Atarka Efreet MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 128
2019-11-07 - Number 843
2020-09-26 - Number DTK-128
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Efreet Shaman |
| Abilities | Megamorph |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Morph ability of Atarka Efreet delivers unexpected damage, making it a formidable surprise element in combat.
- Requires careful mana planning due to its specific costs but accelerates potential victory conditions.
- Its versatility and combo potential make it a valuable inclusion in aggressive MTG strategies.
Text of card
Megamorph (You may cast this card face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its megamorph cost and put a +1/+1 counter on it.) When Atarka Efreet is turned face up, it deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Atarka Efreet card can morph, revealing a surprise for your opponent, dealing damage while potentially maintaining your hand’s size. This aligns with the concept of card advantage as you’re able to affect the board without losing a card from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Although Atarka Efreet doesn’t directly produce mana or ramp, its low cost and high impact can lead to a quicker victory, which is akin to accelerating your resource utilization towards a winning condition.
Instant Speed: The morph ability of Atarka Efreet can be activated at instant speed, allowing for a strategic and unexpected blocker or an end-of-turn play that keeps your options open and can catch an opponent off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Atarka Efreet comes with a Megamorph cost that requires you to turn it face up and discard a card. This can be burdensome during gameplay, especially if your hand is already depleted, and can inadvertently give your opponent an advantage if they capitalize on your reduced card options.
Specific Mana Cost: This creatures’ casting cost is quite specific, demanding both generic and red mana. This can pose deckbuilding restrictions as it fits primarily into red or red-inclusive decks, which may not align with every player’s strategy or mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost and additional Megamorph cost to activate its ability, Atarka Efreet can be less mana-efficient compared to other options. Its requirement of four mana including two red could deter players when considering their curve or looking for lower cost creatures that provide a faster impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Atarka Efreet in Your Collection
Versatility: Atarka Efreet offers an adaptable playstyle, fitting seamlessly into decks that capitalize on aggressive strategies while also having the ability to provide value with its megamorph feature.
Combo Potential: This creature’s capability to flip face up and deal damage lends itself to combos with various cards that synergize with direct damage or morph mechanics, enhancing many red or red-green deck builds.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the current game environment, Atarka Efreet’s swift impact and moderate casting cost make it a practical choice against decks that struggle to handle early to mid-game threats efficiently.
How to Beat Atarka Efreet
Atarka Efreet emerges as an intriguing creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. With its formidable stats and the Megamorph ability, it can pose a significant threat on the battlefield. Its specialty lies in the ability to deal damage upon turning face up, which, if not handled correctly, can put opponents at a disadvantage.
When facing this card, it’s crucial to have removal ready. Due to its relatively low toughness, direct damage spells or kill spells can effectively dispatch it before the damage ability triggers. Cards like Lightning Strike or Doom Blade are perfect for this scenario. Counterspells are also effective; by never letting Atarka Efreet hit the board, you negate both its damage potential and its combat capabilities. Having instant speed interactions can make all the difference.
One must also consider the Megamorph cost when preparing for Atarka Efreet. By anticipating the potential turn it could flip, savvy players can strategically plan their mana and keep removal options open. The end goal is to neutralize the threat before it significantly impacts the game state. Thus, with preparedness and prompt reaction, one can mitigate the Atarka Efreet’s advantages and maintain control over the game flow.
Cards like Atarka Efreet
Atarka Efreet, a resonant name among red creatures in MTG, stands in the company of cards that deliver a direct impact the moment they enter the battlefield. This creature mirrors the functionality of Flametongue Kavu, a classic creature that also deals damage to another target creature upon arrival. While Flametongue Kavu offers a more substantial four damage, Atarka Efreet balances the scales with its formidable Megamorph feature, which potentially transforms it into a larger threat.
Another relative in this category includes Ember Hauler, a card that allows players to sacrifice it to deal damage to any target. While the firepower is slightly lower, Ember Hauler grants more flexibility with its ability. Conversely, Atarka Efreet’s strength lies in its surprise factor and the potential for a sizable power boost.
Assessing Atarka Efreet’s place in MTG’s pantheon of creatures, it brings a mix of immediate board influence and a strategic morphing option. This middle ground provides a bridge between the raw removal power of Flametongue Kavu and the versatility of Ember Hauler, setting Atarka Efreet as a solid choice for decks centering around combat tricks and swift removal.
Cards similar to Atarka Efreet by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Atarka Efreet MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir 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 Atarka Efreet and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Atarka Efreet Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Izzy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 843 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DTK-128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Atarka Efreet has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Atarka Efreet card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | If a face-down creature with megamorph is turned face up some other way (for example, if you manifest a card with megamorph and then pay its mana cost to turn it face up), you won’t put a +1/+1 counter on it. |
| 2015-02-25 | Megamorph is a variant of the morph ability. You can find more information on morph on cards with morph from the Khans of Tarkir set. |
| 2015-02-25 | Turning a face-down creature with megamorph face up and putting a +1/+1 counter on it is a special action. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to. |
