Intruder Alarm MTG Card


Intruder Alarm enhances card advantage by allowing players to untap all creatures each time a creature enters play. The card provides significant resource acceleration, especially with mana-tapping creatures, enabling more powerful plays. Although not instant speed, Intruder Alarm’s effects trigger instantly upon creature entry, offering disruptive play potential.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Creatures do not untap during their controllers' untap phases. Whenever any creature comes into play, untap all creatures.

Mirri was startled by Volrath's apparition—it had no scent.


Cards like Intruder Alarm

Intruder Alarm is an extraordinary card in Magic: The Gathering, sitting in an unique place amongst the likes of enchantment spells such as Awakening and Seedborn Muse. Intruder Alarm is distinctive with a condition that untaps all creatures whenever any creature comes into play.

Awakening, on the other hand, could offer a similar performance by untapping all creatures and lands during each player’s untap step. Yet, it doesn’t provide the instant flexibility that Intruder Alarm does upon a creature entering the battlefield. Meanwhile, we have Seedborn Muse that untaps all permanents you control during each other player’s untap step. Although it’s comparable in some ways, Seedborn Muse specifically applies only to the permanents you control unlike Intruder Alarm whose effect applies universally.

When analysing the various enchantment options in Magic: The Gathering, Intruder Alarm offers a unique playstyle that can both dynamically alter the flow of games and pose as an alluring bait for trap strategies. Its unique mechanism of untapping all creatures brings about a significant twist, putting it in an advantageous position when compared with similar cards.

Awakening - MTG Card versions
Seedborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Awakening - MTG Card versions
Seedborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Intruder Alarm by color, type and mana cost

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In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
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Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
Traveler's Cloak - MTG Card versions
Shifting Sky - MTG Card versions
Threads of Disloyalty - MTG Card versions
Pemmin's Aura - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Memory Erosion - MTG Card versions
Claustrophobia - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Intruder Alarm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formSet Roulette Spring 2024
MerfolkMerfolk ModernMerfolkModern Challenge 64 2024-03-02 (1)
Bant ElvesBant Elves ModernBant ElvesMTG SEA Championship Final Season 2 Round 2
Bant TokensBant Tokens ModernBLUE - SAT - 3PM - Chicago Modern Cup
Four-color ComboFour-color Combo GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mono-Blue MerfolkMono-Blue Merfolk ModernMerfolkInvasion Open Norrkping

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Intruder Alarm offers incredible potential for card advantage. By untapping all creatures each time a creature comes into play, players can strategically coordinate their plays to maximize their draw power, keeping hands full and options open.

Resource Acceleration: This card excels in resource acceleration. The repeated untapping triggered by Intruder Alarm can generate vast amounts of mana when it is combined with creatures that can tap for mana. This allows for a greater capability to deploy more potent creatures or data-driven plays.

Instant Speed: Though Intruder Alarm is an enchantment and does not have instant speed itself, its effect applies whenever a creature enters the battlefield – an event that can occur at virtually any moment in a game, therefore it indirectly possesses the advantage of instant speed. Its continuous effect can unexpectedly disrupt opponent strategies and provide surprise advantages.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While it doesn’t call for a card to be discarded directly, Intruder Alarm’s controlling in-game mechanisms can lead to indirect discards. This might leave you tightening your resources and strategizing played cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Intruder Alarm requires two specific mana, one blue, which may limit its usage in decks. Being a blue enchantment, decks which are not equipped with blue mana can’t integrate this card, thus restraining its full potential.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, there could be other options which are cost-effectively more appealing. Certain counterspell and draw cards in the MTG universe might offer a direct tactical advantage at a lower cost.


Reasons to Include Intruder Alarm in Your Collection

Versatility: Intruder Alarm has a unique effect that can be used in multiple deck types, particularly those that excel from creatures being untapped. Whether it’s tapping and untapping mana dorks for infinite mana, or a quirky rogue approach, Intruder Alarm can add some surprising dynamics to your game.

Combo Potential: Intruder Alarm, due to its trigger ability of untapping all creatures, offers immense combo potential. With the correct creatures in play, this can create infinite loops and provide a sudden, game-winning combo.

Meta-Relevance: Intruder Alarm remains relevant in several magic formats due to its sheer utility. In Commander for instance, owing to the multiplayer nature, the card can routinely cause massive swings in the state of the board that can tilt the balance of power abruptly.


How to beat

Intruder Alarm is an enchantment card that possesses unique ability in the MTG roster. It’s known for its power to untap all creatures whenever a creature comes into play. This continuous effect can turn the tide in any match, benefiting both the player who cast it and their opponents. However, it isn’t unbeatable.

Firstly, countering Intruder Alarm with instants such as Negate, Disallow, or Countersquall on its appearance can be beneficial. By doing so you are using a reactive strategy, stifling the card’s effect even before its activation.

On the other hand, we have the proactive approach. Powerful enchant removal cards such as Disenchant, Revoke Existence, and Naturalize can effectively destroy Intruder Alarm. They serve to eliminate this threat from the battlefield, giving you an edge over your opponent who banks on this card strategy.

Ultimately, knowing your opponent’s strategy and having the right set of counter cards in your deck could offer a robust defense against Intruder Alarm. This understanding could lead you to leverage opportunities in your gameplay, ensuring the enchantment’s effect does not overwhelmingly tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’ve grasped the power and risks of Intruder Alarm, it’s time to consider its place in your deck. An enchantment with such potent untap capability is a strong contender for combos and can significantly alter a game’s pace. Whether you pilot a creature-heavy strategy or love the thrill of infinite loops, understanding and integrating the subtle art of Intruder Alarm will surely amplify the caliber of your gameplay. Engage with us further as we sail into the depths of strategy, deckbuilding, and the continuous quest for that perfect play-through. Forge a collection that not only dazzles but dominates the gaming table.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Intruder Alarm MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Eighth Edition, 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 Intruder Alarm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Intruder Alarm Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-03-02StrongholdSTH 341997NormalBlackDonato Giancola
22003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 862003NormalWhiteLuca Zontini
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 86★2003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2292015NormalBorderlessMarija Tiurina
52020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 252003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
62020-09-26The ListPLST 8ED-862003NormalBlackLuca Zontini
72023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 212015NormalBorderlessFrancoyovich

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Intruder Alarm has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricBanned
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 If multiple creatures enter the battlefield at one time, this ability triggers once for each creature. This doesn’t matter much, but it can in some cases.