The Power and Potential of Aquatic Incursion

A Comprehensive Review

Aquatic Incursion is a powerful enchantment card that has been a staple in many blue decks for years. Its ability to create two 1/1 blue Merfolk creature tokens with hexproof when it enters the battlefield is a game-changer, making it difficult for opponents to deal damage to these tokens.

Mechanics and Interactions

One of the key effects of Aquatic Incursion is its token generation ability. When it enters the battlefield, it creates two 1/1 blue creature tokens with hexproof. This means that these tokens are not only small and nimble but also highly resistant to damage. The +1/+1 bonus granted to each token by Aquatic Incursion makes them formidable attackers in combat, capable of dealing significant damage to opponents.

Another important effect of Aquatic Incursion is its ability to control the board for an entire turn. When used correctly, this can be a powerful tool for disrupting opponents' defenses and gaining a significant advantage. This ability works in conjunction with other blue removal spells like Counterspell or Disdainful Stroke, making it particularly effective when combined.

One key interaction to note is that Aquatic Incursion's enchantment ability only affects Merfolk creatures, not other creature types. While this limits its utility, it also makes it even more valuable when used correctly in combination with other cards.

Strategic Uses and Combos

Aquatic Incursion can be used in a variety of strategic contexts, from building a Merfolk tribal deck to controlling the board. One effective way to use Aquatic Incursion is to create an army of hexproof Merfolk tokens that can attack on the opponent's turn, disrupting their defense.

Additionally, Aquatic Incursion can be used as a 'board control' card, allowing its controller to control the board for an entire turn without having to deal with opponents' removals. This makes it particularly valuable in formats where controlling the board is crucial, such as Commander or Limited formats.

One strategic use of Aquatic Incursion is to create a Merfolk tribal deck that leverages its ability to create hexproof creatures. By using cards like Elvish Mystic and Merfolk Sovereign, a player can build an army of Merfolk tokens that are nearly untouchable, making it difficult for opponents to deal damage.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Aquatic Incursion is typically included in blue decks that focus on controlling the board or creating large numbers of small creatures. Its ability to create hexproof tokens makes it particularly valuable in Commander formats where players often prioritize card advantage and tempo over dealing direct damage.

In Limited formats, a player might include Aquatic Incursion in their deck as a way to gain an early game advantage by controlling the board or creating a token swarm. In Constructed formats like Modern or Standard, a player might use Aquatic Incursion in combination with other blue cards to build a more complex and dynamic board presence.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Aquatic Incursion has seen moderate usage in various formats, including Commander and Limited. However, its viability can vary depending on the format and opponent's strategy. In Commander, Aquatic Incursion is often used as part of a Merfolk tribal deck that leverages its ability to create hexproof creatures.

In Limited formats, the ability to create tokens and control the board can be particularly valuable. Players who master using this card effectively in these contexts tend to have a strong advantage over their opponents.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One important note regarding Aquatic Incursion is that its enchantment ability does not affect creatures that are already on the battlefield when it enters. This means that players can use other cards like Fog or Sword of the Animist to disrupt their opponents' Merfolk tokens, but these effects will be ignored by the enchanted creature.

Additionally, the hexproof ability of the Merfolk token is only triggered when the enchantment's ability is used. When creating a new Merfolk token without using this ability, it does not gain hexproof.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Aquatic Incursion features an image of a group of creatures swimming in unison, emphasizing its connection to the oceanic setting. The enchantment's text is written in a formal, almost mystical tone, reflecting its powerful and evocative nature.

In terms of flavor, Aquatic Incursion adds to the theme of underwater exploration and discovery that has been present throughout Magic: The Gathering's history. Its ability to create hexproof Merfolk tokens suggests that these creatures may hold secrets or powers that are waiting to be uncovered.

Key Points Summary

• Token Generation and Hexproof: Aquatic Incursion creates two 1/1 blue creature tokens with hexproof, making them formidable attackers in combat.
• Board Control and Removal: The enchantment's ability allows its controller to control the board for an entire turn without having to deal with opponents' removals.
• Strategic Uses: Aquatic Incursion can be used to create a Merfolk tribal deck or controlling the board, making it particularly valuable in Commander formats.
• Format Viability: Moderate usage in various formats, including Commander and Limited. However, its viability can vary depending on the format and opponent's strategy.

In conclusion, Aquatic Incursion is a versatile enchantment card with multiple strategic uses and synergies. By mastering its ability to create hexproof Merfolk tokens, players can control the board or disrupt their opponents' defenses, making it an essential part of any blue deck in Magic: The Gathering formats.