Lancer Sliver

Lancer Sliver was released in 2019 as part of the Modern Horizons expansion for Magic: The Gathering. This set was unique in the game's history because it was designed specifically for modern formats rather than standard play, focusing on themes and mechanics that cater to long-time players and collectors. The inclusion of new Slivers was a nostalgic nod to the creature type's original popularity in the Tempest block, intended to reinvigorate the tribe with modern design sensibilities.

The card was illustrated by Greg Staples, whose work often brings a gritty, atmospheric intensity to the game's creature designs. In conceiving the Lancer Sliver, the design team aimed to provide a tactical upgrade for the archetype by granting all Slivers first strike, a classic combat keyword that reinforces the hive-mind nature of the sliver collective. It was received by the player base as a solid, functional addition to tribal strategies, prized for its ability to shift combat math in favor of the Sliver player.