Daybreak Charger MTG Card
2020-07-03 - Number 14
2022-12-02 - Number 172
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Unicorn |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
When Daybreak Charger enters the battlefield, target creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.
It's often mistaken for the coming dawn as it gallops across the horizon.
Understanding Daybreak Charger’s Place in MTG
When evaluating Daybreak Charger against its counterparts in the realm of aggressive creatures in Magic: The Gathering, we can observe that it nestles comfortably within a familiar niche. With its immediate impact on the battlefield bolstered by its ability to empower another creature with a +2/+0 boost upon entry, it shares a kinship with cards like Goblin Motivator that also accelerates the power of your creatures.
Cards like Daybreak Charger
Daybreak Charger has entered the arena as a solid option for players looking to add some muscle to their board swiftly. Much like the swift and impactful Ember Hauler, which offers a secondary effect, Daybreak Charger delivers an aggressive two-for-one by giving another creature a temporary power spike while presenting a respectable body of its own. Contrast this with the function of Oreskos Swiftclaw, which simply provides a more muscular body without any additional effects, and you can see Daybreak Charger’s advantage in creating offensive opportunities.
Trusted Pegasus also stands as a creature providing allied benefits, granting another creature the ability to fly when it attacks. However, Daybreak Charger distinguishes itself with the immediacy of its impact, which can be critical during the early stages of combat. Sun Tail Hawk might offer a flying creature for the same cost, but lacks the immediate board impact that makes Daybreak Charger particularly suitable for aggressive strategies that aim to close games quickly.
In essence, Daybreak Charger fits well into aggressive MTG white decks seeking to enhance their offensive capabilities. By delivering immediate impact upon entry, it can be the difference between a simple assortment of creatures and a formidable army capable of overwhelming an opponent in the early throes of conflict.
Cards similar to Daybreak Charger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Daybreak Charger may not directly draw you cards, but it tilts the board presence in your favor. When you play this card, it immediately impacts the battlefield, possibly turning an otherwise unproductive turn into a pressure application on your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While Daybreak Charger doesn’t affect your mana pool, it does offer a form of tempo acceleration. Casting this two-cost creature can accelerate your game plan, empowering one of your creatures with an additional +2/+0 the moment it enters the battlefield, pushing for more aggressive strategies early on.
Instant Speed: This card operates as a sorcery, and though it lacks the flexibility of instant speed, it compensates with the surprise buff during your turn. The immediate power boost can turn the tides by allowing for unexpectedly favorable trades or direct player damage that can be crucial for maintaining momentum.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Even though Daybreak Charger has no discard requirement, when considering cards for inclusion in your deck, it’s always crucial to weigh the benefits of each creature’s impact on the board against the need for maintaining card advantage in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Daybreak Charger’s mana cost includes one Plains, demanding a dedicated slot in white-based decks, which could restrict its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana for a 3/1 creature that buffs another upon entering the battlefield might seem reasonable, in the highly competitive environment of MTG, players may find other two-mana creatures or spells that offer greater flexibility or additional value over time.
Reasons to Include Daybreak Charger in Your Collection
Versatility: Daybreak Charger can be a useful addition to a variety of decks, especially those focused on aggressive strategies. Its ability to give a creature a significant power boost upon entering the battlefield can be pivotal in early game combat scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card works well in synergy with decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters or need creatures with increased power to trigger effects or enhance combat outcomes. It’s a valuable combo piece in decks that aim to quickly overwhelm opponents.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where early board presence is crucial, Daybreak Charger can be particularly effective. With its ability to swing early game momentum in your favor, it’s a worthy consideration for your collection when facing a meta that leans towards tempo plays and swift creature-based tactics.
How to beat Daybreak Charger
Daybreak Charger stands as an interesting creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Known for its ability to provide an immediate buff to another creature, this card shines in aggressive strategies. It’s a straightforward card – upon entering the battlefield, it gives a +2/+0 boost to another target creature until the end of turn. This brief power surge can be instrumental in securing an early game lead.
However, tackling the charger is about timing and control. One effective manner is to remove potential targets before Daybreak Charger can be cast. Prioritize the use of instant removal spells or flash creatures to disrupt your opponent’s board ahead of the Charger’s arrival. Also, countering the Charger directly with spells can prove to be highly efficient, halting the threat before it even begins.
Moreover, Daybreak Charger’s impact is limited. Once it has given the power boost, it stands as a 3/1 creature. Use this to your advantage by preparing creatures or spells that can outclass these stats without demanding high mana resources, ensuring your board presence remains dominant. In essence, staying one step ahead with removal, counterspells, and stronger creatures will negate the Charger’s effect significantly, keeping your life total secure.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Daybreak Charger MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021 and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Daybreak Charger 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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Printings
The Daybreak Charger Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Forrest Imel.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Forrest Imel | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 172 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Forrest Imel |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Daybreak Charger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |