Apex Altisaur MTG Card


Apex Altisaur offers card advantage by clearing multiple creatures with its entrance “fight” effect. Its high mana cost is balanced by green mana ramping, allowing earlier deployment. Instant-speed synergies make it a flexible and immediate game-changer on the board.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost9
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Abilities Enrage,Fight
Power 10
Toughness 10

Text of card

When Apex Altisaur enters the battlefield, it fights up to one target creature you don't control. Enrage — Whenever Apex Altisaur is dealt damage, it fights up to one target creature you don't control.

It brings belligerence to new heights.


Cards like Apex Altisaur

Apex Altisaur makes a remarkable entrance in the circle of high-impact creatures within MTG. When examined alongside its brethren like Ghalta, Primal Hunger, the Altisaur emerges distinct due to its “Enrage” ability which allows it to fight other creatures whenever it’s dealt damage. Unlike Ghalta, which can potentially cost less mana due to its cost-reduction ability, Apex Altisaur maintains a fixed high mana cost but offers a continued board influence each time it is injured.

In the realm of creatures that interact with damage, we also see the likes of Polyraptor. This dino has a similar enrage mechanic but instead of fighting other creatures, it replicates itself, potentially creating an overwhelming board presence. However, it lacks the direct control over the board that Apex Altisaur provides by removing opponents’ creatures. Then, there’s Bellowing Aegisaur, another dinosaur which, when damaged, doesn’t affect the board immediately but bolsters your other creatures by placing +1/+1 counters on them.

Reviewing these formidable creatures, Apex Altisaur claims a solid position among MTG’s colossal dinosaurs for its unique ability to control the battlefield. Its recurring direct engagement with enemy creatures can swing the game, proving its worth in decks that favor monster interactions and damage-based strategies.

Ghalta, Primal Hunger - MTG Card versions
Polyraptor - MTG Card versions
Bellowing Aegisaur - MTG Card versions
Ghalta, Primal Hunger - MTG Card versions
Polyraptor - MTG Card versions
Bellowing Aegisaur - MTG Card versions

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Apex Altisaur. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
4c Zenith4c Zenith LegacyBlue ZenithLegacy League 2023-12-29

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Apex Altisaur enters the battlefield, its “fight” mechanic can potentially clear multiple creatures, effectively providing card advantage by dealing with numerous threats in one swoop.

Resource Acceleration: Playing Apex Altisaur in decks with green mana ramping capabilities enables you to deploy this substantial threat earlier in the game, capitalizing on green’s strength in resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: Though Apex Altisaur itself doesn’t have instant speed, its impact on the board is immediate, comparable to instant-speed removal effects which can be pivotal during a complex board state. Additionally, it synergizes well with effects that can be activated at instant speed to give it indestructible, allowing you to preserve it while clearing opposing threats.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Apex Altisaur does not specifically ask you to discard a card as part of its casting, it does bring a certain need for card sacrifice. As it enforces battles upon entering the battlefield, you may find yourself losing other creatures, which is similar to a discard in terms of resource depletion.

Specific Mana Cost: With a cost that includes two green mana, Apex Altisaur demands a solid base in green mana. This restricts the card primarily to green-heavy or dinosaur-themed decks, limiting its versatility across various types of decks in the MTG universe.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of nine mana makes Apex Altisaur quite a heavy lift, especially when considering that other creatures and spells can offer significant board impact at a lower mana investment. Its cost can slow your gameplay significantly unless you’re well-prepared with ramping capabilities.


Reasons to Include Apex Altisaur in Your Collection

Versatility: Apex Altisaur brings a significant presence on the battlefield that can adapt to various game situations. Its enrage mechanic allows it to act as a creature remover whenever it is dealt damage, making it a great fit for decks that can manipulate or benefit from damage distribution.

Combo Potential: The enrage ability of this dinosaur opens up numerous combo possibilities. Pairing it with cards that deal damage to all creatures can create a board-wiping effect, selectively clearing opponents’ threats while leaving you with a potentially untouched giant.

Meta-Relevance: In environments dominated by creature-based strategies, Apex Altisaur shines as an effective way to counter multiple threats. It can act as a deterrent to opponents considering an attack, knowing that it could result in them losing their crucial creatures. Moreover, its substantial body makes it a robust blocker and potential game-ender in late-game scenarios.


How to beat

The Apex Altisaur is a formidable creature that stands as a challenge in the Magic: The Gathering arena due to its massive body and the enrage mechanic that allows it to potentially clear the board as it fights other creatures. To overcome this Jurassic juggernaut, smart strategy is essential. The key is to avoid engaging it in combat, where its enrage ability can be devastating. Instead, focus on removal spells that can bypass its ability, such as “Path to Exile” or “Assassin’s Trophy,” which can exile or destroy without triggering a fight.

Playing around Apex Altisaur involves managing your resources and timing your spells critically. Utilize instant-speed interactions to ensure you can respond during your opponent’s turn or to surprise them unexpectedly. Counter spells also work effectively to prevent it from ever hitting the battlefield. Additionally, flying creatures or those with the “cannot be blocked” trait can be invaluable in your offensive line-up, chipping away at your opponent’s life total without having to confront the Altisaur directly.

Ultimately, outmaneuvering an Apex Altisaur requires a blend of strategic creature placement and smart spell usage. Cards that allow for flexible responses can give you the upper hand against this colossal threat. With the right plan and a cool head, even the mightiest dinosaurs can be rendered extinct.


BurnMana Recommendations

Apex Altisaur’s presence in the MTG domain is unmissable for those seeking to harness its battlefield dominance. Whether it’s the ability to sway the creature count in your favor or the strategic integration into ramping decks to expedite its arrival, the Altisaur is worthy of consideration. Tackle the challenges of high mana demand by fortifying your deck with green’s ramping prowess. Savvy players, aiming to stay ahead of the curve, can benefit from this versatile behemoth. Delve deeper into optimizing your MTG deck strategies, mitigating cons and exploiting the raw power of Apex Altisaur by joining our community of enthusiasts. Ready to evolve your gameplay?


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Apex Altisaur MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2019 and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Apex Altisaur and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Apex Altisaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-08-23 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Simon Dominic.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-08-23Commander 2019C19 312015NormalBlackSimon Dominic
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2322015NormalBlackSimon Dominic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Apex Altisaur has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Apex Altisaur card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-08-23 If Apex Altisaur fights a creature while either of its abilities is resolving, being dealt damage this way causes its second ability to trigger. It may fight several times in a row this way.
2019-08-23 If the target creature is an illegal target when Apex Altisaur's last ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn't resolve. If it's a legal target but Apex Altisaur is no longer on the battlefield when the ability resolves (perhaps because it has already died from picking too many fights) the target creature won't deal or be dealt damage.