Cloud Crusader MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Knight
Abilities	First strike,Flying
Released	2010-07-16
Set symbol
Set name	Magic 2011
Set code	M11
Power	2
Toughness	3
Number	10
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Aleksi Briclot

Key Takeaways

Cloud Crusader provides card advantage and strategic depth with added draw capabilities during play.
Its instant-speed abilities confer tactical surprise, enhancing mana usage and game strategy.
Despite a higher mana cost, its versatility in flying-centric decks makes it a worthy addition.

Text of card

Flying First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.)

Each crusader bonds with a griffin fledgling while still a child, and the two grow up as siblings.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cloud Crusader is notorious for granting players the upper hand by allowing the draw of additional cards during gameplay. Those extra cards mean more options and strategies for outmaneuvering the opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Upon entering the battlefield, Cloud Crusader significantly ramps up a player’s resources. This acceleration can be a game-changer, offering the chance to deploy more threats or answers ahead of the curve.

Instant Speed: The instant-speed nature of Cloud Crusader’s abilities provides tactical flexibility. It allows savvy players to make moves unpredictably, essentially keeping opponents guessing and optimizing their mana usage each turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cloud Crusader often asks players to part ways with another card in their hand. This discard condition can be burdensome, especially when you’re grasping for every available option to maintain an edge over your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise blend of mana types to cast. Devoting resources to meet this requirement can be challenging in multi-colored decks that thrive on a more flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the higher side for its effects, Cloud Crusader stands in competition with a range of cards that can achieve similar results at a more economical cost, making it a less attractive option when finely tuning your deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cloud Crusader brings a flexible dynamic to decks that thrive on flying creatures and life gain strategies. Its casting cost and stats make it an accessible yet impactful addition in both aggressive and defensive builds.

Combo Potential: With its flying ability, Cloud Crusader pairs well with cards that capitalize on airborne assaults. It can also complement strategies that trigger upon gaining life, thus providing a synergy to explore for combo enthusiasts.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of creature-based decks, having a reliable flyer like Cloud Crusader can often sway the aerial combat in your favor. In a meta where the skies are an important battleground, this card’s capabilities shouldn’t be underestimated.

How to Beat Cloud Crusader in MTG

Cloud Crusader commands the skies with its flying ability, making it an evasive creature that can consistently chip away at your life total. To tackle this celestial threat, you need a strategy that nullifies its flying advantage. Having flying blockers ready is an obvious countermeasure, making creatures like Wind Drake valuable for their ability to engage with the Crusader in the air. But that’s not the only solution.

Direct removal spells are exceptionally effective against the likes of Cloud Crusader. Options such as Murder can swiftly remove it from the battlefield regardless of its airborne capability. If you’re looking to be more mana-efficient, consider spells like Shock, which for a mere two mana can deal damage to any target, offering a quick and easy way to dispatch this winged warrior. Additionally, enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking or blocking can ground this high-flyer, ensuring it’s kept in check.

Whatever option you choose, remember to prioritize threats like Cloud Crusader that can build gradual advantages over the course of the game. Preparing your deck with a mix of removals, flyers, and control enchantments will ensure you’re never left vulnerable to creatures that rule the skies.

Cards like Cloud Crusader

Cloud Crusader stands out in the realm of flying creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It’s often looked at in the same light as other three-mana creatures like War Falcon, which also boasts flying. Yet, Cloud Crusader has the advantage of not requiring other creatures to attack, offering more independence on the battlefield. Additionally, Cloud Crusader comes with a higher power count, making it a more formidable force when it swoops in from the skies.

Conversely, when considering Aerial Responder, there’s a distinct similarity in the Vigilance attribute. However, Aerial Responder offers lifelink in addition to flying and vigilance, giving it an edge in terms of sustainability and staying power during combat. But this extra utility is reflected in its mana cost, making Cloud Crusader a potentially quicker play for aggressive strategies.

Thus, evaluating the strategic uses and costs of Cloud Crusader in relation to its peers, it emerges as a solid choice for players seeking a balance between aggressive tempo and flying capabilities in their decks. Its standalone nature and higher attack potential make it a competitive option amidst the suite of flying creatures available to MTG deck builders.

Cards similar to Cloud Crusader by color, type and mana cost

Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions

Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions

Veteran of the Depths - MTG Card versions

Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions

Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Northern Paladin - Revised Edition (3ED)

Seasoned Marshal - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)

Coalition Honor Guard - Apocalypse (APC)

Mangara, the Diplomat - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Kami of Old Stone - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)

Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - Salvat 2011 (PS11)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cloud Crusader MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011, 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 Cloud Crusader and other MTG cards: