Forgestoker Dragon MTG Card
2014-02-01 - Number 98★
2014-02-07 - Number 98
2002-06-24 - Number 51920
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying : Forgestoker Dragon deals 1 damage to target creature. That creature can't block this combat. Activate only if Forgestoker Dragon is attacking.
The Akroans fashion their helms to honor the dragons, not to protect against them, as that would be of little help.
Cards like Forgestoker Dragon
Forgestoker Dragon is an intriguing creature within the Magic: The Gathering roster, joining the ranks of fire-breathing dragons that dominate the sky. Like the iconic Stormbreath Dragon, Forgestoker Dragon boasts the power to dispatch threats from the board while simultaneously dealing damage. While Stormbreath Dragon is protected from white and has haste, Forgestoker Dragon offers the unique ability to target and potentially clear out multiple blockers, paving the way for a decisive attack.
Another kindred card is Thundermaw Hellkite, which also clears the path for an aerial assault but does so by tapping all flying creatures the opponent controls when it enters the battlefield. Its impact is immediate and suited for a fast-paced strategy, unlike Forgestoker Dragon’s ability, which requires a mana investment. Scourge of Valkas, on the other hand, thrives in a dragon-centric deck where its damage output scales with every dragon that enters the battlefield under your control.
All in all, Forgestoker Dragon finds its niche among MTG’s powerful dragons by offering a strategic advantage through its unique ability to selectively remove blockers while providing a significant threat in the air.
Cards similar to Forgestoker Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Forgestoker Dragon gives you the control to steadily whittle down your opponent’s creatures, maintaining a dominant board presence while possibly drawing out their key spells.
Resource Acceleration: Though the dragon itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its demanding presence can often preserve your own resources by deterring attacks and forcing opponents to deal with it.
Instant Speed: Forgestoker Dragon’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, allowing strategic timing to clear blockers or attackers during the combat phase, keeping opponents continually on the back foot.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Forgestoker Dragon offers a potent ability to control the battlefield, it comes with the need for a continuous supply of creatures to enable its firebreathing ability. This can be taxing on your reserves, especially in longer games where resources become scarce.
Specific Mana Cost: The Dragon demands a precise blend of mana—three generic and three red—to hit the board. This specificity can hinder the card’s fluid integration into multi-colored deck strategies, potentially leaving it stranded in your hand at critical moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at six mana, Forgestoker Dragon sits at the heavier end of the mana curve. In the fast-paced environment of the game, this can delay your offensive tactics, giving faster aggro decks an edge over your potentially game-changing dragon.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Forgestoker Dragon offers flexibility across a range of Red-based decks, providing a significant flying threat. Its ability to deal direct damage to control the board adds value in both offense and defense.
Combo Potential: This fiery dragon synergizes well with cards that benefit from dealing damage, like those with enrage or prowess. Its tap ability can unlock numerous possibilities, exploiting the dragon’s potential to alter the state of the board.
Meta-Relevance: With a robust body and impactful abilities, Forgestoker Dragon commands attention in metas where flying creatures dominate. If large creatures are prevalent, having a Forgestoker Dragon to manipulate and clear the skies can be a game-changer.
How to beat
Forgestoker Dragon may seem intimidating with its ability to deal direct damage and its considerable flying presence. To successfully counter this formidable flyer from Magic: The Gathering, one efficient strategy is to use instant-speed removal spells. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade allow you to bypass the dragon’s power by destroying it before it becomes a threat on the battlefield.
Another effective tactic is to utilize enchantments like Pacifism or Arrest, which neutralize Forgestoker Dragon without needing to engage it in combat. This method effectively silences its abilities, rendering the dragon harmless. If you have access to counter spells, those can also be a great defensive measure, preventing Forgestoker Dragon from even entering the fray.
Players might also lean on creatures with reach or those that can become indestructible to hold off the dragon’s attacks. Forgestoker Dragon, while capable, can be mitigated with well-timed plays and a controlled board state. Thus, with carefully selected cards and strategic play, defeating Forgestoker Dragon can be a manageable task for experienced players in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Forgestoker Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Born of the Gods Promos, 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 Forgestoker Dragon 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 Forgestoker Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-02-01 and 2014-02-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 51920 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Lucas Graciano | ||
| 2 | 2014-02-01 | Born of the Gods Promos | PBNG | 98★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Lucas Graciano | |
| 3 | 2014-02-07 | Born of the Gods | BNG | 98 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Forgestoker Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Forgestoker Dragon 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 | Forgestoker Dragon’s activated ability can target any creature, not just creatures controlled by the defending player or ones that could block. |
| 2014-02-01 | If you don’t want the target creature to be able to block, Forgestoker Dragon’s activated ability must be activated during the declare attackers step. |