Imperial Aerosaur MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 14
2022-12-02 - Number 196
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying When Imperial Aerosaur enters the battlefield, another target creature you control gets +1/+1 and gains flying until end of turn.
Its assistance is unnervingly similar to its hunting technique.
Cards like Imperial Aerosaur
Imperial Aerosaur presents itself as a unique creature card in the world of MTG, flying high with its formidable presence. When we consider cards of a similar feather, Pterodon Knight springs to mind with its ability to soar past defenses whenever you control another dinosaur. Unlike Pterodon Knight, Imperial Aerosaur doesn’t depend on the presence of its prehistoric kin to take to the skies, thanks to its native flying ability.
Territorial Hammerskull, another dinosaur from the Ixalan set, shares the pre-combat tactical advantage, locking down opponents’ potential blockers just like Imperial Aerosaur’s skyward launch gives your creatures an offensive boost. But it’s the Aerosaur’s immediate impact with the +1/+1 and flying gifted upon entering the battlefield that sets it apart from the Hammerskull’s ongoing ground control.
Imperial Aerosaur, with its evasive qualities and ability to empower another creature mid-battle, stands out in comparison to other cards within its mana cost and role. Flight and on-entry effects make this dinosaur a pivotal airborne ally, molding the battleground to your favor. Amidst the cards inhabiting similar strategic niches in MTG, Imperial Aerosaur secures its place with a blend of immediate board impact and aerial dominance.
Cards similar to Imperial Aerosaur by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Imperial Aerosaur comes into play, adding immediate board presence while also elevating another creature’s game by providing a +1/+1 counter and flying until end of turn. This dual-impact play can swing the momentum in your favor by enhancing your offensive capabilities or even setting up a robust defense.
Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct form of resource acceleration, the Imperial Aerosaur’s ability to give another creature flying can expedite your damage output, potentially leading to a quicker victory. This tactical advantage means you may require fewer resources to press the assault or defend your life total, indirectly influencing your resource management.
Instant Speed: While the Imperial Aerosaur itself is not an instant, its arrival can have instant-like effects on the game. By taking to the skies as soon as it enters the battlefield, it works seamlessly with your strategy, allowing you to maintain pressure and adapt to the evolving game state immediately.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Imperial Aerosaur does not directly require you to discard a card, playing it in a deck may pressure players to reckon with when it’s more sensible to hold onto other resources in hand, especially when facing a tight mana curve.
Specific Mana Cost: Imperial Aerosaur comes with a specific mana cost including two white mana. This can be restrictive, as it firmly anchors the card in white-based decks and could potentially hinder mana flexibility in multicolored deck constructions.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four-mana cost, Imperial Aerosaur’s competitive edge might falter when compared to other creatures available at lower cost rates that still provide substantial board presence or effects without the need for the additional investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Imperial Aerosaur offers a unique blend of abilities, able to serve multiple roles within decks that capitalize on flying creatures or need a quick power boost. Its ability to give another creature a lift makes it a flexible addition to many battle strategies.
Combo Potential: The Aerosaur synergizes well with cards that benefit from creatures with flying or entering the battlefield. This can set off a cascade of advantageous effects, making it a strategic linchpin in the right deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that’s consistently adapting, the Imperial Aerosaur remains relevant by fitting into a variety of deck archetypes. Against slower decks, its ability to quickly impact the board can be a game-changer, ensuring its place in many players’ collections.
How to beat
Imperial Aerosaur is a creature card that can present a challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Coming with the ability to give another creature flying until end of turn, this dinosaur can quickly turn the tides by enabling surprise aerial assaults. To counteract the Imperial Aerosaur’s influence, removal spells are your best bet. Options such as Fatal Push or Cast Down efficiently deal with this threat before the flying bonus can significantly impact the game.
Another strategy is to have creatures with reach or flying to neutralize the advantage Imperial Aerosaur provides. Cards like Thornweald Archer or Windstorm can serve as a defensive measure against flying creatures, keeping your opponent’s skyborne tactics in check. Additionally, countering the Aerosaur upon casting with spells like Cancel or Essence Scatter can ensure it never affects the game.
Understanding the meta and preparing for popular strategies like flying aggression can ensure that creatures like Imperial Aerosaur don’t catch you off guard. Whether it’s through instant-speed interaction or sturdy defenses, there are several ways to keep this high-flying dinosaur from dominating the skies and the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Imperial Aerosaur MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Imperial Aerosaur 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 Imperial Aerosaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jesper Ejsing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Imperial Aerosaur has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |