Battlefield Raptor MTG Card


Battlefield Raptor - Kaldheim
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Bird
Abilities First strike,Flying
Released2021-02-05
Set symbol
Set nameKaldheim
Set codeKHM
Power 1
Toughness 2
Number3
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMike Bierek

Key Takeaways

  1. Flying and first strike abilities make Battlefield Raptor a persistent early-game threat on the battlefield.
  2. Its low casting cost and combo potential can accelerate your game, offering more play diversity.
  3. Despite limitations, it shines in specific metagames and synergizes well with certain strategies.

Text of card

Flying, first strike

It wheeled upward, away from the shrieks and thunder. It reached the point where sky met smoke, and, but with a glance at the horizon, aimed itself and dove.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though the Battlefield Raptor itself does not directly provide card draw, its flying ability helps maintain aerial control, enabling card superiority on the board by often remaining unblocked and consistently dealing damage.

Resource Acceleration: The Battlefield Raptor, while not a direct source of mana, complements strategies that accelerate resources. Its low casting cost allows for a rapid deployment alongside other spells, optimizing your mana usage and speeding up your in-game momentum.

Instant Speed: While Battlefield Raptor isn’t an instant, its first strike ability offers a combat advantage akin to the surprise and flexibility of instant speed interaction. This allows the raptor to effectively defend against or dismantle opponents’ creatures during combat phases.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike cards that offer an advantage without a sacrifice, Battlefield Raptor demands something in return. While it doesn’t directly ask you to discard, it may require you to make choices that effectively diminish your hand, such as when choosing between playing another creature or holding back cards for defense.

Specific Mana Cost: Battlefield Raptor’s cost is pinpointed at one plains mana plus one generic. This specificity means decks not running white mana or those looking for a more flexible mana base might struggle to integrate this card effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not expensive in a traditional sense, Battlefield Raptor’s total cost might be seen as high for its stats and abilities. In fast-paced or aggressive matches, there are alternatives that could offer greater impact and utility for the same or lower cost, making it a tougher sell in a competitive deck.


Reasons to Include Battlefield Raptor in Your Collection

Versatility: Battlefield Raptor is a nifty addition to decks that focus on aggression early in the game. With flying and first strike, this little bird can become a recurring problem for opponents, fitting snugly into various archetypes that prioritize evasive, fast-hitting creatures.

Combo Potential: This card shines when synergies come into play. Its first strike ability pairs well with equipment and buffs, making it a suitable candidate for combo setups that aim to deliver a heavy punch with seemingly innocuous creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creature-based strategies, Battlefield Raptor stands out as an efficient one-drop creature. It poses an immediate threat to opponents and demands an answer, often diverting resources that could otherwise be used against more prominent threats later on.


How to beat Battlefield Raptor

Battling against a Battlefield Raptor can be a strategic encounter in the game of Magic: The Gathering. This creature card, known for its flying ability and first strike on the battlefield, can be a nimble threat if not addressed swiftly. When it comes to dealing with the Raptor, your focus should be on blocking its aerial advantage and neutralizing its combat presence. Cards that can summon creatures with reach or those with flying of your own are effective at countering the Raptor’s ability to soar over ground defenders. First strike can be a formidable ability, but remember that it applies only in combat, so instant-speed removal spells can take it down before it even has a chance to strike.

Moreover, consider cards with the deathtouch ability, as they can eliminate the Battlefield Raptor regardless of its first strike, transforming it from a threat to a liability for your opponent. In summary, while the Battlefield Raptor can be challenging to overcome, with proper planning and the right cards, you can mitigate its influence and maintain control of the game. Utilize your resources wisely, and you’ll find that even the swiftest of foes can be grounded with a strategic approach.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG enthusiasts and deck builders alike should take note of the tactical edge that Battlefield Raptor can bring to the table. This nimble creature card provides a unique combination of flying and first strike, making it a strategic asset in early game skirmishes. Ideal for players keen on forging a swift offensive, the Raptor ensures airborne dominance and a proactive defense. As with any card, knowing when to play it and what it goes best with can make a difference between victory and defeat. For more insights on how to harness the potential of Battlefield Raptor in your deck, or to discover other hidden gems in MTG, join the conversation and continue expanding your arsenal of strategies. Let’s soar to new heights together in the game of MTG!


Cards like Battlefield Raptor

Battlefield Raptor stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an efficient early-game creature. Comparable to other one-mana creatures like Healer’s Hawk, which also boasts the flying trait, Battlefield Raptor takes it up a notch with first strike. While Healer’s Hawk offers lifelink to incrementally boost your life total, the Raptor’s first strike provides a robust defense against other aggressive early creatures.

Mistral Charger is another analogous card, a two-mana cost creature with flying. Mistral Charger lacks first strike, but its evasion makes it a potential alternative for those looking for flying creatures at a slightly higher mana value. Squadron Hawk also enters the conversation with its ability to pull its counterparts from the deck, fostering card advantage. However, it trades off the offensive edge of first strike that Battlefield Raptor presents.

Assessing the field of similar creatures within the game reveals that Battlefield Raptor is a worthy option for decks seeking to make an early impact. The blend of flying and first strike in a low-cost creature makes it a formidable choice for players aiming to apply pressure right from the get-go.

Healer's Hawk - MTG Card versions
Mistral Charger - MTG Card versions
Squadron Hawk - MTG Card versions
Healer's Hawk - MTG Card versions
Mistral Charger - MTG Card versions
Squadron Hawk - MTG Card versions

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Trade Caravan - MTG Card versions
Vigilant Martyr - MTG Card versions
Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
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Soul Warden - MTG Card versions
Resistance Fighter - MTG Card versions
Honorable Scout - MTG Card versions
Devoted Caretaker - MTG Card versions
Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions
Kor Duelist - MTG Card versions
Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions
Mother of Runes - MTG Card versions
Daru Mender - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Battlefield Raptor MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 Battlefield Raptor and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Battlefield Raptor has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

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