Aven Reedstalker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird Warrior |
| Abilities | Flying, Flash |
| Released | 2017-07-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Hour of Devastation |
| Set code | HOU |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 30 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Scott Murphy |
Text of card
Flash Flying
"Our best chance against the Eternals will be tactics they've never seen and styles they've never trained in."
Cards like Aven Reedstalker
Unpacking the nuances and strategic depth of the Aven Reedstalker can reveal how it stacks up against its kin in the world of Magic: The Gathering. This winged warrior bears likeness to other flash-able creatures such as the Nimble Obstructionist. The stalker’s instant-speed playability allows players to strategically introduce a blocker or an evasive threat during the opponent’s turn, resembling the sudden surprise the Obstructionist offers. However, it diverges in its lack of a cycling ability, which the Obstructionist possesses, providing no extra card draw or additional effects.
A closer look also brings the Spectral Sailor into the conversation. Both the Sailor and the Aven Reedstalker share the flash feature, permitting their sudden entry onto the battlefield. Although the Sailor may not boast comparable power, it compensates with a valuable draw ability, underscoring the utility beyond mere combat prowess. Furthermore, the Sailor’s single blue mana requirement makes it highly accessible early in the game, contrasting with the Reedstalker’s four-mana cost which dictates a later game play.
When it comes to assessment, while Aven Reedstalker might lack the multifaceted abilities of some of its relatives, its straightforward application as an airborne ambush predator can serve many decks reliably, fitting well within strategies that prize speed and surprise.
Cards similar to Aven Reedstalker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Aven Reedstalker doesn’t directly offer card advantage, its ability to flash onto the battlefield can surprise an opponent, potentially taking out one of their key creatures and tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Aven Reedstalker isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration. However, its role in the deck can indirectly lead to resource efficiency by mitigating the need for other more costly removal spells.
Instant Speed: The true strength of Aven Reedstalker lies in its flash ability, allowing you to play it at instant speed. This strategic flexibility gives you the upper hand by enabling surprise blocks or by simply keeping mana open to bluff other instant-speed interactions, which can disrupt an opponent’s plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Aven Reedstalker doesn’t come with a discard requirement in itself, yet the fact that it doesn’t provide you with card advantage can make it fall short compared to other creatures that might offer additional value upon entering the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Though not particularly demanding, the mana cost of Aven Reedstalker requires both white and blue mana which could potentially limit deck-building options, particularly for players that prefer monocolor or are working with a limited mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its abilities and stats, Aven Reedstalker’s mana cost is on the higher side, which may make you think twice especially when held up against other options in the same mana range that may have a greater impact on the game.
Reasons to Include Aven Reedstalker in Your Collection
Versatility: Aven Reedstalker can be a solid addition to decks focused on flying creatures, offering both a defensive blocker and an evasive attacker. Its ability to flash in adds an element of surprise and strategic flexibility to your gameplay.
Combo Potential: With its flash ability, Aven Reedstalker pairs well in scenarios that reward you for playing creatures on your opponent’s turn, or in decks that capitalize on the number of creatures with flying you control.
Meta-Relevance: Given its flying and flash mechanics, Aven Reedstalker serves as a potential counter to popular strategies that rely heavily on non-flying creatures, while also being an unexpected threat during combat on your opponent’s turn.
How to beat
Aven Reedstalker is a card that poses certain challenges on the battlefield with its flying ability, allowing it to evade defenders that lack this trait. This can make it a pesky card to deal with, especially if your deck isn’t equipped to handle flying creatures. Similarly, to other creatures with flying, one way to overcome Aven Reedstalker is to include cards in your deck that can either block flying creatures or remove them directly from the battlefield.
Spells like “Murder” or “Fatal Push” are effective removal options since they can directly destroy the creature, bypassing its flying ability. Additionally, having creatures with reach or your own flyers can provide a strategic defense against Aven Reedstalker, ensuring it doesn’t dominate the aerial zone uncontested. It’s essential to consider these strategies when tailoring your deck to combat opponents using Aven Reedstalker or similar threats that maneuver above the ground forces.
Ultimately, while Aven Reedstalker can offer strategic advantages to your opponent, its impact can be mitigated with thoughtful deck building and a keen understanding of how to manage flying threats within the game of Magic the Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aven Reedstalker MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation, 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 Aven Reedstalker 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Aven Reedstalker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.