include Insectile Aberration in Your Collection

Versatility: With its power to transform into a 3/2 Human Insect with flying, this card can easily adapt to a variety of strategies, making it a worthy addition to any deck. It begins as Delver of Secrets, a low-cost creature card, which turns into Insectile Aberration under the right conditions — a true demonstration of in-game versatility.

Combo Potential: Insectile Aberration’s transform mechanic enhances synergistic interactions. This card pairs wonderfully with spells that support casting or drawing, triggering its transformation and allowing you nuanced control of the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: This card shines in the current meta, especially within tempo and aggro strategies. Able to apply early-game flying damage, it creates pressure that keeps opponents on their toes. Additionally, its low conversion cost makes it a popular choice amongst meta-relevant, blue-colored decks.


How to beat

Insectile Aberration is a formidable card in Magic: The Gathering. Notably, this card captures attention with its potent damage potential and transformation ability. Despite these unique strengths, crafting an effective strategy can aid in overcoming the challenge it presents.

One common tactic involves control spells, such as “Pacifism”, neutralizing its threat by preventing it from attacking. Similarly, using instant speed removal spells, such as “Murder”, can be an effective way to quickly dispose of Insectile Aberration. In addition, the card’s lack of hexproof or protection makes it vulnerable to broad removal spells, like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation”.

Another course of action to counter Insectile Aberration could involve the use of creatures with first strike ability or high toughness stat. These can withstand its attack and eliminate it in retaliation. It’s not the easiest task, given its fast transformation and substantial power, but with strategic planning, it is achievable.

In conclusion, even though the Insectile Aberration card can apply significant pressure in MTG, understanding its strengths and weaknesses can provide valuable insights to its countermeasures.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG means embracing the dynamic abilities of cards like Insectile Aberration. With its efficient transformation and tactical advantages, it’s a card that promises much more than meets the eye. As you refine your deck, consider how its swift metamorphosis could be the cornerstone of victory. Whether it’s controlling the skies, dictating the pace, or working in concert with other spells, Insectile Aberration has the potential to swing games in your favor. Dive deeper into our comprehensive guides and expert insights to not only harness the power of this unique card but also to anticipate and overcome any strategy it faces. Level up your strategic repertoire by incorporating our tailored advice into your gameplay for undeniable prowess in your next MTG challenge.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and From the Vault: Transform, 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 Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-09-30InnistradISD 512003TransformBlackNils Hamm
22017-11-24From the Vault: TransformV17 72015TransformBlackLius Lasahido
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 7222015TransformBorderlessGodMachine
42021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 472015TransformBlackMatt Stewart
52022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 472015TransformBlackMatt Stewart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-09-22 You may reveal the card even if it's not an instant or sorcery. Whether or not you reveal it, the card stays on top of your library.
2016-07-13 For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).