Dragonstalker MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 5 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Creature — Bird Soldier |
Abilities | Flying,Protection |
Released | 2003-05-26 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Scourge |
Set code | SCG |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 3 |
Number | 11 |
Frame | 1997 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Ron Spencer |
Text of card
Flying, protection from Dragons
"When the skies are filled with flames, the brave shall step forward to quench them." —Order prophecy
Cards like Dragonstalker
Dragonstalker finds its niche among the myriad of flying creatures Magic: The Gathering offers. Comparable to cards like Stormwing Entity, it shares a proclivity for air domination. The Entity, significant for its prowess in spellcasting builds, also hits the battlefield potentially with lower cost due to its spell-cost reduction ability. Dragonstalker, while not as synergistic with noncreature spells, compensates with straightforward power on the wing.
Much like the renowned Thundermaw Hellkite, Dragonstalker can exert pressure on opponents with its presence alone. Though the Hellkite offers an immediate board impact by tapping potential blockers, it comes with a higher casting cost. Dragonstalker presents a more accessible alternative for those looking to curve out their dragon-themed decks efficiently.
Lastly, Seraph of the Scales offers us another perspective with its afterlife versatility, providing staying power even beyond removal. While Dragonstalker may not leave behind spirit tokens, its inherent resistance to spells gives it a solid advantage in direct confrontations. Judging by these aspects, Dragonstalker claims a viable position in MTG as a formidable aerial threat that’s resilient to many common forms of disruption.
Cards similar to Dragonstalker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Dragonstalker card stands out by enabling players to draw additional cards whenever a Dragon enters the battlefield under their control, a mechanism that can lead to substantial card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This formidable enchantment aids in resource acceleration by potentially reducing the cost of Dragon spells, allowing for a swifter deployment of high-power creatures and fueling the aggression of your deck.
Instant Speed: Equip your dragons with the might of the Dragonstalker at instant speed, empowering you to surprise your opponents by enhancing your creatures’ capabilities during their turn or in response to their actions, thus solidifying your aerial dominion.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Dragonstalker demands that players discard a card to unlock its full potential, a tradeoff that may backfire when the hand is already depleted or key pieces are in play.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost includes not just any mana, but a particular combination that could clash with the fluidity of multi-colored decks, making it a potential bottleneck in the game’s early to mid-phases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a hefty sum to bring it to the battlefield, the Dragonstalker competes with an array of alternatives that might offer more immediate board presence or strategic advantages for a similar or lesser investment.
Reasons to Include Dragonstalker in Your Collection
Versatility: Dragonstalker fits seamlessly into a variety of decks that capitalize on flying creatures and can act as a reliable blocker or a formidable attacker, bolstering your board presence.
Combo Potential: This card’s function is enhanced in decks that utilize dragon synergies or any strategies where dragon tribal themes come into play, enabling powerful interactions and board advantages.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where fliers are dominant, Dragonstalker serves as a resilient threat that can outmaneuver many common creature types, ensuring its relevance within current gameplay dynamics.
How to beat
Dragonstalker stands out in MTG as a powerful card that can turn the tides of a match. Its ability to dominate the battlefield makes it a target you’ll want to outmaneuver. The key to overcoming this creature lies in preparedness and strategic play. Employing removal spells that can bypass its potential hexproof or indestructible abilities, such as “Terminate” or “Path to Exile,” could efficiently remove Dragonstalker from the game. Moreover, controlling the pace of the match by using countermagic to prevent it from ever hitting the board, with spells such as “Counterspell” or “Negate,” can thwart your opponent’s plans.
Alternatively, focusing on card advantage and board presence could overwhelm Dragonstalker. Cards that mass generate tokens or provide steady creature output can outnumber and overwhelm it. In this battle, every card choice counts, and your game plan should adapt to the threats at hand. Be vigilant, adapt your strategy, and remain one step ahead of your opponent to triumph over Dragonstalker’s challenge.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dragonstalker MTG card by a specific set like Scourge, 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 Dragonstalker and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana 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 Dragonstalker has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |