Destructor Dragon MTG Card
2015-01-23 - Number 127
2019-11-07 - Number 1182
2020-09-26 - Number FRF-127
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying When Destructor Dragon dies, destroy target noncreature permanent.
After countless attacks on the Salt Road where it passes through the frozen tundra, the Abzan began to refer to the area as Atarka territory rather than Temur lands.
Cards like Destructor Dragon
Destructor Dragon joins the ranks of formidable creatures in the world of Magic: The Gathering, bearing close resemblance to cards like Acidic Slime and Terastodon. Acidic Slime offers value with not only its deathtouch ability but also its ability to destroy target artifact, enchantment, or land when it enters the battlefield. However, it doesn’t pack the same aerial presence or power that the Destructor Dragon brings to the table.
Terastodon, much like Destructor Dragon, poses a significant threat with its ability to deal with noncreature permanents, allowing the destruction of up to three target noncreature permanents. That said, it does so immediately upon entering the battlefield rather than waiting for its death trigger like the Destructor Dragon. This means that Terastodon can impact the game significantly faster, although at a higher mana cost and without the flying ability that Destructor Dragon offers.
In evaluating their roles, Destructor Dragon’s death-triggered ability can be a strategic advantage in certain situations. It provides a deterrent effect, as opponents might think twice before removing it, knowing they will have to sacrifice a permanent in the process. Each of these cards serves a strategic purpose depending on the deck and game scenario, but Destructor Dragon’s unique combination of flight and land destruction upon death offers a distinct tactical edge in MTG.
Cards similar to Destructor Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Destructor Dragon offers a unique advantage upon death, allowing you to target and destroy a noncreature permanent. This enhances your board state by dealing with troublesome lands, enchantments, or artifacts your opponent controls, inching you closer to victory.
Resource Acceleration: While Destructor Dragon itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to eliminate opponents’ mana-producing permanents can indirectly boost your resource lead, disrupting their game plan and giving you a tempo advantage.
Instant Speed: Although Destructor Dragon operates at sorcery speed, the destruction ability it triggers is at the speed of the game, meaning as soon as it dies. This ensures that even if it’s removed on your opponent’s turn, you can still capitalize on its effect immediately, maintaining pressure and board presence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Destructor Dragon comes with no immediate board impact, meaning if you’re behind, it may not help you stabilize when played.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green mana and a total of six mana to cast, Destructor Dragon can be challenging to play outside of dedicated green or green-oriented multicolor decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Six mana is a significant investment, and in many MTG games, there could be alternative creatures or spells that offer more immediate or impactful results for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Destructor Dragon offers a unique advantage by providing a foolproof method to deal with any noncreature permanent when it dies. This ability allows it to be a relevant addition in multiple deck strategies, particularly in green-based midrange or control setups that aim to manipulate the board and remove key pieces of opponents’ strategies.
Combo Potential: This winged beast can combo impressively with cards that benefit from creature deaths or graveyard synergies. Whether it’s reanimating the dragon for another round of destruction or using its death to trigger a cascade of graveyard-based effects, its departure from the battlefield can be just as impactful as its presence.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where enchantments, artifacts, or other troublesome noncreature permanents reign supreme, Destructor Dragon provides a natural answer that demands an answer itself. It offers a significant threat that can change the tide of battle, forcing opponents to deal with it and face the consequences or risk letting it dominate the skies.
How to beat
Destructor Dragon poses a unique challenge when it hits the battlefield. Not only is it a formidable flying creature, but its death-trigger effect can wreak havoc on a player’s noncreature permanents. Overcoming Destructor Dragon requires strategic planning and a keen understanding of when to apply removal.
Spot removal spells, particularly those that exile, are effective as they prevent the dragon’s ability from activating. Cards like Path to Exile or Declaration in Stone can neutralize the threat without triggering its ominous ability. Another approach is using board wipes that don’t outright destroy the dragon, such as Terminus, so the creature never hits the graveyard. This way, you bypass the destruction of your valuable lands or enchantments. Additionally, enchantments like Pacifism can neutralize the dragon’s presence by keeping it grounded and unable to attack without having to destroy it.
By investing in the right countermeasures and timing your actions with precision, you ensure that Destructor Dragon’s potential land and permanent obliteration is an empty threat. Each strategy shifts the balance of power, ensuring that you maintain the upper hand against this draconian adversary.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Destructor Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged 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 Destructor Dragon 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 Destructor Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Peter Mohrbacher.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 127 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Mohrbacher | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1182 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Mohrbacher | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | FRF-127 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Mohrbacher |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Destructor Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |