Mesa Falcon MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 10a
1995-10-01 - Number 10b
1997-03-24 - Number 46
1999-04-21 - Number 31
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying o1oo W +0/+1 until end of turn
"The faith of Serra is borne on wings of hope." —Gulsen, Abbey Matron
Cards like Mesa Falcon
Mesa Falcon is a classic creature from the earlier sets of Magic: The Gathering, offering a blend of evasion and buff capabilities. When searching for cards that share a kinship with Mesa Falcon, Wings of the Guard comes into play. Both feature flying, but Wings of the Guard can potentially be more powerful with its melee ability, increasing its power for each opponent you’re attacking. It, however, lacks the option to increase toughness, a subtle yet significant advantage with Mesa Falcon.
Stepping into the modern era of card design, Healer’s Hawk also flutters onto the scene. Though it matches Mesa Falcon in having both flying and a slight mana cost, it ascends further through lifelink, nurturing its controller’s life total with each successful peck. In exchange, Healer’s Hawk has a more fragile physique compared to the sturdier frame Mesa Falcon boasts when its buff is active.
Navigating through MTG’s vast card library, Mesa Falcon stands as a reminder of simpler times; yet, even with the emergence of cards like Wings of the Guard and Healer’s Hawk, its straightforward design and durability offer a dependable choice, particularly in formats where longevity and steady board presence are valued.
Cards similar to Mesa Falcon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mesa Falcon creates strategic depth by offering the option to enhance its capabilities. Boosting its attack power with its activated ability can lead to more efficient exchanges, potentially generating card advantage as it outmaneuvers single blockers or survives situations where it otherwise wouldn’t.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly related to ramping up mana, Mesa Falcon’s modest casting cost allows for a quick deployment, preserving mana for other strategic plays. Its efficiency in mana usage can accelerate your board presence, impacting resource distribution positively.
Instant Speed: Despite being a creature card and not an instant, the ability to activate Mesa Falcon’s power boost during either player’s turn allows for tactical flexibility akin to instant speed interactions. This added utility can catch an opponent off guard, making it a versatile combatant in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Mesa Falcon requires a precise mana input for casting. It calls for one white mana along with one of any type. This can constrain deck-building options, as it necessitates a white mana source, making it less flexible in multicolor decks that don’t focus on white.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a 1/1 creature, Mesa Falcon’s initial power and toughness per mana investment is on the low side. In a game where every mana point is crucial, especially in the early stages, players might find it less of a bargain compared to other options within the same mana range that offer more substantial board presence or additional abilities.
Discard Requirement: However, it’s worth noting that while Mesa Falcon does not directly demand a discard, this characteristic is mentioned for context. Players must always be aware of the potential for discard effects or conditions in their deck-building, which could indirectly affect the usability and value of any card, including the Mesa Falcon, within the broader strategy of a game.
Reasons to Include Mesa Falcon in Your Collection
Versatility: Mesa Falcon, with its flying ability, can be a stable addition to a variety of white decks. Its potential to bypass ground blockers gives it an edge in both aggressive and defensive strategies, making it a flexible choice for diverse gameplay.
Combo Potential: As a creature with the potential for increased power and toughness, the Falcon meshes well with enchantments and equipment cards designed to buff winged creatures, which can give rise to synergistic combos within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where smaller creatures dominate and games are decided in the skies, Mesa Falcon can effectively contest early aggressors. Additionally, its low casting cost allows for an early board presence, aligning well with fast-paced white weenie tactics.
How to beat
Mesa Falcon, a modestly powerful flier in the world of Magic: The Gathering, often finds a home in decks that appreciate an early aerial presence. Known for its 2-mana casting cost and 1W to activate its +1/+0 ability, the Mesa Falcon introduces a balance challenge for opponents. It remains small enough to be susceptible to common removal spells, yet can become unexpectedly potent with the right support, such as enchantments or equipment that increase its power and toughness.
To effectively counter Mesa Falcon, players might consider employing cheap removal spells that can easily dispatch a 1/1 creature. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push are both efficient and cost-effective in removing a potential Mesa Falcon threat before it can gain any augmentation. Furthermore, creature-based strategies with reach, or those that can put multiple blockers in the air, can deter or neutralize the Falcon before buffs come into play. Land-based strategies rarely concern themselves with a lone flyer and can typically overrun the Falcon with superior ground forces before it becomes relevant.
Ultimately, overcoming Mesa Falcon often comes down to preparedness; understanding the common enhancements it may receive and having the right answers in your deck or hand will ensure that this avian adversary does not soar towards victory unchallenged.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mesa Falcon MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Homelands, 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 Mesa Falcon 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 Mesa Falcon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Mark Poole.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 10a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 10b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 46 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole | |
| 4 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 31 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mesa Falcon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |