Cocoon MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 178
1995-07-01 - Number 59
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Tap target creature you control and put three counters on it. Target creature does not untap as normal while it has one or more of these counters on it. Remove one counter during your upkeep. During the upkeep phase after the one in which the last counter was removed, Cocoon is destroyed and target creature gains a +1/+1 counter and flying ability.
Cards like Cocoon
The Cocoon MTG card finds its niche within the protective spells of Magic: The Gathering. Functionally akin to cards like Mizzium Skin, Cocoon provides a shield for your creatures. However, unlike Mizzium Skin which merely offers hexproof for a turn, Cocoon encapsulates a creature for a more extended period while also boosting its stats upon emergence. This characteristic distinguishes Cocoon as a hybrid of protection and enhancement.
Shielding is an integral strategy, and cards like Malakir Rebirth add to the equation by offering another form of creature protection. While Malakir Rebirth serves to immediately resurrect a creature upon its demise, Cocoon wards off all damage preemptively and increases the creature’s power after the protective period has passed. The gradual but rewarding payoff of Cocoon can pivot the course of a game, akin to how an expected death and resurrection can with Malakir Rebirth.
To sum up, Cocoon carries unique implications in MTG as it combines aspects of delay and enhancement, setting it apart from other protection spells. Its capacity to bide time and then bolster a creature exhibits a balanced fusion of defense and offense that can be strategically advantageous in the right decks.
Cards similar to Cocoon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cocoon offers a unique approach to card advantage. As it “hatches,” it permits you to draw an additional card while seemingly restricting resources temporarily, leading to a strategic advantage in later turns.
Resource Acceleration: Upon resolving, Cocoon sets the stage for a significant resource boost. After three of your upkeeps, not only are the initial resources returned, but they are amplified, paving the way for a powerful play and giving you an edge in resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: Cocoon’s instant speed flexibility allows savvy players to pick the most opportune moment for casting. This capability ensures that you’re prepared to respond effectively to the evolving game state while planning for your Cocoon’s eventual emergence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cocoon requires players to put one of their own cards into the graveyard to activate its abilities. This can sometimes force players to make a tough decision, especially if their hand is full of crucial spells or creatures they’d prefer to keep.
Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a precise mana cost that includes green, Cocoon is not universally applicable across all deck builds. Players without green mana sources will find it difficult to utilize this card, potentially limiting its versatility in multi-colored or colorless decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the initial investment of three mana to cast, Cocoon’s cost is somewhat steep particularly for decks that prioritize tempo or seek to deploy threats quickly. Its delayed gratification effect might discourage players from including it in fast-paced, aggressive strategies.
Reasons to Include Cocoon in Your Collection
Versatility: Cocoon stands out for its ability to shield any permanent from harm while building up for a bigger play. Its adaptability makes it a good fit for a variety of decks, from aggressively-paced ones seeking to protect key creatures to more defensive builds looking to stall opponents and accumulate resources.
Combo Potential: With its ability to put counters on creatures or other permanents, Cocoon can synergize with strategies that capitalize on counter manipulation. It can act as a temporary safe haven for combo pieces, providing you an additional layer of strategy and timing to execute your winning moves.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where removal spells are prominent, Cocoon provides an affordable solution to guard your most important assets on the board. This little burst of protection can often mean the difference between maintaining board presence and losing momentum, making Cocoon a card worth considering for your strategic line-up.
How to beat
The Cocoon card presents a unique challenge in the MTG realm. This intriguing enchantment creates a temporary protective shell that can turn the tide of battle by shielding a creature from harm and powering it up after a few turns. To effectively counter this card, it’s vital to employ a strategy focused on timing and disruption.
Consider using instant-speed removal spells that can target either the Cocoon itself or the creature it aims to protect. This preemptive approach allows you to bypass Cocoon’s protective effect altogether. Additionally, effects that can bounce, exile, or force the opponent to sacrifice creatures can nullify the advantage Cocoon provides. Cards with versatility, like ones that offer multiple modes or those that can target any nonland permanent, are especially valuable in these scenarios.
Ultimately, overcoming a card like Cocoon can be achieved by prioritizing interaction during your opponent’s end step or by using cards that negate the benefits granted during the untap step. Adaptability and precise timing will guide you to dismantle this protective chrysalis and maintain control over the match’s flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cocoon MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Chronicles, 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 Cocoon 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 Cocoon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 1995-07-01. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 178 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 59 | 1993 | Normal | White | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cocoon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cocoon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Cocoon can be used on a tapped creature. |
| 2004-10-04 | The creature can still be untapped using spells and abilities. |
| 2005-08-01 | If the Aura is moved to a different creature, the number of counters is unchanged. |