Budget Alternatives to Skittering Cicada
Looking for a functional budget replacement for Skittering Cicada ($13.61)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Mana Accelerator & Ramp power for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Substitutes for Skittering Cicada at a Glance
Sanctum of Ugin
Acts as a Land alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and costs 3 less mana (0 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
Ugin's Mastery
Acts as a Enchantment alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and costs 1 more mana (4 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
Glaring Fleshraker
Matches Skittering Cicada's Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
Skittering Cicada
How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)
Direct financial comparison between Skittering Cicada and top budget alternatives.
| Card Name | Card Type & CMC | Price | Savings ($) | Savings (%) | Vector Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skittering Cicada (Original) | Creature | $13.61 | — | — | 100% (Baseline) |
| #1 Sanctum of Ugin | Land (0 MV) | $2.94 | $10.67 | 78% | 67% Match |
| #2 Glaring Fleshraker | Creature (3 MV) | $0.86 | $12.75 | 94% | 64% Match |
| #3 Echoes of Eternity | Kindred Enchantment (6 MV) | $2.84 | $10.77 | 79% | 66% Match |
| #4 Ugin's Mastery | Enchantment (4 MV) | $0.38 | $13.23 | 97% | 63% Match |
| #5 Titan's Presence | Instant (3 MV) | $0.45 | $13.16 | 97% | 74% Match |
| #6 Progenitor's Icon | Artifact (3 MV) | $1.05 | $12.56 | 92% | 72% Match |
In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Skittering Cicada
Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.
Sanctum of Ugin
(Land • 0 MV)
{T}: Add {C}. Whenever you cast a colorless spell with mana value 7 or greater, you may sacrifice this land. If you do, search your library for a colorless creature card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.
Acts as a Land alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and costs 3 less mana (0 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
- • Costs $2.94 (78% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (0 MV vs 3 MV)
- • Delivers 67% of the mechanical power ceiling
Glaring Fleshraker
(Creature — Eldrazi Drone • 3 MV)
Whenever you cast a colorless spell, create a 0/1 colorless Eldrazi Spawn creature token with "Sacrifice this token: Add {C}." Whenever another colorless creature you control enters, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Matches Skittering Cicada's Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
- • Costs $0.86 (94% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 64% of the mechanical power ceiling
Echoes of Eternity
(Kindred Enchantment — Eldrazi • 6 MV)
If a triggered ability of a colorless spell you control or another colorless permanent you control triggers, that ability triggers an additional time. Whenever you cast a colorless spell, copy it. You may choose new targets for the copy. (A copy of a permanent spell becomes a token.)
Acts as a Kindred Enchantment alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and costs 3 more mana (6 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
- • Costs $2.84 (79% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 3 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 66% of the mechanical power ceiling
Ugin's Mastery
(Enchantment • 4 MV)
Whenever you cast a colorless creature spell, manifest the top card of your library. (Put it onto the battlefield face down as a 2/2 creature. Turn it face up any time for its mana cost if it's a creature card.) Whenever you attack with creatures with total power 6 or greater, you may turn a face-down creature you control face up.
Acts as a Enchantment alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and costs 1 more mana (4 MV vs 3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #cast-trigger-you, #synergy-colorless.
- • Costs $0.38 (97% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Costs 1 additional mana to cast
- • Delivers 63% of the mechanical power ceiling
Titan's Presence
(Instant • 3 MV)
As an additional cost to cast this spell, reveal a colorless creature card from your hand. Exile target creature if its power is less than or equal to the revealed card's power.
Acts as a Instant alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #synergy-colorless.
- • Costs $0.45 (97% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 74% of the mechanical power ceiling
Progenitor's Icon
(Artifact • 3 MV)
As this artifact enters, choose a creature type. {T}: Add one mana of any color. {T}: The next spell of the chosen type you cast this turn can be cast as though it had flash.
Acts as a Artifact alternative to Skittering Cicada's Creature and shares the exact same mana value (3 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #gives-flash.
- • Costs $1.05 (92% savings over Skittering Cicada)
- • Fills the Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 72% of the mechanical power ceiling
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.
Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Skittering Cicada's primary trigger role.
Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.
Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.
When Is Skittering Cicada Irreplaceable?
If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Skittering Cicada's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $13.61 price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skittering Cicada Alternatives
Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.
What is the best budget alternative to Skittering Cicada?+
Sanctum of Ugin ($2.94) is the best overall alternative to Skittering Cicada ($13.61), saving $10.67 (78% savings) with a 67% functional vector match.
What cards are like Skittering Cicada in MTG?+
Cards like Skittering Cicada include Sanctum of Ugin ($2.94), Glaring Fleshraker ($0.86), Echoes of Eternity ($2.84), Ugin's Mastery ($0.38). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.
What is the cheapest replacement for Skittering Cicada?+
Ugin's Mastery ($0.38) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 97% compared to Skittering Cicada.
Why would a player want a replacement for Skittering Cicada?+
At $13.61, Skittering Cicada represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.
When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Skittering Cicada?+
In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.
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