Intruder Alarm Analysis Guide

TL;DR Summary

Intruder Alarm is a versatile enchantment that can be incorporated into various deck archetypes, making it an attractive addition to numerous strategies. Its ability to restrict creatures from untapping during the controller's untap step has significant implications for tempo-based gameplay, while its second effect allows players to capitalize on creature tokens and create complex board states.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

Intruder Alarm is a 2UU Enchantment that affects both the player controlling it and their opponents. Its first effect restricts creatures from untapping during the controller's untap step, which has significant implications for several gameplay scenarios.

Restricting Tempo-Based Strategies

The most immediate consequence of this restriction is the disruption of creature-based tempo strategies, as they're unable to benefit from their own untap effects. This can be particularly debilitating in decks reliant on cards like Spectral Procession or Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, which count on consistently drawing and playing creatures.

Intruder Alarm's ability to restrict untapping has far-reaching implications for both competitive and casual play. By limiting the effectiveness of creature-based tempo strategies, it creates opportunities for control-oriented decks to assert dominance on the board.

Amplifying Creature Tokens

In contrast, Intruder Alarm's second ability, which triggers whenever a creature enters the battlefield, has far-reaching implications for both competitive and casual play. By untapping all creatures upon another entering, it can greatly enhance the output of creature-based decks by allowing them to attack, defend, or produce additional spells more efficiently.

This synergy is particularly evident in combo-heavy formats like Modern and Legacy, where cards like Omniscience and Expedition Map create complex board states that Intruder Alarm can capitalize on. In such scenarios, the ability to generate large amounts of value from creature tokens can quickly snowball into a decisive advantage.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Intruder Alarm's versatility stems from its ability to impact both creature-focused and tempo-based strategies in various formats. Its restriction on untapping can disrupt aggressive decks that rely on Liliana of the Veil or other control elements, while its second ability offers opportunities for creative deckbuilding.

One of the most compelling applications of Intruder Alarm lies in its potential to amplify the effects of creature tokens and token-generating cards. For example, a combo pairing with Kemba, Kha Regent, which provides a steady stream of 1/1 flying creatures, can create an overwhelming board presence that's difficult for opponents to manage.

Another intriguing use case involves combining Intruder Alarm with token-producing spells like Luminarch Ascension or Atraxa, Praetors' Voice. By creating an abundance of small tokens and triggering the enchantment's ability repeatedly, players can generate a near-unstoppable army that demands a dedicated response.

In addition to its direct applications, Intruder Alarm also offers opportunities for indirect synergies with other cards. Its restriction on untapping can complement Vraska's Contempt-like effects or even serve as a foil to creatures with built-in protection or evasion capabilities, such as Eidolon of the Great Revel. This nuance highlights the card's adaptability and potential for integration into diverse decks.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Intruder Alarm can be incorporated into various deck archetypes, from creature-heavy aggro strategies to tempo-oriented control lists. Its mana cost and enchantment type make it a relatively safe addition to most builds, allowing players to experiment with the card without sacrificing too much consistency or power.

One possible direction for deckbuilders is to leverage Intruder Alarm as a primary engine for token generation and manipulation. By combining this enchantment with cards that create tokens or disrupt opponents' plans, players can craft aggressive decks that thrive in formats like Modern or Pioneer.

A more control-oriented approach involves using Intruder Alarm to reinforce tempo-based strategies focused on disrupting opponents' creature development. This type of deck might include cards like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben and Spectral Procession, which benefit from the enchantment's restriction on untapping.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Intruder Alarm has shown promise in several formats, with its most significant impact observed in Modern and Legacy. Its ability to disrupt tempo-based strategies and amplify creature tokens has made it a valuable addition to aggressive decks seeking to establish an early board presence.

However, the card's format viability also depends on the metagame context and specific deck archetypes. As with any new introduction, its performance may fluctuate in response to emerging threats or changes in player sentiment.

One of the most critical factors influencing Intruder Alarm's competitiveness is its interplay with other cards that affect creatures' untapping. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, which can neutralize opponents' tempo advantages, create a delicate balance between aggro and control strategies.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

As an enchantment, Intruder Alarm interacts with the game state in multiple ways:

• Creatures don't untap: This restriction only applies during the controller's untap step, meaning that creatures can still untap during other phases or steps.
• Whenever a creature enters: The ability to untap all creatures triggers whenever a new creature enters the battlefield, regardless of whether it was played by the player controlling Intruder Alarm or an opponent.

Intruder Alarm's interaction with Concordant Firestar and similar cards that create tokens upon entering is particularly noteworthy. In such cases, the enchantment can amplify the effects of these tokens, creating a powerful synergy that rewards players for investing in creature-based strategies.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

The Intruder Alarm card art features an ominous depiction of a security system triggering in response to unwanted intruders. The artwork's dark, futuristic aesthetic fits well with the Magic: The Gathering theme of exploring new worlds and encountering unexplained phenomena.

Flavor-wise, Intruder Alarm can be seen as an extension of the franchise's focus on magical law enforcement and security measures. This card represents a more subtle aspect of the multiverse, where magical authorities work to maintain order and protect against threats both internal and external.

As a member of the Dominaria set, Intruder Alarm shares connections with other cards that explore themes of security, authority, and the struggle for power. Its design reflects the ongoing evolution of Magic: The Gathering's storytelling and world-building efforts.

Summary of Key Points

• Intruder Alarm is an enchantment that restricts creatures from untapping during the controller's untap step.
• Whenever a creature enters, it triggers an ability to untap all creatures on the battlefield.
• This card can be used in various deck archetypes, including aggressive aggro and tempo-oriented control lists.
• Its versatility makes it suitable for formats like Modern and Legacy.
• Intruder Alarm's restriction on untapping interacts with other cards that affect creature development.
• The enchantment's second ability offers opportunities for creative deckbuilding and synergy with token-generating spells.

By understanding the intricacies of Intruder Alarm, players can make informed decisions about its role in their decks and explore new strategies within various formats.