Crimson Roc MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 168 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ian Miller |
Text of card
Flying If Crimson Roc blocks any creature without flying, Crimson Roc gets +1/+0 and gains first strike until end of turn.
Cards like Crimson Roc
Crimson Roc joins the ranks of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering with flying. Just like the iconic Suntail Hawk, Crimson Roc takes to the skies, but with the added benefit of a punchier attack, which grants a strategic advantage during the mid-game phase. While Suntail Hawk swoops in with its one-mana cost, Crimson Roc demands a bit more mana but compensates with its ability to control the aerial battlefield effectively.
Comparing it to other flyers like Glory-Bound Initiate, while both contribute to the aggressive white weenie strategies, the latter has exert versatility, allowing it to tap into additional powers occasionally. Crimson Roc, on the other hand, remains a consistent threat in the air round after round. Wind Drake also shares similarities, bearing both the cost and power stats with Crimson Roc; however, lacking secondary abilities, Wind Drake falls short in versatility and impact during combat.
Analyzing the roles these creatures play, Crimson Roc positions itself as a reliable option for MTG players who value resilient aerial threats, making it an attractive pick especially in limited formats where evasion is key.
Cards similar to Crimson Roc by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Crimson Roc card lends a significant boost to your hand by letting you pull an additional card when certain conditions are met. This ensures a steady flow of resources, keeping you ahead in the duel and fortifying your position.
Resource Acceleration: This majestic bird not only graces the skies but also accelerates your resources. Depending on its abilities, it can potentially lower casting costs for other spells or offer alternative ways to generate mana, thus expanding your capacity to deploy game-changing strategies much earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: With the capacity to operate at instant speed, Crimson Roc provides flexibility that can adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. It lets you make decisions on the fly and react to your opponent’s actions with lethal precision, often turning the tide of the match in your favor at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One potential downside of Crimson Roc is the requirement to discard a card for triggering certain abilities. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially when card advantage is crucial during late-game scenarios.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a mana cost that includes both red and another color, Crimson Roc may not seamlessly fit into every deck. Players focusing on mono-color strategies or those with a tight mana base might find it challenging to consistently cast the creature.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that might be considered steep for its stat line and abilities, Crimson Roc competes with other cards in the same mana range. Players may prefer cards that offer more immediate impact or those that provide a better mana-to-effect ratio.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Crimson Roc is not just a creature card; it’s a flexible arsenal for your MTG deck. It can be integrated into various archetypes, especially those looking for solid flyers with additional benefits.
Combo Potential: This bird shines when paired with cards that capitalize on flying creatures or benefit from triggering damage-based abilities upon dealing combat damage, offering multiple avenues for synergy in your deck.
Meta-Relevance: With a constantly shifting MTG meta, adding Crimson Roc to your collection ensures you’re prepared. Its ability to interact with top-tier threats makes it a strategic pick in competitive gameplay.
How to beat
Crimson Roc is a formidable creature in the plane of Magic: The Gathering, delivering an impressive combination of flying ability and damage immunity. For those facing this avian adversary, strategic measures must be taken. Removing or neutralizing crimson power from the game is essential in overcoming its dominance. Enchantment-based removal spells can prove ineffectual due to Crimson Roc’s inherent protections, emphasizing the need for alternative removal strategies.
Employing spells that don’t target, such as board sweeps like “Wrath of God” or “Supreme Verdict” can effectively bypass the Roc’s defenses. Additionally, leveraging spells that change the rules of engagement, like “Meekstone” or “Ensnaring Bridge,” may restrict the Roc’s ability to attack, negating its offensive potential. For those who favor a more direct approach, combat-trick cards or creatures with reach can serve as a bulwark against the Roc’s aerial assault, turning the tide of battle.
Through careful deck construction and a keen understanding of MTG’s vast arsenal, players can craft strategies to overcome the Crimson Roc. It’s a testament to the game’s depth and the importance of strategic foresight in crafting a victorious deck.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Crimson Roc MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Crimson Roc and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Crimson Roc has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |