Desert Cerodon MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 128
2019-11-07 - Number 902
2020-08-13 - Number 151
2020-09-26 - Number AKH-128
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Cycling |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)
The endless expanse of desert surrounding Naktamun sometimes yields threats that the gods themselves must answer.
Cards like Desert Cerodon
Desert Cerodon represents one branch of the creature spectrum in the game of Magic; it’s a hulking 6/4 beast for six mana, which on its surface appears to align with numerous creatures in MTG that offer substantial power and toughness for a significant mana cost. A closer look, however, offers a perspective on its cycling ability, a trait it shares with striped Riverwinder. While Striped Riverwinder boasts a similar cycling cost and adds hexproof for protection, it trades two power for a single blue mana in its casting cost.
Another relative in this suite of creatures is Horror of the Broken Lands. Although it also possesses the cycling ability for a single black mana, its strength is in how it becomes stronger whenever you cycle or discard another card, providing potential for a formidable threat. Additionally, where Desert Cerodon stands on flat ground with no further abilities, Horror of the Broken Lands looms as an increasingly menacing force with each cycle or discard play, reflecting its capacity for interaction and synergy within a dedicated deck.
The assessment of Desert Cerodon against its peers across MTG reveals its role as a straightforward choice for players who value raw power and cycling flexibility, yet for those seeking creatures that interact more dynamically with the play environment, alternatives like Horror of the Broken Lands may offer deeper strategic value.
Cards similar to Desert Cerodon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Desert Cerodon may not directly offer card draw, its Cycling ability allows for deck filtering, which can help dig for more advantageous cards and streamline your game plan.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not generating additional mana or treasure tokens, Cycling Desert Cerodon can be an enabler in decks that capitalize on discarding cards, indirectly accelerating your access to the resources you need through synergistic interactions.
Instant Speed: The Cycling ability of Desert Cerodon can be activated at instant speed, providing the flexibility to adapt to an evolving board state and make strategic decisions based on the opponent’s actions during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Desert Cerodon comes with the need to discard another card if you’re aiming to take advantage of its cycling ability. Cycling is a tool for drawing a new card, but it can set you back in card advantage, particularly in a tight game where each card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires a specific allocation of mana, with one generic and one red mana necessary to cast it. This cost implies that the card is best suited for mono-red or two-colored decks that are heavy on red mana sources, potentially limiting its flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana for a 6/4 body, Desert Cerodon might be considered mana-inefficient compared to other creatures at similar or lower cost tiers offering additional abilities or having more impactful presence on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Desert Cerodon stands out for its ability to fit seamlessly into a range of red-based decks, particularly those that thrive on cycling mechanics or require a sizable creature on the battlefield to keep pressure on the opponent.
Combo Potential: This card’s cycling ability allows it to fuel graveyard strategies or draw into more critical pieces of your deck’s game plan. It synergizes well with cards that benefit from cycling or discarding, potentially catalyzing powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right meta, where slower, control decks are prevalent, having an inexpensive cycling option like Desert Cerodon can be a game-changer, allowing for faster deck thinning and helping to access needed resources more promptly.
How to Beat Desert Cerodon
Desert Cerodon, a creature card from Magic: The Gathering’s Amonkhet set, presents a formidable presence with its 6/4 stats and the ability to cycle for one red mana. To outmaneuver this desert behemoth, employing removal spells that surpass its sizable body is key. Red players might reach for efficient burn spells like Lightning Strike or Abrade to swiftly dispatch the Cerodon before it can assert board dominance. Meanwhile, those favoring black magic have an arsenal of options such as Fatal Push or Murder, which can eliminate the threat regardless of its power and toughness.
Control strategies can also shine against the Desert Cerodon. Blue mages can utilize counter spells like Cancel to prevent it from hitting the field or bounce spells like Unsummon to reset its momentum. For multicolored decks, strategies may include Detention Sphere or Cast Out, which can take the Cerodon out of the equation for the remainder of the game without inflicting direct damage. Lastly, thwarting this beast often involves timing your removal or control spells effectively to avoid cycling synergy and additional benefits your opponent may gain from this action.
Understanding the importance of managing powerful creatures like Desert Cerodon can turn the tides of a match, maintaining advantage in control and keeping the path to victory clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Desert Cerodon MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Mystery Booster, 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 Desert Cerodon 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 Desert Cerodon Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 902 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 3 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 151 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | AKH-128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Desert Cerodon 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 |