Frost Lynx MTG Card
2014-07-18 - Number 55
2017-11-17 - Number 57
2018-06-08 - Number 118
2019-07-12 - Number 62
2019-11-07 - Number 388
2020-04-24 - Number 51
2020-09-26 - Number BBD-118
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Cat |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Frost Lynx enters the battlefield, tap target creature an opponent controls. That creature doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
It readily attacks much larger prey, knowing retaliation is impossible.
Cards like Frost Lynx
When discussing the Frost Lynx as a piece of your MTG deck’s strategy, it’s key to look at creatures with equivalent control effects. Frost Lynx, known for its ability to tap a target creature an opponent controls and keep it from untapping during its controller’s next untap step, bears a functional resemblance to cards such as Icefall Regent. While Icefall Regent has a more powerful effect and offers flying capability, it comes with a greater mana cost.
Another analogous card would be Blinding Ice. Though not a creature, this enchantment can repeatedly tap an opponent’s creature, offering a more sustained control compared to the Lynx’s single-use ability. Moreover, there’s Watertrap Weaver, which closely mirrors the Lynx’s capability in the realm of creature control but with the added benefit of being a Merfolk, thus fitting well into tribal synergies.
Each card provides a unique angle on battlefield management and fits into different deck archetypes. Frost Lynx shines in its capacity to offer tempo play at a low cost as well as contributing to Elemental and Cat tribal themes. In essence, it serves as a valuable utility creature within MTG’s vast landscape of cards.
Cards similar to Frost Lynx by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Frost Lynx. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Blue Prison | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 2 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Frost Lynx does not directly allow you to draw more cards, it excels at disrupting your opponent’s board state. By freezing a target creature temporarily, it can potentially lead to card advantage by preventing opponents from using their own powerful creatures for a turn, which could be pivotal in maintaining control of the game.
Resource Acceleration: This ice-cold feline doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration in terms of mana, but it supports tempo advantage. By locking down an opponent’s creature, Frost Lynx acts as a form of indirect acceleration by allowing you to swing the momentum in your favor without expending additional resources.
Instant Speed: While Frost Lynx itself is a creature to be played at sorcery speed, it synergizes exceedingly well with spells and abilities that operate at instant speed. The differential it creates during the combat phase can open up opportunities for instant speed interactions, adding pressure on your opponent at critical moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Frost Lynx doesn’t directly require a discard, having to use a card slot in your deck can be considered an opportunity cost, as that slot could potentially be occupied by a card with a persistent effect or greater impact on the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Frost Lynx requires both generic and blue mana to play. This specific mana cost means it fits primarily into blue or blue-inclusive decks, which may not be convenient for all players, particularly those not interested in a blue deck strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of two and a blue, Frost Lynx might be considered a bit pricey for a creature that offers a single-use ability and has modest stats. For the same cost, there are other creatures or spells that could provide more utility or a more significant board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Frost Lynx offers utility across various deck types due to its ability to tap an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield. This can be beneficial in both aggressive and control strategies that want to clear the way for attacks or need time to set up their game plan.
Combo Potential: This icy feline pairs well with cards that exploit enter-the-battlefield triggers. It works excellently in decks that focus on flickering or bouncing creatures to repeatedly exploit this freezing effect.
Meta-Relevance: Frost Lynx excels in a meta with prominent creatures that need to be temporarily neutralized. By freezing down a pivotal creature, it can serve as a timely answer to various threats, thus protecting your life total or preserving your board state.
How to beat Frost Lynx
Frost Lynx stands out in MTG as a creature that can freeze an opponent’s asset upon entering the battlefield. Its entry is marked by its ability to tap a target creature an opponent controls, which doesn’t untap during the controller’s next untap step. This can be a tactical advantage, especially when stalling formidable creatures your opponent relies on.
To overcome its chilling effect, consider employing instant-speed removals like Shock or Fatal Push to eliminate Frost Lynx before it can establish control. Additionally, cards with the ability to untap your creatures, such as Samite Healer or Seeker of Skybreak, can mitigate the freeze effect, maintain your momentum, and keep pressure on your adversary. Another effective strategy involves deploying creatures with vigilance which can still attack even after being tapped, thus negating Lynx’s primary defensive use.
If you navigate around the initial icy encounter and maintain presence on the board, the threat of Frost Lynx diminishes. While it can be an obstacle, strategic plays and timely responses can easily neutralize its disruptive capabilities, allowing you to maintain the upper hand in the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frost Lynx MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015 and Iconic Masters, 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 Frost Lynx 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 Frost Lynx Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2014-07-18 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 55 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 57 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 4 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 62 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 5 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 388 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 6 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ilse Gort | |
| 7 | The List | PLST | BBD-118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frost Lynx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Frost Lynx card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-04-17 | Frost Lynx’s triggered ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. That creature won’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. |