Fighting Drake MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 63
2001-04-11 - Number 73
2001-04-11 - Number 73★
2003-07-28 - Number 77★
2003-07-28 - Number 77
2015-05-06 - Number 49
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Drake |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying
Two things are needed to survive the harsh skies of Rath: a thick hide and a thicker skull.
Cards like Fighting Drake
Fighting Drake adds a touch of aerial defense to Magic: The Gathering decks that focus on blue flyers with its 2/4 flying body. In the context of similar cards, it invites comparison to cards like Wind Drake, another blue flying creature with slightly less toughness. What’s especially noteworthy about Fighting Drake is its ability to survive smaller threats in combat due to its 4 toughness, unlike Wind Drake, which sports a 3 toughness, making it more susceptible to combat with common 3/3 creatures.
Another blue creature worth mentioning is Air Elemental, boasting both greater power and toughness at 4/4. While it can undoubtedly dominate in the skies more effectively than Fighting Drake, its higher casting cost is a critical factor for players managing their mana resources in the early to mid-game. This makes Fighting Drake a more efficient play earlier on.
Considering the balance between mana cost, power, toughness, and battlefield presence, Fighting Drake offers a reliable defense against early threats while also serving as an evasive force in blue-centric decks in Magic: The Gathering. It provides a sturdy blocker that can excel in thwarting opponent’s smaller flying creatures.
Cards similar to Fighting Drake by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Fighting Drake card can be an asset when it comes to maintaining a strong hand. Its flying ability may also force opponents to expend more resources to deal with it, indirectly contributing to card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Although Fighting Drake itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its reasonable casting cost can synergize well with decks that aim to ramp up mana quickly, allowing players to deploy threats while still keeping up with resource development.
Instant Speed: While Fighting Drake is not an instant, its presence can affect opponents’ decisions at instant speed. An opponent may hesitate to attack or play certain spells knowing that they have to contend with a flyer on the next turn, which can be considered an advantage of reactive gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For players looking to add Fighting Drake to their arsenal, they should be prepared to have an extra card in hand. This becomes crucial as the drake demands a card to be discarded upon entering the battlefield. This can be quite taxing during crucial moments when each card in hand is pivotal for maintaining an edge in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Strategizing with Fighting Drake means taking into account its specific mana needs. Requiring a precise combination of blue and another mana can be restrictive, potentially clashing with decks that aren’t able to consistently provide the right colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When we compare Fighting Drake’s mana cost to other creatures in its category, it stands out—unfortunately, for its high requirement. With a cost that may deter players from immediate play, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of its stats and abilities against other competitive options that might offer a quicker play or more impactful presence on the battlefield for the same cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fighting Drake finds its place in a variety of blue-based decks, offering both a respectable flying blocker and a threat in the air. As a four-mana 2/4 flyer, it can effectively deter attacks and also chip in for damage, making it a solid pick for tempo and midrange builds.
Combo Potential: With a creature type that’s often supported in the MTG universe, drakes, Fighting Drake can easily slot into tribal synergies or benefit from spells that bolster flying creatures. Its presence on the board can complement strategies that look to exploit the evasion flying creatures provide.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where the skies are cluttered with combatants, Fighting Drake offers an economical solution for blue mages. Its ability to serve as both an attacker and a defender makes it relevant in shifting battlefield conditions, helping players maintain control until their game-winning plays are set.
How to beat
Fighting Drake is a unique flyer within the realm of creatures in Magic the Gathering. Its strength lies not just in airborne combat but in its moderate toughness that helps it survive direct damage spells that would easily dispose of weaker creatures. This resilience to some of the most common removal spells makes it a reliable guardian of the skies.
When facing this scaly adversary, considering a strategic approach is key. Utilizing removal spells that can bypass its toughness, such as ‘Murder’ or ‘Doom Blade,’ clears the way by permanently dealing with the drake. Alternatively, spells with ‘reach’ or other flying creatures can level the playing field, thereby neutralizing the drake’s aerial advantage. Lastly, enchantments such as ‘Pacifism’ or control spells like ‘Frost Breath’ can effectively sideline Fighting Drake without the need to engage it in direct combat, ensuring it remains a non-threat throughout the game.
Careful planning and a good understanding of your removal options can effectively turn the tide against Fighting Drake, allowing you to maintain control of the match and eventually lead you to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fighting Drake MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Seventh Edition, 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 Fighting Drake 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
Printings
The Fighting Drake Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 63 | 1997 | Normal | Black | DiTerlizzi | |
| 2 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 73 | 1997 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 73★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 77★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 77 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 6 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | DiTerlizzi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fighting Drake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |