Kraken MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 10 setsSee all |
Type | Token Creature — Kraken |
Power | 9 |
Toughness | 9 |
Cards like Kraken
In the vast seas of MTG card abilities, Kraken cards represent colossal might and board presence. Take Lorthos, the Tidemaker, an iconic Kraken, renowned for bending the combat phase in your favor by selecting and tapping down a multitude of opposing permanents. In comparison, the Kraken card in discussion also demands attention with its sizable stat line and impactful board control capabilities, albeit through different mechanics.
Another comparable leviathan from the deep is Shipbreaker Kraken, which can lock down the adversaries’ assets but it requires a significant mana investment to activate its monstrous ability. While both cards echo the theme of sea giants imposing their will on the battlefield, our Kraken card does so with an innate presence rather than relying on additional mana inputs once cast.
Lastly, consider the likes of Icefall Regent, a dragon rather than a Kraken, but comparable in that it too affects the opponent’s ability to effectively utilize their creatures. Although it commands the skies rather than the seas, the Regent’s ability to freeze a threat while making it more expensive to handle is a similar control staple to that of the ocean’s titans. Thus, within the realm of large, game-shaping creatures, Kraken cards carve their niche with powerful, board-altering abilities and a capacity for turning the tide of late-game scenarios.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the depths of the game, a Kraken card often becomes a daunting source of card advantage. By deploying tentacled behemoths onto the battlefield, players can trigger abilities that draw multiple cards, ensuring their hand remains flush with options and strategies to outmaneuver the opposition.
Resource Acceleration: The sheer presence of a Kraken can turn the tides, often providing resource acceleration through various means. Some Kraken cards may untap lands, simulating the swelling of the ocean’s waves, thus granting players additional mana to summon more creatures or cast impactful spells earlier than expected.
Instant Speed: Although not all Krakens strike at instant speed, those that do are a true testament to the unpredictability of these mythic sea monsters. Being able to flash in a gargantuan creature disrupts the opponent’s calculations, allowing for defensive maneuvers or surprise attacks that can swing the game state in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing a Kraken often necessitates discarding cards from your hand, which can leave you at a strategic disadvantage especially during late-game scenarios where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Krakens typically require a combination of blue mana sources, which can restrict deck-building options and make it less flexible in multicolor decks that may not focus on blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Krakens are known for their hefty mana demands, usually costing six or more mana to cast. This can be quite prohibitive, as there are other creatures and spells in MTG with lower costs and comparable, if not superior, board impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Krakens are a force to be reckoned with, acting as major threats in blue-based control and midrange decks. Their immense size often translates into a substantial game impact, making them a powerhouse in commander and casual formats.
Combo Potential: Many Kraken cards synergize with sea-themed strategies, benefiting from cards that care about large creatures or various types of sea monsters. Their ability to be paired with cards that manipulate the board state or play off of their high power and toughness make them excellent combo enablers.
Meta-Relevance: As the MTG meta shifts, Krakens maintain relevance due to their potential to swing games. Their imposing presence can be a solid counter to creature-based strategies that dominate play. Additionally, their ability to evade or outclass smaller creatures could give you the upper hand in key matchups.
How to Beat
Confronting a Kraken in MTG can be an intimidating experience; these sea creatures often boast formidable power and toughness, making them a significant threat once they hit the battlefield. Successfully navigating the clash with a Kraken requires a balanced strategy to neutralize their advantage. Playing cards that force sacrifice or prevent creatures from untapping can be highly effective tactics. Cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia help to contain these leviathans, rendering their strength irrelevant.
Counterspells are also an ally when dealing with a Kraken. By preventing their summoning altogether, you eliminate the problem before it begins. Enchantment-based removal such as Detention Sphere or Oblivion Ring can also whisk these colossal adversaries away without a fight. When facing a Kraken with the power to generate tokens, prioritize removal spells that clear multiple creatures to effectively manage the swarm.
Ultimately, overcoming a Kraken in MTG boils down to preparation and prompt response. Whether through disruption, creature containment, or direct removal, ensure your deck has the answers to tackle these deep-sea behemoths before they take control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kraken MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods and Commander 2014, 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 Kraken 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 Kraken Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2014-02-07 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2014-02-07 | Born of the Gods | BNG | 5 | 2003 | Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
2 | 2014-11-07 | Commander 2014 | C14 | 9 | 2015 | Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
3 | 2015-02-27 | Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora | DDO | 67 | 2015 | Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
4 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 6 | 2015 | Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
5 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 5★ | 2015 | Double Faced Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
6 | 2020-01-24 | Theros Beyond Death | THB | 4 | 2015 | Token | Black | Victor Adame Minguez | |
7 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 6 | 2015 | Token | Black | Vincent Proce | |
8 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 4 | 2015 | Token | Black | Dan Scott | |
9 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 4 | 2015 | Token | Black | Edgar Sánchez Hidalgo | |
10 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 | MH3 | 11 | 2015 | Token | Black | Dan Murayama Scott |