Zetalpa, Primal Dawn MTG Card


Zetalpa ensures sustained board presence with indestructible and flying, warding off most removals effectively. Demands specific mana investment but provides strategic benefits as a resilient and potent defender. Despite a high mana cost, it excels in control decks and withstands meta shifts with indestructibility.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Elder Dinosaur
Abilities Double strike,Flying,Indestructible,Trample, Vigilance
Power 4
Toughness 8

Text of card

Flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, indestructible

The sky takes flight and the earth trembles.


Cards like Zetalpa, Primal Dawn

Zetalpa, Primal Dawn is an imposing creature in MTG that bears striking resemblance to other lofty fliers in terms of command over the skies. Just as Zetalpa boasts an impressive array of abilities including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible, we can look at creatures like Akroma, Angel of Wrath who offers a somewhat similar suite of traits. Akroma also features flying, vigilance, trample, haste, and protection from various spells, yet lacks Double Strike and the indestructible nature of Zetalpa.

Another formidable flying creature to be considered is Baneslayer Angel, renowned for its protection from demons and dragons, in addition to life-link and first strike. While Baneslayer has its merit, it doesn’t provide the same level of resilience or offensive versatility as Zetalpa. Then there’s Gisela, Blade of Goldnight, introducing a unique angle with damage doubling and halving effects, though it isn’t as defensively sound as Zetalpa with the absence of indestructible.

Each of these cards has its role depending on the game situation, but Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands out for its blend of offensive and defensive abilities, carving a niche among high-cost powerhouse creatures in the MTG universe.

Akroma, Angel of Wrath - MTG Card versions
Baneslayer Angel - MTG Card versions
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - MTG Card versions
Akroma, Angel of Wrath - MTG Card versions
Baneslayer Angel - MTG Card versions
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
SoulflayerSoulflayer PioneerSoulflayerPioneer League 2023-12-26
Atraxa NeoformAtraxa Neoform PioneerAtraxa NeoformPioneer League 2023-12-10
WBRWBR PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-24
Grixis SoulflayerGrixis Soulflayer PioneerSoulflayerUOL MKM Pioneer League
Neoform AtraxaNeoform Atraxa PioneerAtraxa NeoformReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)
Sultai SoulflayerSultai Soulflayer PioneerAtraxa NeoformThe Gathering Showdown Series

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands out by guaranteeing board presence with its exceptional resilience. Featuring abilities like indestructible and flying, this card remains unscathed against most removals, ensuring sustained card advantage on your side of the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Zetalpa doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its sheer presence can deter opponents from attacking. By forcing them to deal with it, you can focus your resources elsewhere, effectively accelerating your game plan while Zetalpa holds the fort.

Instant Speed: Although Zetalpa operates at sorcery speed, its keywords like double strike and vigilance place opponents in a predicament, having to consider the massive damage potential and constant readiness to defend. Zetalpa influences the pace and decisions in the game, making it a considerable strategic advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Not applicable to Zetalpa, Primal Dawn as it does not require you to discard cards upon casting.

Specific Mana Cost: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn demands a hefty amount of two white mana in its total cost, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks heavily invested in white mana sources or those capable of heavy mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding eight mana to summon, Zetalpa, Primal Dawn’s cost is on the higher end of the spectrum, which makes it less accessible in the early to mid-game and can be a significant drawback in faster, more aggressive matches.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn can adapt to various deck strategies due to its sturdy defenses and ability to deal considerable damage. It’s a formidable addition to control decks that require powerful finishers as well as any deck that can benefit from a resilient flyer.

Combo Potential: With its suite of keywords including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible, Zetalpa can be at the heart of devastating combos. It pairs excellently with aura and equipment cards that elevate its combat prowess or utilize its indestructibility.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that heavily features creature-based strategies, Zetalpa can be a game-changer. Its indestructibility allows it to endure board wipes and removal, making it a persistent threat against a wide range of opponents.


How to beat Zetalpa, Primal Dawn

Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands as a formidable creature card in Magic: The Gathering, boasting an impressive array of abilities, including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible. This Elder Dinosaur can be a real headache for opponents due to its resilience and potential for high damage output. Handling Zetalpa requires strategic planning and the right card choices.

One effective strategy is to utilize spells and abilities that sidestep its indestructible nature. Board sweepers that change the rules of engagement, such as Settle the Wreckage, circumvent traditional destruction and exile Zetalpa directly from play. Alternatively, reducing Zetalpa’s power to zero, with cards like Languish or a -1/-1 counter strategy, can lead to its demise as state-based actions do not see it as indestructible. Engaging enchantments can also come into play by neutralizing its abilities, though these must be handled with caution due to Zetalpa’s potent offense.

Understanding Zetalpa’s strengths and weaknesses is key. Once a plan is in place, even the mightiest of creatures can be overcome in the ever-evolving battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. Timely reactions and knowing when to hold back or confront this prehistoric powerhouse can assure victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is like assembling a puzzle where each card is a piece that can significantly alter the outcome. Zetalpa, Primal Dawn is one of those unique pieces that redefine board states with its combination of offensive might and defensive fortitude. Its array of keywords pushes opponents to think twice, adding a layer of depth to every match. If you’re looking to add strength to your deck or simply admire the elegant complexity of MTG’s diverse ecosystem, Zetalpa deserves consideration. For more insights and strategies that can sharpen your gameplay, keep following BurnMana’s guidance – your compass in the MTG universe.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zetalpa, Primal Dawn MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and Commander 2019, 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 Zetalpa, Primal Dawn and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zetalpa, Primal Dawn Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 302015NormalBlackChris Rallis
22019-08-23Commander 2019C19 792015NormalBlackChris Rallis
32019-11-15Game Night 2019GN2 152015NormalBlackChris Rallis
42020-04-17Commander 2020C20 1072015NormalBlackChris Rallis
52020-09-26The ListPLST RIX-302015NormalBlackChris Rallis
62021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1122015NormalBlackChris Rallis
72022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1082015NormalBlackChris Rallis
82023-05-08From Cute to BrutePCTB 82015NormalBlackChris Rallis
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 712015NormalBlackChris Rallis
102023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 4782015NormalBlackChris Rallis
112023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1412015NormalBlackChris Rallis

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zetalpa, Primal Dawn has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-01-19 If an attacking creature with double strike and trample destroys all of its blocking creatures with first-strike combat damage, all of its normal combat damage is assigned to the player or planeswalker that creature's attacking.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.