Lurking Predators MTG Card


Lurking Predators grants you creatures without spending mana, making it an excellent resource-accelerating asset. Instant speed activation of Lurking Predators poses a constant, unpredictable threat to opponents. Its synergistic potential in green decks makes it a versatile and meta-relevant card in MTG.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever an opponent casts a spell, reveal the top card of your library. If it's a creature card, put it onto the battlefield. Otherwise, you may put that card on the bottom of your library.

All are prey to the eyes of the wild.


Cards like Lurking Predators

Lurking Predators stands as a unique enchantment in Magic: The Gathering. This card shines in decks that manipulate the top of the library and enjoy creature-heavy strategies. In this space, it often draws comparison to another enchantment, Call of the Wild, which also grants the ability to put creatures into play. Yet, Lurking Predators offers the added surprise element, triggered by opposing actions, and doesn’t require mana investment each turn like Call of the Wild does.

Another similar card worth noting is See the Unwritten. While it doesn’t persist on the battlefield like Lurking Predators, it presents a one-time opportunity to potentially put two creatures onto the battlefield. Nonetheless, Lurking Predators has the ongoing potential to dramatically change the game state every time an opponent casts a spell.

In the realm of creature-based library manipulation, Lurking Predators provides continuous pressure and advantage making it an outstanding inclusion in decks that can consistently benefit from its trigger, outperforming many one-shot effects with its recurrent potential for impact.

Call of the Wild - MTG Card versions
See the Unwritten - MTG Card versions
Call of the Wild - MTG Card versions
See the Unwritten - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lurking Predators by color, type and mana cost

Hidden Path - MTG Card versions
Ritual of Subdual - MTG Card versions
Nature's Wrath - MTG Card versions
Recycle - MTG Card versions
Mine, Mine, Mine! - MTG Card versions
Cardboard Carapace - MTG Card versions
Dual Nature - MTG Card versions
Wild Pair - MTG Card versions
Wurmweaver Coil - MTG Card versions
Shape of the Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Epic Proportions - MTG Card versions
Mana Reflection - MTG Card versions
Feed the Pack - MTG Card versions
Death's Presence - MTG Card versions
Primeval Bounty - MTG Card versions
Humbler of Mortals - MTG Card versions
Goldenhide Ox - MTG Card versions
Prodigious Growth - MTG Card versions
Nyxborn Colossus - MTG Card versions
Greater Tanuki - MTG Card versions
Hidden Path - MTG Card versions
Ritual of Subdual - MTG Card versions
Nature's Wrath - MTG Card versions
Recycle - MTG Card versions
Mine, Mine, Mine! - MTG Card versions
Cardboard Carapace - MTG Card versions
Dual Nature - MTG Card versions
Wild Pair - MTG Card versions
Wurmweaver Coil - MTG Card versions
Shape of the Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Epic Proportions - MTG Card versions
Mana Reflection - MTG Card versions
Feed the Pack - MTG Card versions
Death's Presence - MTG Card versions
Primeval Bounty - MTG Card versions
Humbler of Mortals - MTG Card versions
Goldenhide Ox - MTG Card versions
Prodigious Growth - MTG Card versions
Nyxborn Colossus - MTG Card versions
Greater Tanuki - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Lurking Predators, each turn has the potential to turn into a free creature card onto the battlefield, parachuting in valuable assets and tipping the scales with an ever-increasing army. This effect thoroughly capitalizes on the element of surprise and can effectively overwhelm opponents, especially in creature-dense decks.

Resource Acceleration: This enchantment resembles getting a free creature on your battlefield every time an opponent plays a spell. This surpasses the need for spending mana on creatures and leaves your resources free for other strategies. The cost reduction effect, in essence, propels you ahead by saving key mana potentially every round.

Instant Speed: What sets Lurking Predators apart is its trigger at instant speed due to its reflexive design. Every spell your rivals cast can immediately backfire on them, potentially summoning a creature before they’ve even finished their turn. This keeps opponents on their toes, unsure of what threats they might accidentally unleash.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the case of Lurking Predators, having a constant effect that relies on opponents’ actions can occasionally work against you. If your opponents are aware of its presence, they may avoid casting spells, thereby limiting the potential card advantage you could garner from Lurking Predators.

Specific Mana Cost: The enchantment requires a strict investment of one green mana paired with a substantial generic mana cost. This can be challenging in multicolored decks and may not synergize well with strategies that require a more flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of six mana to get Lurking Predators into play, it can be considered a late-game play. There are scenarios in which the initial mana investment would not pay off, especially if it is removed before you can take advantage of its ability, making the high cost a potential downside in faster, more aggressive games.


Reasons to Include Lurking Predators in Your Collection

Versatility: Lurking Predators offers a unique and impactful effect that can alter the state of the game as soon as a creature hits the battlefield. Its place in green decks, known for creature-focused strategies, provides a persistent advantage throughout the game.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks with a high density of creatures, particularly those with powerful enter-the-battlefield effects. Its synergy with library manipulation ensures that players can consistently capitalize on its ability to cheat costlier creatures into play.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where decks are built to reach their endgame quickly, Lurking Predators can level the playing field by accelerating your board presence without spending mana on your turn. This makes it a candidate for strategies aiming to outpace opponents or match their tempo without sacrificing card advantage.


How to Beat Lurking Predators

Lurking Predators is an enchantment that turns your opponent’s actions into potential creature deployments. Unlike most spells that react during your turn, Lurking Predators functions on your opponent’s turn, making it unpredictable. It’s an MTG card that challenges conventional play, as each spell your opponent casts can lead to a swift creature presence on your side.

To counter this, timing and selection of spells become crucial. Employing instant-speed removal, counter-magic, or hand disruption can disrupt the card’s advantage. Consider waiting for Lurking Predators to trigger, then removing key creatures in response, or countering essential spells they cast off the top of their library. Board wipes can reset the postured advantage gained through multiple triggers. Hand disruption can remove problematic creatures before they’re ever a threat on the board.

Think of Lurking Predators as a test of patience – playing into it hastily will likely backfire, while carefully timing your answers can neutralize this continuous threat. Always keep in mind the deck context Lurking Predators is in, as it will inform the most effective approach to dismantling its strategy. By adopting a mindset of strategic spellcasting and resource management, you can diminish the impact of Lurking Predators.


BurnMana Recommendations

Lurking Predators is a powerhouse for any MTG player aspiring to dominate the battlefield with a legion of creatures. Its unique ability to call creatures into play unexpected gives it an edge in many green-centric decks. As you harness the benefits of this enchantment in your strategies, remember its potential isn’t just about the one-time effect but the enduring threat it poses to your opponents with each spell they cast. Enhance your understanding of deck synergy and outmaneuver your opponents with the unexpected force that Lurking Predators offers. For those looking to forge a path to victory through vibrant creature play, we welcome you to explore more tactics and synergies with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lurking Predators MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Commander 2016, 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 Lurking Predators and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Lurking Predators Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Mike Bierek.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1902003NormalBlackMike Bierek
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1562015NormalBlackMike Bierek
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 4102015NormalBlackMike Bierek
42020-09-26The ListPLST M10-1902003NormalBlackMike Bierek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lurking Predators has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 A “creature card” is any card with the type creature, even if it has other types such as artifact, enchantment, or land. Older cards of type summon are also creature cards.
2009-10-01 If an opponent casts a spell, this ability triggers and is put on the stack on top of that spell. This ability will resolve (meaning that a revealed creature card will enter the battlefield) before the spell resolves.
2009-10-01 You must put the revealed card onto the battlefield if it’s a creature card. If it’s not a creature card and you don’t put it on the bottom of your library, it stops being revealed and simply remains on top of your library.