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About This Card

The Somber Hoverguard is a 2003 Magic: The Gathering card from the Mirrodin set, known for its high mana cost offset by the Affinity mechanic.

Somber Hoverguard

2003 • Magic: The Gathering • Mirrodin

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.05
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TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 12, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

The Somber Hoverguard is a six-mana blue Drone creature from the 2003 Mirrodin expansion. Designed by Adam Rex, this card serves as a pivotal piece for collectors focusing on the artifact-heavy themes of the Mirrodin block. While its base mana cost is significant, the card’s defining feature is its Affinity ability, which reduces the casting cost by one mana for each artifact you control. This mechanic allows players to deploy a flyer with Flying much earlier in the game, making it a staple in decks built around artifact synergies. In the context of the Mirrodin set, the Somber Hoverguard represents the industrial and mechanical nature of the plane. As a Drone, it fits seamlessly into strategies that prioritize resource accumulation and artifact acceleration. Collectors often seek out cards from this era to complete the full Mirrodin checklist, appreciating the distinct design language and flavor that defined Magic: The Gathering in the early 2000s. The card’s rules text highlights its strategic value, offering aerial superiority and board presence when supported by an artifact-rich hand. For hobbyists, this card is an essential component for those interested in the history of artifact mechanics and the evolution of blue creature designs. The Mirrodin expansion remains a beloved set among vintage players, and cards like the Somber Hoverguard continue to be discussed for their potential in various formats. Whether you are building a nostalgic deck or expanding your collection of rare creatures, this card offers a glimpse into the strategic depth of the Mirrodin era. Its ability to mitigate high mana costs through artifact control makes it a versatile addition to any artifact-focused collection.

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Product Specs

Card Details

The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.

Catalog Profile

The core identity of the card within the set.

Year

2003

Series

Mirrodin

Card Number

#51

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Common

Artist

Adam Rex

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{5}{U}

Type

Creature — Drone

Power / Toughness

3 / 2

Color

U

Card Text

Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.

Affinity for artifacts (This spell costs {1} less to cast for each artifact you control.) Flying

The vedalken interrogate all intruders—once the hoverguards are done with them.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Affinity mechanic on the Somber Hoverguard?

Affinity reduces the card's casting cost by one mana for each artifact you control. This allows players to cast the card for less than its printed mana value if they have artifacts on the battlefield.

Is the Somber Hoverguard a creature in Magic: The Gathering?

Yes, the Somber Hoverguard is a Creature — Drone. It has the Flying ability, allowing it to evade most non-flying creatures and reach the player's life total directly.

Which set does the Somber Hoverguard belong to?

The Somber Hoverguard is from the Mirrodin set, released in 2003. It is a common card within this expansion, focusing on the artifact-centric themes of the plane.

Cards Named Somber Hoverguard

Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.