Viral Drake MTG Card


Viral Drake’s instant speed activation allows for strategic counter increases at crucial moments. Demands careful resource management due to its card discard requirement for activation. Offers unique versatility in counter-focused decks and can become a meta-relevant force.
Viral Drake - New Phyrexia
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Drake
Abilities Flying,Infect,Proliferate
Released2011-05-13
Set symbol
Set nameNew Phyrexia
Set codeNPH
Power 1
Toughness 4
Number49
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLars Grant-West

Text of card

Flying Infect (This creature deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters and to players in the form of poison counters.) : Proliferate. (You choose any number of permanents and/or players with counters on them, then give each another counter of a kind already there.)


Cards like Viral Drake

Viral Drake shares its blue mana lineage with other proliferate creatures in Magic: The Gathering, standing out for its ability to spread counters across the battlefield. Take Thrummingbird as a comparison, it also carries the proliferate effect, but is lighter on the mana curve and boasts flying – a trait they share. However, Viral Drake presents a notable advantage: it can proliferate at will using its activated ability, making it a formidable utility card in a counter-heavy deck.

Another relative within this niche is Inexorable Tide. While not a creature, this enchantment allows you to proliferate whenever you cast a spell. This can lead to more widespread counter distribution over time, but lacks the instant impact Viral Drake can have. Then there’s Contagion Engine, which performs a similar function. Though it offers a board-wide proliferate effect and can act as removal for weaker creatures, it carries a heftier mana investment and doesn’t offer the repeatable use turn after turn like Viral Drake.

By analyzing the nuances of these cards, it becomes evident that Viral Drake provides a unique combination of flexibility and steady counter manipulation, securing its place in decks that favor long-term strategic advantages.

Thrummingbird - MTG Card versions
Inexorable Tide - MTG Card versions
Contagion Engine - MTG Card versions
Thrummingbird - MTG Card versions
Inexorable Tide - MTG Card versions
Contagion Engine - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Viral Drake by color, type and mana cost

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Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Viral Drake offers a strategic upper hand by enabling you to proliferate and potentially amass additional counters across your permanents to stay ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: Thanks to its proliferate ability, this card can expedite the growth of your resources. It could be increasing loyalty on planeswalkers or magnifying +1/+1 counters on creatures, potentially speeding up your victory.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Viral Drake’s ability can be activated at instant speed. This key feature allows you to be flexible during the game, deciding when to bolster your board at the most opportune moments even during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Viral Drake demands a card be discarded to activate its proliferate ability. For players who lack card advantage or are already stretched thin on resources, this can lead to difficult decisions and potential disadvantage throughout the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Viral Drake’s casting and ability costs require blue mana, which restricts its inclusion to decks running blue. Consequently, it’s not a versatile option for every strategy, especially those not aligned with blue’s characteristics.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though the ability to proliferate and potentially amass numerous counters can be a powerful tactic, the four mana required to cast Viral Drake can be seen as steep, especially when compared to other cards with more immediate impact or lower cost proliferate options available in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Viral Drake offers a flexible role in various deck archetypes, particularly in strategies that prioritize proliferating counters. Its flying ability also provides a reliable form of evasion.

Combo Potential: With its proliferate ability, Viral Drake can be a key component in combos, enhancing +1/+1 counters or amassing loyalty on planeswalkers at an accelerated rate.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where counters – be they on creatures, artifacts, or players – are a common sight, Viral Drake’s ability to multiply these effects can make it a substantial threat.


How to beat

Viral Drake is a unique creature card found in the dim corridors of the MTG multiverse. Players can find themselves at odds with its proliferate ability, allowing the game to sway by intensifying the number of counters on permanents and players. However, pinpointing strategies to counter this infectious threat is key to maintaining dominance on the battlefield.

One approach is to employ instant-speed removal spells. Cards like Doom Blade for creatures or Negate for countering the activation of abilities can prove to be effective shields against Viral Drake’s proliferate tactics. Keeping mana reserved for such spells ensures you can respond to the Drake’s ability even outside your turn. Additionally, employing creatures with flying or reach can block Viral Drake’s attacks, neutralizing its power without needing spells. Finally, enhancing your strategy with cards that limit the use of activated abilities or ones that benefit from the use of counters will ensure that even if Viral Drake activates, the impact is minimal or even advantageous to your game plan.

For a winning strategy in Magic: The Gathering, taking proactive steps against adversaries like Viral Drake will vastly improve the chances of outmaneuvering your opponents and claiming victory on the gaming table.


BurnMana Recommendations

Viral Drake stands out as a unique addition to any MTG player’s card arsenal, particularly for those specializing in counter manipulation. While it presents certain challenges, such as its discard requirement and specific mana needs, the potential advantages it brings to the table cannot be overlooked. If you’re looking to fine-tune your prowess in MTG or simply want to add this versatile card to your collection, diving deeper into its uses and strategic value is essential. Unlock the full potential of Viral Drake and other MTG cards by joining us for further insights and strategies to enhance your gameplay experience. Ready to explore new horizons in your MTG endeavors? Connect with us to learn more.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Viral Drake MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia, 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 Viral Drake and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Viral Drake has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal