Harrier Griffin MTG Card


Harrier Griffin’s peek at opponents’ libraries offers strategic advantage and potential resource gains. Mana cost and color considerations are critical when integrating Harrier Griffin into your deck. Its control and versatility can make Harrier Griffin a valuable asset in the right meta.
Harrier Griffin - Guildpact
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Griffin
Abilities Flying
Released2006-02-03
Set symbol
Set nameGuildpact
Set codeGPT
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number9
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJim Nelson

Text of card

Flying At the beginning of your upkeep, tap target creature.

Moon Market merchants sell a bottled scent to cutpurses and other criminals. Those doused in the liquid become "griffin bait."


Cards like Harrier Griffin

The Harrier Griffin card carves its niche within the aerial defense archetype in Magic: The Gathering. When considering other cards in this space, Serra Angel stands out as a classic comparison. Like Harrier Griffin, Serra Angel dominates the skies with flying. Though both cards have vigilance, allowing them to attack without tapping, Serra Angel brings a stronger attack power to the table. However, Harrier Griffin has the added ability to tap an opponent’s creature with its melee ability each turn, enhancing strategic board control.

Another point of comparison is Aven Wind Guide. While Harrier Griffin locks down individual threats with its ability, Aven Wind Guide provides a blanket effect, giving flying and vigilance to all token creatures you control. This potentially transforms your battlefield into an army of untappable threats. On power level, Harrier Griffin offers more control, whereas Aven Wind Guide can enable a wider aggressive strategy.

Evaluating the unique abilities and tactical advantages of Harrier Griffin alongside its peers illustrates that while it may not be the mightiest in terms of raw power, its versatility in controlling the pace of combat positions it as a valuable card in its own right within Magic: The Gathering.

Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Aven Wind Guide - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Aven Wind Guide - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Harrier Griffin by color, type and mana cost

Personal Incarnation - MTG Card versions
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Cho-Arrim Bruiser - MTG Card versions
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Sun Titan - MTG Card versions
Spirit of the Hearth - MTG Card versions
Auriok Survivors - MTG Card versions
Aegis Angel - MTG Card versions
Auratouched Mage - MTG Card versions
Angelic Skirmisher - MTG Card versions
Personal Incarnation - MTG Card versions
Pearl Dragon - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Bruiser - MTG Card versions
Radiant Solar - MTG Card versions
Guardian Archon - MTG Card versions
Archon of Coronation - MTG Card versions
Shieldmage Elder - MTG Card versions
Noble Templar - MTG Card versions
Silverstorm Samurai - MTG Card versions
Oathsworn Giant - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Duskrider Peregrine - MTG Card versions
Crovax, Ascendant Hero - MTG Card versions
Lairwatch Giant - MTG Card versions
Sun Titan - MTG Card versions
Spirit of the Hearth - MTG Card versions
Auriok Survivors - MTG Card versions
Aegis Angel - MTG Card versions
Auratouched Mage - MTG Card versions
Angelic Skirmisher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Harrier Griffin allows you to routinely monitor the top card of your opponent’s library, giving you valuable information to outmaneuver their strategy. Additionally, when Harrier Griffin attacks, it lets you play the top card of each player’s library, effectively granting you potential access to more resources and disrupting your opponent’s plans.

Resource Acceleration: This card provides a subtle form of resource acceleration. By potentially casting another player’s spells, you can save your own resources while deploying threats or answers, which can set you ahead in the resource game without actually changing your mana base.

Instant Speed: While Harrier Griffin itself isn’t an instant, it influences plays at instant speed. Its ability to play with the top card of libraries can dissuade opponents from casting instant-speed spells on their turn, trying to avoid providing you with additional value during your attack phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Harrier Griffin may not require discarding as an additional cost, it’s important to weigh this factor when considering other cards within your deck. Discard mechanics can deplete your hand, affecting your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Harrier Griffin’s mana cost includes white mana, which may not seamlessly fit into every deck, especially those that are mana color diversified. This can be restrictive if you’re not already playing a deck built around white mana or if your mana base isn’t equipped to consistently provide white mana when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Harrier Griffin comes with a higher mana cost in relation to its abilities, potentially limiting its play speed and effectiveness in certain game phases. When building a deck, it’s crucial to consider whether Harrier Griffin’s cost matches its value, as you might find other creatures or spells that offer similar benefits at a lower cost, thus, optimizing your mana usage.


Reasons to Include Harrier Griffin in Your Collection

Versatility: Harrier Griffin has a notable place in decks that could use a defensive flyer, capable of being both a proactive threat and a blocker. Its ability to manipulate your opponents’ creatures on attack makes it adaptable to shifting board states.

Combo Potential: The Griffin’s unique ability to tap an opponent’s creature when it attacks opens up interesting combos, particularly with cards that capitalize on tapped down enemy forces, paving the way for favorable engagements or synergy with tap/untap mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: The card shines in metas where its ability to control engagements can be vital. In environments where creature combat is pivotal, Harrier Griffin brings versatility and strategic depth, making it a compelling addition to collections aimed at competitive play.


How to beat

Harrier Griffin, a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, presents a unique challenge due to its flying ability and the potential to control the pace of combat. Facing this card requires a strategy that mitigates its strengths on the battlefield. The key to prevailing against Harrier Griffin lies in removing it before it can assert dominance in the skies or overwhelm you with its presence. Utilizing spells with destroy or exile effects, especially those that can target flying creatures, can turn the tide of battle. Cards such as Murder or Path to Exile offer clean solutions to the Griffin threat. Additionally, cards that create reach or provide your own flying blockers can effectively neutralize Harrier Griffin’s aerial advantage. Implementing enchantment-based removal such as Pacifism also allows you to pin down the Griffin without directly engaging it. By using these tactics, you stand a better chance of grounding the Harrier Griffin and securing your position on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Harrier Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact, 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 Harrier Griffin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Harrier Griffin has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Harrier Griffin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2006-02-01 If your opponents control no creatures, you must target Harrier Griffin or another of your own creatures.