Majestic Heliopterus MTG Card


Bolsters board presence by giving creatures flying, enabling more consistent damage each combat phase. Accelerates game resources, clearing the way for successive attacks and retaining pressure on opponents. Instant-speed strategies are enhanced, permitting mana freedom for tactical interactions during your turn.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying Whenever Majestic Heliopterus attacks, another target Dinosaur you control gains flying until end of turn.

"Its rise is like the sun's, a beautiful beginning. Its descent is like the sun's, a frightful ending." —Huatli


Cards like Majestic Heliopterus

The Majestic Heliopterus stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique creature with the power to propel other dinosaurs into aerial combat during your attack phase. It draws parallels with creatures like Aerial Guide, which also grants other creatures flying when they attack. However, the Majestic Heliopterus commands a larger board presence with its impressive stats and dinosaur synergies, distinguishing it in tribal decks.

When assessing cards with similar effects, Territorial Hammerskull emerges as a notable comparison. This creature taps an opponent’s creature upon attacking, which may not be as immediately dominant as granting flight but offers a different kind of tactical advantage. Unlike the Heliopterus, however, Hammerskull’s Lizard affiliation doesn’t resonate with the strong dinosaur tribal synergies that often dictate deck construction.

Playing a pivotal role in dinosaur-themed decks, the Majestic Heliopterus offers a blend of aerial superiority and devotion to its tribe, propelling it to a noteworthy position among its combat enhancement peers in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to alter combat dynamics while synergizing with a popular tribe makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts of prehistoric power.

Aerial Guide - MTG Card versions
Territorial Hammerskull - MTG Card versions
Aerial Guide - MTG Card versions
Territorial Hammerskull - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Majestic Heliopterus enables you to consistently bolster your board presence by allowing creatures with flying to get in for damage, securing incremental advantages every combat phase.

Resource Acceleration: Flying creatures you control can assist in clearing the path for continuous attacks, thereby speeding up the potential for victory and maintaining pressure on your opponent, effectively accelerating game resources toward your favor.

Instant Speed: While Majestic Heliopterus itself isn’t an instant, its ability to give other creatures you control a form of evasion can free up mana for instant-speed interaction on your turn, which can be a game-changer allowing for clever tactical maneuvers.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Majestic Heliopterus demands the sacrifice of other dinosaurs to unleash its potential, a cost that can deplete your board presence if not timed right.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that entails both white and green mana, this card necessitates a dedicated mana base, potentially making it a less flexible option for multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At six mana, including a double white, this creature comes with a hefty price. In a format where tempo is crucial, there may be more impactful plays at a lower cost curve.


Reasons to Include Majestic Heliopterus in Your Collection

Versatility: Majestic Heliopterus offers unique flexibility for deck builders, fitting seamlessly into flying-themed decks or as a curve-topping creature in aggro strategies. With its ability to grant other creatures flying, it serves as a keystone for aerial assaults.

Combo Potential: The ability to give other creatures flying until end of turn has significant synergy potential. Imagine enhancing board presence in a flicker deck or enabling various creatures to dodge ground-based defenses for a decisive attack.

Meta-Relevance: Given that flying creatures are often harder to block, Majestic Heliopterus may find a home in the current meta that favors evasion tactics. It can particularly shine in match-ups where terrestrial defenses predominate.


How to beat

Majestic Heliopterus provides a unique aerial threat in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to grant another attacking dinosaur the power to fly over defenders can turn the tide of battle swiftly. To overcome this winged menace, focus on removal spells that can deal with creatures regardless of their size or abilities. Cards like Fatal Push and Path to Exile work well since they can bypass the flying advantage and send the Heliopterus packing before it becomes a persistent problem. Additionally, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clean the slate, nullifying the advantage brought by this soaring beast.

Counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can also stop the Majestic Heliopterus before it even enters the battlefield. Alternatively, one could employ flying blockers of their own to match the Heliopterus in aerial combat. If the goal is to prevent its take-off entirely, look towards cards that deny abilities, such as Pithing Needle or Sorcerous Spyglass. By strategically deploying these cards, players can neutralize Majestic Heliopterus’s influence and maintain control of the skies.

Understanding the dynamics of the match and potential threats makes handling a card like Majestic Heliopterus manageable. With proper planning and the right countermeasures, even the most daunting dinosaurs can be grounded.


BurnMana Recommendations

Discovering the corners of MTG where cards like Majestic Heliopterus soar can truly enrich your gameplay and strategy. Its capacity to turn ground troops into airborne threats offers unique tactical shifts every turn. While considering this card’s strengths and weaknesses, we hope you’re inspired to explore synergies and strategies that could revolutionize your deck. Remember, there’s always a new angle or approach awaiting in the multiverse of Magic the Gathering, and Majestic Heliopterus might just be the piece you need to elevate your game. Dive deeper into strategy and deck-building — join us to discover how cards like Majestic Heliopterus can unlock new pathways to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Majestic Heliopterus MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Majestic Heliopterus and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Majestic Heliopterus Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Filip Burburan.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 132015NormalBlackFilip Burburan
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1312015NormalBlackFilip Burburan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Majestic Heliopterus has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal