Dirge Bat

Description

Released in 2020, the Dirge Bat (card #84) stands as a notable inclusion within the Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths expansion for Magic: The Gathering. Printed with a foil finish and categorized as a Rare, this Creature — Bat card is highly regarded for its strategic versatility and distinct visual treatment. At the heart of the Dirge Bat's appeal is the mutate mechanic, a groundbreaking addition to the game's ecosystem. By casting the spell for its mutate cost, players can place this card over or under a target non-Human creature they control. The resulting merged creature combines the top card's stats with all abilities from the cards beneath it. This mechanic allows for dynamic board control and unexpected strategic depth, making the Dirge Bat a favorite among collectors who appreciate innovative game design. The Dirge Bat possesses flash and flying, allowing it to enter the battlefield at any time and evade ground-based defenses. Its most powerful ability triggers whenever it mutates: the controller may destroy a target creature or planeswalker an opponent controls. This removal capability makes it a formidable tool in both casual and competitive formats, adding significant collector interest beyond its aesthetic foil finish. For those building sets or seeking cards with unique gameplay interactions, the Dirge Bat represents a key piece of the Ikoria era. Its ability to disrupt opponents while evolving on the battlefield makes it a standout card number in the IKO set code. Collectors often seek out the foil version for its shimmering quality and the card's impactful role in modern Magic lore.