Dromosaur MTG Card


Hand presence retained by low casting cost, enabling a strong early game with Dromosaur. Resource acceleration enhanced through creature-based synergies, bolstering deck performance. Instant speed card synergies can force opponents into unfavorable plays, benefiting Dromosaur strategies.
Dromosaur - Urza's Saga
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Released1998-10-12
Set symbol
Set nameUrza's Saga
Set codeUSG
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number182
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byCiruelo

Text of card

Whenever Dromosaur blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +2/-2 until end of turn.

They say dromosaurs are frightened of dogs, even little ones. There are no dogs in Shiv. Not even little ones.


Cards like Dromosaur

Dromosaur brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield for MTG enthusiasts. This prehistoric creature bears similarities to other aggressive red cards designed to hit fast. When evaluated against cards like Raptor Hatchling, Dromosaur stands out with its robust power, as it dishes out more damage per attack. However, unlike the Hatchling, Dromosaur doesn’t leave behind a bigger dinosaur after being dealt damage.

Vaultbreaker is another card to consider when looking at Dromosaur. With its built-in rummaging ability, Vaultbreaker allows you to cycle through your deck more effectively, though it commands a higher mana cost for its versatility. Dromosaur, in contrast, shines with a lower cost and the potential for rapid power escalation in a dinosaur-focused deck.

Exploring the effects of Marauding Raptor sheds light on the strategic benefits that synergy can provide in a dinosaur deck. This raptor not only reduces the cost of dinosaur spells but also boosts their power. Here, Dromosaur benefits from the cost reduction, though it doesn’t provide additional synergy the way Marauding Raptor does.

In the realm of swift and impactful red creatures, Dromosaur competes with a solid baseline of power that can rapidly become a threat on the table, especially when combined with other dinosaur synergies in MTG.

Raptor Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Vaultbreaker - MTG Card versions
Marauding Raptor - MTG Card versions
Raptor Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Vaultbreaker - MTG Card versions
Marauding Raptor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dromosaur by color, type and mana cost

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Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Sabretooth Tiger - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chieftain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Dromosaur Mtg card itself doesn’t provide immediate card drawing abilities, its low casting cost enables players to maintain hand presence by deploying more creatures quickly. This can be particularly impactful early in the game, helping players to develop a board presence without depleting their hand significantly.

Resource Acceleration: The Dromosaur Mtg card can contribute to resource acceleration in decks that benefit from having numerous creatures on the field. By curating a swarm of creatures, players can amplify their mana resources through various synergies and interactions available within MTG’s vast ecosystem of cards.

Instant Speed: Although Dromosaur does not operate at instant speed, its real value lies in its synergy with other cards that do. Integrating this card into a strategy that includes instant speed interactions can be crucial, as it incentivizes opponents to expend their resources at suboptimal times, leaving the way clear for your Dromosaur to take center stage on your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Dromosaur’s playability may be hindered by the need to discard another card or fulfill some other action to unlock its full potential. This can be challenging when your hand is already depleted or if the discarded card is pivotal to your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Dromosaur demands a specific red mana commitment, which can be restrictive. Players running multicolored decks need to ensure a consistent source of red mana to cast it, which could complicate mana base building and potentially reduce the deck’s overall fluidity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for a 2/3 creature, Dromosaur doesn’t quite compete with other creatures in the same mana range. In an environment where efficiency is key, there are creatures that provide greater value or come with additional abilities for the same or lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Dromosaur in Your Collection

Versatility: Dromosaur offers a swift and aggressive playstyle that can complement many Red or Dinosaur-themed decks. Its echo cost gives players flexible options for maintaining board presence or managing resources for critical turns.

Combo Potential: This card plays well with synergies that amplify the power of creatures or utilize the echo mechanic for strategic advantage. It can also be a cornerstone in decks that capitalize on creature speed and strength.

Meta-Relevance: Standing up to fast-paced environments, Dromosaur can be particularly effective. It aligns with strategies that pressure opponents early in the game and can adapt well to shifts in the competitive landscape, making it a worthy consideration for dedicated players.


How to defeat Dromosaur

Dromosaur is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that falls into the category of dinosaurs, bringing its own strengths to the battlefield. It’s crucial to recognize Dromosaur’s main advantage – its Echo cost, which can be a double-edged sword. To counter this fiery reptile, players need to employ a strategy that can either swiftly remove it before its Echo cost comes into play, or play around it, making its Echo drawback a liability for the opposing player.

Utilizing instant-speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively deal with Dromosaur before it gets a chance to make a significant impact. Alternatively, employing countermeasures like Essence Scatter when it’s cast allows players to prevent Dromosaur from even entering the fray. For those seeking to bypass conflict, setting up a sturdy defense with creatures that boast higher toughness can negate Dromosaur’s assault, while also posing a persistent threat to your opponent’s life total.

In summary, though Dromosaur’s presence can be daunting, with smart removal or defensive play, it is manageable. By understanding and capitalizing on its weaknesses, players can turn the tables and keep their game plan on track against this prehistoric adversary.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dromosaur MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Dromosaur and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dromosaur has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dromosaur card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 If it manages to block or become blocked more than once in a turn, it can get the bonus twice.
2004-10-04 Switching blockers will not re-trigger this since it only triggers on becoming blocked and switching does not unblock and reblock it.