Duskrider Falcon MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying,Protection |
| Released | 1997-06-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Weatherlight |
| Set code | WTH |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 12 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Cecil Fernando |
Text of card
Flying, protection from black
"Seaborne ships have their dolphins to dance in their wakes; I have my duskriders." —Sisay, journal
Cards like Duskrider Falcon
Duskrider Falcon stands out in the world of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to other two-mana flyers like Welkin Tern, which also boasts of flying but restricts its assaults to creatures with the same ability. Duskrider Falcon adds its own twist to gameplay with protection from black, giving it a significant edge against decks that rely heavily on black spells and creatures.
When considering cards with similar evasion, Stormfront Pegasus comes to mind. Both cost the same amount of mana and sport flying, but the pegasus lacks the additional defensive attribute of protection from black. On the flip side, comparing Duskrider Falcon to Aven Skirmisher—an equally costed flyer—the falcon prevails with its added survivability against black, despite the skirmisher’s ability to attack directly upon entering the battlefield.
The delicate balance of aggressiveness and defense often defines the success of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. With its blend of aerial capabilities and specific color protection, Duskrider Falcon finds a comfortable niche, offering players a valuable asset in matches where black spells dominate the field.
Cards similar to Duskrider Falcon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Duskrider Falcon might not directly allow you to draw cards, by efficiently evading many common blockers with flying, it stays on the board and continues to chip away at your opponent’s life total. This sustained presence has the potential to draw out removal spells from your opponent, which can indirectly lead to card advantage as they spend resources to deal with a low-cost threat.
Resource Acceleration: The Duskrider Falcon comes with a modest mana cost and can be played early in the game. Its efficiency in cost for power and flying ability means it launches an offense while other creatures are still building up the board. Its presence accelerates the pace at which your opponent must find answers, thereby tilting resource management in your favor.
Instant Speed: Though the Duskrider Falcon itself is not an instant, its low casting cost provides flexibility in your game plan. This enables you to keep mana open for instant speed interactions and only commit to casting the falcon when the timing is most advantageous, such as after your opponent has tapped out or when you need to establish a blocker for the next turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: This card doesn’t directly have a discard mechanic, which can be seen as a missed opportunity for deck synergy, particularly in discard-focused strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Duskrider Falcon’s mana cost requires white mana, which can limit deck-building options and may not align with the mana curve in multicolor decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other creatures in its mana range offering more impactful abilities or stats, the Duskrider Falcon’s mana investment might not yield the competitive edge needed, especially in faster-paced games.
Reasons to Include Duskrider Falcon in Your Collection
Versatility: As a creature with flying, Duskrider Falcon can easily fit into decks that are in need of evasive attackers, particularly useful for players who favor white weenie or flying-themed strategies.
Combo Potential: Due to its low casting cost and the protection from black ability, the Duskrider Falcon works well in combination with cards that look to exploit evasion or protect creatures from commonly played removal spells in the meta.
Meta-Relevance: The Falcon remains relevant as it can often bypass grounded blockers and offers resilience in an environment where black removal spells are prevalent, granting it a niche spot in white aggressive decks.
How to beat Duskrider Falcon
Duskrider Falcon presents a nimble challenge for players on the battlefield with its evasion ability. As a creature that can’t be blocked by creatures with flying greater than its own power, it demands a clever strategy to overcome. One approach is employing spells that can target creatures without relying on combat. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently remove the Falcon at a low cost, bypassing its evasion ability completely.
Alternately, cards that affect the entire board, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can sweep Duskrider Falcon away regardless of its flying status. Players can also utilize creatures with reach or ones that specifically state they can block creatures with flying, providing a line of defense against this high-flying menace. The utilization of these tactics requires foresight; planning your deck with a mix of targeted and mass removal will ensure that Duskrider Falcon, along with other evasive threats, won’t keep you grounded for long.
Adjusting your playstyle to maintain a diverse range of responses will keep your opponent on their toes, making Duskrider Falcon a manageable challenge during your MTG sessions.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Duskrider Falcon MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Duskrider Falcon 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Duskrider Falcon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |