Krosan Drover MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf |
| Released | 2003-05-26 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Scourge |
| Set code | SCG |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 122 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Arnie Swekel |
Text of card
Creature spells you play with converted mana cost 6 or more cost less to play.
"Sit."
Cards like Krosan Drover
Krosan Drover may not be the flashiest card in Magic: The Gathering, but it holds a unique position among creature-cost-reducing cards. Like the Drover, the card Centaur Omenreader also reduces the cost of creature spells. However, the Omenreader’s ability is conditional, only active while it is tapped, unlike the always-active ability of the Krosan Drover.
Summoner’s Egg is another card that dances in similar circles with Krosan Drover, offering cost reduction but in a different manner. It sacrifices itself to put a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield which can indirectly reduce costs, particularly for high mana creatures. On the other hand, Heartless Summoning offers a cost reduction for all creatures, but with a penalty to their power and toughness, a trade-off not present with Krosan Drover’s straightforward cost-reduction mechanic.
Each of these cards has its niche, but for players looking to cast large creatures more efficiently, Krosan Drover offers a reliable and uncomplicated approach. It exemplifies a straightforward and consistently applicable cost-reduction strategy that can be pivotal in ramp decks, especially those with a heavy focus on powerful creatures.
Cards similar to Krosan Drover by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Krosan Drover is designed for decks that aim to maximize creature plays. While it doesn’t draw cards directly, its ability to reduce the cost of creature spells with converted mana cost of 4 or greater can indirectly lead to card advantage. This is because it allows players to cast multiple large creatures in a shorter amount of time than they would be able to otherwise, effectively outpacing the opponent’s ability to respond to each threat.
Resource Acceleration: This card is a boon for resource acceleration, perfect for ramp strategies seeking to play high-cost creatures early in the game. By decreasing the mana cost of big creatures, Krosan Drover acts as a form of ‘virtual mana acceleration’, enabling players to deploy powerful threats ahead of schedule. This can quickly tip the scales in the favor of the player who is able to use their mana more efficiently to affect the board state.
Instant Speed: Although Krosan Drover itself is not an instant, its ability affects creatures with a high mana cost. This synergizes well with creatures that have flash or with spells that can bring creatures into play at instant speed. Deploying a discounted, sizable creature during an opponent’s turn not only saves mana, but also offers surprise tactics and flexible response options during the course of a game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Krosan Drover itself does not have a discard requirement, it’s important to remember that having specific cards that rely on cost reduction like this one can lead to situations where you’re forced to discard other valuable cards to make full use of your hand, potentially dwindling your resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Krosan Drover demands a specific mana investment of three green and one colorless, making it less versatile in multi-color decks that may not always have the necessary green mana sources available when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial cost to cast Krosan Drover is somewhat steep for its 2/2 stats. Although it can reduce the cost of creature spells with converted mana cost 6 or greater, there are other ramp options in MTG that might be more effective or have a lower casting cost, making them more accessible earlier in the game.
Reasons to Include Krosan Drover in Your Collection
Versatility: Krosan Drover shines in decks where high-cost creatures are prevalent. Its ability to reduce the mana cost of creature spells with converted mana cost 6 or greater by 2 makes it a valuable addition in many ramp and green-themed decks.
Combo Potential: This card opens doors for impactful creature combos and synergies, allowing for the summoning of formidable threats earlier in the game. Pair it with heavy hitters in your deck for a game-changing play.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where longer games and big creatures dominate, Krosan Drover can offer the acceleration needed to outpace opponents and deploy threats that tip the scale in your favor.
How to beat
Krosan Drover is a spell reducing ally that can be a game-changer in any MTG deck focused on high-cost creatures. By allowing you to cast creature spells with mana value six or greater for less mana, it significantly accelerates the deployment of imposing threats on the battlefield. However, there are strategies to effectively counter this card and retain control of the game.
Removal spells are your first go-to tactic to handle the Krosan Drover. Since it is a creature itself with modest stats, a simple burn or destruction spell can take it out before its ability becomes relevant. Consider cards like Doom Blade or Lightning Bolt, offering a low-cost and efficient way to remove Krosan Drover from the game immediately. Additionally, counter spells can ensure Krosan Drover never hits the board, with Mana Leak and Counterspell being prime examples of how to prevent it from influencing the game. Tempo plays can also be effective: a card like Unsummon can not only bounce Krosan Drover back to the owner’s hand but disrupt their mana curve and force them to recast it, costing them valuable tempo and stalling their strategy.
It’s essential to stay proactive when facing decks that leverage Krosan Drover. By keeping the pressure on and managing your resources efficiently, you can prevent your opponent from exploiting the cost reductions and maintain the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Krosan Drover MTG card by a specific set like Scourge, 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 Krosan Drover 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Krosan Drover has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |