Fanatic of Xenagos MTG Card
2014-02-07 - Number 147
2002-06-24 - Number 54559
2014-01-01 - Number 10
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Centaur Warrior |
| Abilities | Trample,Tribute |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Trample Tribute 1 (As this creature enters the battlefield, an opponent of your choice may place a +1/+1 counter on it.) When Fanatic of Xenagos enters the battlefield, if tribute wasn't paid, it gets +1/+1 and gains haste until end of turn.
Cards like Fanatic of Xenagos
Fanatic of Xenagos offers incredible value for players in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, invoking parallels to other cards that excel in aggressive strategies. For instance, Ghor-Clan Rampager is a comparable card with its bloodrush ability, allowing creatures to get a significant power boost. Though Fanatic of Xenagos requires tribute, which can become an advantage or a slight setback depending on the opponent’s choice, the Rampager gives the player full control over the timing and recipient of the buff.
Another card that echoes the raw power of the Fanatic is Burning-Tree Emissary. This card provides an early advantage with its ability to immediately recoup its mana cost, potentially accelerating the deployment of powerful threats like Fanatic of Xenagos. While not as directly combative as the Fanatic, the Emissary enables a swift escalation in board presence.
Ultimately, Fanatic of Xenagos stands out with its tribute mechanic, which adds a layer of psychological play to its already formidable presence. It’s the interplay between choice and chance, alongside raw power, that distinguishes the Fanatic within the suite of aggressive creatures available to Magic: The Gathering aficionados.
Cards similar to Fanatic of Xenagos by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Fanatic of Xenagos beckons players with the potential for immediate board impact. Tribute 1, as a mechanic, presents a novel way to either strengthen your board presence or give your opponent a tough choice, possibly handing you the advantage.
Resource Acceleration: As a creature that swings into action with haste, Fanatic of Xenagos can provide a fast-paced tempo. This can be instrumental in outracing opponents, especially in formats that value speed and efficiency.
Instant Speed: Whilst Fanatic of Xenagos itself isn’t an instant, its Tribute ability can be seen as a form of strategic flexibility comparable to the benefits of instant speed interactions. This element allows you to adapt to the constantly changing battlefield, potentially outmaneuvering opponents who must now deal with an unexpected variable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Being a creature that thrives on specific conditions, the Fanatic of Xenagos requires a precise mana base or combo setup to unlock its full potential. If you’re not running a deck that’s built to leverage its tribute mechanic effectively, it might offer diminishing returns, particularly against faster or more consistent deck archetypes.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes both green and red mana, the Fanatic of Xenagos demands a commitment to a Gruul-base (Green-Red) in your mana base. This can make it challenging to incorporate into multicolor decks that are not focused on those colors, potentially restricting its use to more narrow deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a 4/4 for three mana is inherently powerful, the Fanatic’s need for a tribute to achieve this makes it potentially unreliable. Should your opponent refuse the tribute, you’re left with a lesser 3/3 which, while still formidable, might not align with your game plan when there are more consistent beaters or utility creatures that could occupy that slot in your deck.
Reasons to Include Fanatic of Xenagos in Your Collection
Versatility: Fanatic of Xenagos brings a dynamic presence to any deck. It’s well-suited for aggressive strategies that thrive on power and flexibility. With its Tribute mechanic, you control whether it becomes a swift 4/4 creature or if you give it haste and a temporary +1/+1 boost, allowing you to adapt to different in-game situations.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combos, particularly in decks that leverage +1/+1 counters or Gruul aggro components. It becomes even more potent when synergized with cards that manipulate counters or take advantage of creatures entering the battlefield with extra power.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tempo plays are key, Fanatic of Xenagos excels by offering immediate pressure on opponents. Whether used for its 3-mana cost efficiency or as a surprise burst of power, it can swing games in your favor against slower control decks or equally aggressive matchups.
How to beat
Fanatic of Xenagos presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield. This creature, hailing from the wild realms of Theros, offers players a choice with its tribute mechanic that can quickly turn the tide of a game. If tribute isn’t paid, it becomes hasted and gets +1/+1, making it a formidable 4/4 attacker early on. However, experienced players know that the key to overpowering this creature lies in strategic removal or controlling the number of creatures your opponent has in play.
Utilizing instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can efficiently deal with Fanatic of Xenagos before it becomes a concern. Control decks might opt for sweepers like Wrath of God to reset the board and remove the problem altogether. However, consideration is necessary regarding when to play these spells; timing removal after the opponent chooses whether to pay tribute can provide a significant advantage.
In essence, to overcome Fanatic of Xenagos, one must be cautious but decisive, choosing the right moment to deploy removal or board wipes. With careful planning and a quick response, this creature’s early game aggression can be mitigated, allowing players to maintain control and ultimately steer the game in their favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fanatic of Xenagos MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Friday Night Magic 2014, 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 Fanatic of Xenagos 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
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Printings
The Fanatic of Xenagos Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-02-07 and 2014-02-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 54559 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | ||
| 2 | Friday Night Magic 2014 | F14 | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | ||
| 3 | 2014-02-07 | Born of the Gods | BNG | 147 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fanatic of Xenagos has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Fanatic of Xenagos card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-02-01 | If the opponent pays tribute, the creature will enter the battlefield with the specified number of +1/+1 counters on it. It won’t enter the battlefield and then have the +1/+1 counters placed on it. |
| 2014-02-01 | If the triggered ability has a target, that target will not be known while the creature spell with tribute is on the stack. |
| 2014-02-01 | Players can’t respond to the tribute decision before the creature enters the battlefield. That is, if the opponent doesn’t pay tribute, the triggered ability will trigger before any player has a chance to remove the creature. |
| 2014-02-01 | The choice of whether to pay tribute is made as the creature with tribute is entering the battlefield. At that point, it’s too late to respond to the creature spell. For example, in a multiplayer game, opponents won’t know whether tribute will be paid or which opponent will be chosen to pay tribute or not when deciding whether to counter the creature spell. |
| 2014-02-01 | The triggered ability will resolve even if the creature with tribute isn’t on the battlefield at that time. |
| 2017-04-18 | For effects that check which player put counters on the entering creature, the player chosen to pay tribute puts those counters on it, not the creature’s controller. |