Assault Griffin MTG Card
2010-07-16 - Number 6
2011-07-15 - Number 8
2013-02-01 - Number 4
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Griffin |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying
"Fine soldiers guarded the northern front. They waited for two-legged foes and left the skies unheeded." —General Avitora
Cards like Assault Griffin
Assault Griffin is a spirited contender in the roster of flying creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It flutters alongside cards like Abbey Griffin, which shares the same mana cost and flying ability. However, Assault Griffin brings a more robust presence to the battlefield with a power of 3, overshadowing Abbey Griffin’s 2. Notably, both cards lack any additional abilities, positioning them as straightforward, no-frills options for aerial offense.
Another card in comparison is Griffin Sentinel. Though Griffin Sentinel is more conservative in its mana cost and offers vigilance, it has a lower power output. This makes Assault Griffin a more aggressive choice for players looking to exert pressure on their opponents from above. Conversely, Concordia Pegasus, while also budget-friendly regarding mana, matches Assault Griffin’s power but falls behind in toughness, putting it at a slight disadvantage during combat.
Evaluating these avian assets, Assault Griffin showcases a balanced blend of cost, power, and the ever-valuable flying trait, establishing its place as a solid pick for players seeking to fortify their aerial assault in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Assault Griffin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the context of Assault Griffin, card advantage comes from its ability to present a notable threat in the air. While it doesn’t draw you extra cards directly, it can lead to advantageous board states by forcing your opponent to deal with it, potentially at a loss to their own resources.
Resource Acceleration: Assault Griffin doesn’t accelerate your mana resources directly, but by offering a substantial presence in the skies, it allows you to maintain pressure and use your mana effectively each turn to deploy threats, which is a form of indirect resource leverage in a match.
Instant Speed: While Assault Griffin itself is a creature that operates at sorcery speed, it fits into decks that value the flexibility of instant-speed responses. By representing a sizable flyer, it compels opponents to keep mana open for removal, which, in turn, can give you the room to operate at instant speed with other spells in your deck.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Assault Griffin requires a precise mana combination to be played, which is a mix of generic and white mana. This makes it more suited for monochrome or dual decks focusing on white, but potentially cumbersome in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is slightly higher on the curve for its power level, Assault Griffin can be less efficient compared to other creatures in its mana range. This may deter players from including it in a deck where mana efficiency and curve are critical.
Discard Requirement: While Assault Griffin does not have a discard requirement itself, it is worth considering how it fits within a deck that might require such a mechanism. In environments where discarding is part of the strategy, the Griffin might offer less synergy than other cards that could capitalize on this aspect.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Assault Griffin is a flexible card that can be seamlessly integrated into multiple deck types, offering a reliable flying creature that can effectively evade many ground-based defenses.
Combo Potential: As a creature with flying, Assault Griffin pairs well with cards that capitalize on flying synergies or buff flying creatures, thus potentially unlocking powerful attack combinations within a deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to bypass ground forces and deal consistent damage, Assault Griffin can be a strategic addition to a collection, particularly in a meta where evasion is key to overcoming an opponent’s defenses.
How to beat
Assault Griffin is a card that brings a strong presence to the battlefield in MTG. Its flying ability gives it a key advantage over ground-based creatures, making it a potent force in the air. To effectively counter this card, players should consider using spells or creatures with reach or any form of flying blockers. Cards like Giant Spider are perfect for this task, providing a reliable defense against flying creatures without needing to engage in direct combat.
Tactic-wise, removal spells cannot be overstated. Efficient removal like Murder or Doom Blade can swiftly handle an Assault Griffin, negating the threat before it gains any momentum. Additionally, enchantments such as Pacifism lock down the creature, effectively grounding it and rendering its combat capabilities null. For a more aggressive approach, players can employ their own flying creatures to exert pressure on the opponent, forcing them to play more defensively and potentially opening up their strategy to vulnerabilities you can exploit.
Ultimately, handling the griffin is about preparation and choosing the right moment to strike. By keeping the skies under control and maintaining removal options, overcoming an Assault Griffin becomes a manageable feat in your Magic: The Gathering matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Assault Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011 and Magic 2012, 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 Assault Griffin and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Assault Griffin Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2013-02-01. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 6 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 3 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 4 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Eric Velhagen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Assault Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |