Kitsune Riftwalker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fox Wizard |
| Abilities | Protection |
| Released | 2004-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Champions of Kamigawa |
| Set code | CHK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 29 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Pete Venters |
Text of card
Protection from Spirits and from Arcane
The wake of his passage shoved aside the influence of the kami.
Cards like Kitsune Riftwalker
Kitsune Riftwalker stands as an intriguing creature entry within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, joining the rich lineup of Fox Clerics. With its established prowess in avoiding color-based damage, the Kitsune Riftwalker shares a protective trait akin to cards like Benevolent Bodyguard. The Bodyguard, while able to sacrifice itself to protect another creature, cannot shield itself as the Riftwalker can.
Alignment to similar mechanics is evident with the likes of Devoted Caretaker, providing targeted protection for your permanents, although it’s not inherently shielded like the Kitsune Riftwalker. Another card in this group is Mother of Runes, which offers a more flexible protection ability, capable of shielding other creatures from color-specific interactions, but unlike the Riftwalker, at the cost of tapping.
Considering each card’s unique aspects, Kitsune Riftwalker’s self-preserving ability seems to give it an edge in certain situations, especially against decks heavily reliant on colored damage sources. This makes it a card worth consideration for players seeking a durable creature with an innate defensive capability.
Cards similar to Kitsune Riftwalker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kitsune Riftwalker’s ability to peek at the top card of your library each upkeep can indirectly lead to card advantage, letting you make more informed decisions about what to draw and when, maintaining a strategic upper hand.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly related to producing mana or acceleration, having the option to judge your next draws with Kitsune Riftwalker can help streamline your plays, ensuring you’re effectively deploying resources each turn.
Instant Speed: The versatility of playing Kitsune Riftwalker allows for dynamic gameplay, giving you the freedom to react to your opponent’s actions and decide the best moment to introduce your Riftwalker to the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In order to fully harness Kitsune Riftwalker’s abilities, you’ll often need to get rid of another card from your hand. This can put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already running low on valuable cards, and you’re forced to make tough decisions about what to keep and what to discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Kitsune Riftwalker requires a precise combination of mana to cast, which can be tricky in multicolored decks. This card demands specific mana, hence it’s more suited for a dedicated deck build around it or one that can guarantee the necessary mana to play it on curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the mana investment needed to play Kitsune Riftwalker, some players find that there are alternative creatures or spells that could offer a more immediate impact on the game. Whether it’s providing board presence or influencing the state of the game, there are concerns that the Riftwalker might not always justify its mana cost when measured against other options in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include Kitsune Riftwalker in Your Collection
Versatility: Kitsune Riftwalker can adapt to various play styles, serving as a key defensive creature in spirit or enchantment-based decks. Its ability to potentially become unblockable makes it a flexible choice for offense as well.
Combo Potential: This card harmonizes well with strategies involving spirit and arcane spells. Kitsune Riftwalker can be pivotal in decks that utilize synergies with these subtypes for powerful effects and bonus advantages.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, the importance of versatile and synergistic cards grows. Kitsune Riftwalker is relevant in metagames where spirits are either part of the format’s core or where enchantments play a significant role in deck mechanics.
How to beat
Kitsune Riftwalker stands out as an intriguing creature in the Magic: The Gathering landscape, noted for its ability to provide protection from a color of your choice until your next turn. To effectively navigate against Kitsune Riftwalker, it’s crucial to utilize removal spells that don’t target or spells that can clear the board, such as wrath effects. Understanding the significance of timing can also be essential. Players should consider casting spells on their own turn to bypass the protection offered by the Riftwalker, thereby mitigating its impact on the game.
Strategically, adapt your deck with cards that either don’t care about the opponent’s creatures or that can handle creatures without targeting them directly. Additionally, it might be wise to include versatile answers that can address a range of threats or to opt for a more aggressive approach that can apply pressure before Kitsune Riftwalker’s effect becomes a significant obstacle. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to maintain a strong board presence and limit the Riftwalker’s potential influence in your matches.
Remember, devising a plan before facing the Kitsune Riftwalker and executing it effectively is key to success, allowing you to outmaneuver and ultimately overcome the challenges presented by this unique card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kitsune Riftwalker MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Kitsune Riftwalker 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 Kitsune Riftwalker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |