Frenetic Raptor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur Beast |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 93 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Daren Bader |
Text of card
Beasts can't block.
"How do you stop a raptor from charging? No, seriously! Help!" —Blarg, goblin jester
Cards like Frenetic Raptor
Frenetic Raptor presents a unique twist within the dinosaur tribe in Magic: The Gathering. It can be paralleled to other creatures like Charging Monstrosaur which shares a similar five-mana cost and brings haste to the table, allowing for immediate combat impact. However, Frenetic Raptor stands out with its ability to potentially prevent damage to itself, an option Monstrosaur lacks.
When examining Raging Swordtooth, another five-mana dinosaur, we observe a trample ability that can deal damage across multiple blockers. Yet, Frenetic Raptor’s enduring effect, offering a 50-50 chance to save itself from harm, gives it a resilience not found in the Swordtooth’s arsenal. Rising above both is Regisaur Alpha, which not only gives other dinosaurs haste but also generates a 3/3 dinosaur token. Though more versatile, Regisaur Alpha doesn’t provide the self-preservation characteristic of Frenetic Raptor.
To sum up, while there are many five-mana dinosaurs with impactful battlefield presences, Frenetic Raptor holds a special position thanks to its unique blend of size and protective ability. This places it in a niche spot for enthusiasts looking to enhance their dinosaur-themed decks with a creature skilled in both offense and defense.
Cards similar to Frenetic Raptor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Frenetic Raptor’s ability to potentially decimate an opponent’s board or even theirs can lead to a significant shift in card economy. By forcing players to sacrifice creatures, you can reduce the resources they have available, thereby gaining an upper hand in the card advantage war.
Resource Acceleration: This dynamic dinosaur has a notable impact on the game’s tempo. By incentivizing aggressive plays, Frenetic Raptor can pressure opponents into making unfavorable trades or using their mana inefficiently, which indirectly accelerates your resource usage by comparison.
Instant Speed: While Frenetic Raptor itself does not operate at instant speed, its presence on the battlefield could influence the pace of play, making opponents hesitant to commit to spells or attacks. This can afford you the flexibility to react with your own instant-speed interactions more effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In order to unleash Frenetic Raptor’s potential on the battlefield, players must often come to terms with a discard requirement. This can critically hamper your game strategy, especially when your hand is brimming with valuable cards and every resource counts. Being compelled to discard can thus translate into a significant strategic setback.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck construction is an art of balance and flexibility, and Frenetic Raptor commands a specific mana cost that demands commitment. This requirement for red mana means that the card finds its home only in decks that heavily feature this particular color, potentially limiting its versatility across the diverse tapestry of MTG deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Mana is the lifeblood of MTG, and cards like Frenetic Raptor demand a substantial amount of this precious resource. With the mana cost being on the higher side, this can put players at a distinct disadvantage during early game moments when the board state and resource availability favor lower-cost creatures and spells. In the grand tactical tableau of MTG, cards that yield similar or greater value for less mana can often eclipse those like Frenetic Raptor.
Reasons to Include Frenetic Raptor in Your Collection
Versatility: The Frenetic Raptor is a flexible addition to any deck requiring a substantial power creature. With the right support, it has the capacity to swing games in your favor by either being a formidable offensive force or a deterrent to opponents considering an attack.
Combo Potential: This dinosaur’s unique abilities open up possibilities for synergy with cards that manipulate counters or benefit from high-powered creatures. This can lead to some unexpected and game-altering combos that catch opponents off guard.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy on creature-based strategies, having a Frenetic Raptor on the board could provide the necessary edge. Its presence alone can shape the battlefield, making it a card worth considering for competitive play depending on the trends and prevalent deck types.
How to beat
Frenetic Raptor presents a unique challenge on the battlefield due to its imposing presence and ability to ramp up pressure on opponents. One effective strategy against this creature involves utilizing instant-speed removal spells. Cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can effectively neutralize the Raptor before it gets a chance to capitalize on its combat-focused abilities. Another approach is to employ creatures with deathtouch, which can trade with the Raptor regardless of its size.
Besides direct removal, controlling the pace of the game with counterspells and board wipes can keep the Raptor in check. A well-timed Wrath of God can reset the board, negating the advantage the Raptor’s controller might have built up. Ensnaring creatures in enchantments that prevent them from attacking or blocking also works wonders—cards such as Pacifism or Frogify reduce the Raptor to a harmless bystander.
Maintaining a flexible and responsive game plan is key to coming out on top against this powerful dinosaur. Keep your removal handy, control the board, and the Frenetic Raptor will become less of a threat and more of a manageable obstacle on your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frenetic Raptor MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Frenetic Raptor 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 Frenetic Raptor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |