Nova Chaser MTG Card


Nova Chaser delivers a two-for-one advantage with its Trample ability, enhancing battlefield control. Its elemental synergy offers resource acceleration, enabling mana-efficient and impactful plays. Pairing with instant-speed elements provides unexpected tactical advantages during gameplay.
Nova Chaser - Lorwyn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elemental Warrior
Abilities Champion,Trample
Released2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set nameLorwyn
Set codeLRW
Power 10
Toughness 2
Number187
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDan Scott

Text of card

Trample Champion an Elemental (When this comes into play, sacrifice it unless you remove another Elemental you control from the game. When this leaves play, that card returns to play.)


Cards like Nova Chaser

Nova Chaser stands out as a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering. Part of its allure is the sheer force it brings to the battlefield, towering with its ten power. When looking for comparisons, Flameborn Hellion is a creature that might come to mind. Both share the same aggressive potential, yet Flameborn Hellion has less power and lacks the trample ability that Nova Chaser possesses, providing it with an edge when dealing with multiple blockers.

Another similar powerhouse is Ball Lightning. Both cards are elemental creatures with a significant impact on the turn they’re played. However, Nova Chaser boasts a higher power and toughness, and it pairs well with Elemental synergies, particularly through its champion ability. Before entering the battlefield, Nova Chaser allows you to exile another Elemental you control, only to return it to play when Nova Chaser leaves. This can potentially activate powerful enter-the-battlefield effects multiple times.

These comparisons shine a light on the unique position Nova Chaser occupies in the game. It is not only a formidable creature by itself but also becomes an enabler for combos and strategies that leverage the temporary exile of an ally for a strategic benefit.

Flameborn Hellion - MTG Card versions
Ball Lightning - MTG Card versions
Flameborn Hellion - MTG Card versions
Ball Lightning - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nova Chaser by color, type and mana cost

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Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With its Trample ability, Nova Chaser can often take out smaller creatures and still deal excess damage to the opponent. This can result in a two-for-one scenario where you remove an opponent’s creature while maintaining pressure on their life total.

Resource Acceleration: Utilizing the Elemental tribe, Nova Chaser can synergize with cards that reduce its casting cost or benefit from having an Elemental enter the battlefield. This can create mana-efficient plays that propel you ahead of your opponent in the resource game.

Instant Speed: Although Nova Chaser itself isn’t an instant, it pairs well with instant-speed elements such as sacrificing it with “Fling” or other effects that require tapping an untapped creature, enabling surprising plays that can shift the tide of the match at a moment’s notice.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When you bring Nova Chaser into play, you must sacrifice another creature unless you evoke it, which can deplete your battlefield presence and weaken your board state against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Nova Chaser requires a hefty sum of red mana to cast, demanding a strict commitment to red mana sources within your deck and reducing the flexibility to include it in multicolored deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a 10/2 trample creature is powerful, the mana investment for Nova Chaser is significant. At four mana, including three red, other creatures or spells might provide more stability or versatility on the battlefield for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include Nova Chaser in Your Collection

Versatility: Nova Chaser, a powerhouse in red decks, works well in a variety of settings. Its massive attack allows it to serve as a strong beater in aggressive strategies, while also being a great target for sacrifice or blink effects.

Combo Potential: With a Champion ability, Nova Chaser excels in decks designed around elemental synergies, or using flicker mechanics to repeatedly leverage enter-the-battlefield triggers for relentless board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In metagames dominated by creature-based decks, Nova Chaser can be an ideal inclusion. Its formidable stats can outclass many common creatures, helping it stay relevant against other aggressive or midrange decks.


How to beat

Overcoming the raw power of Nova Chaser in Magic: The Gathering requires a blend of strategic planning and tactical response. This formidable elemental boasts a hefty 10/2 stat line, presenting an intimidating obstacle on the battlefield. However, its trample ability isn’t the only factor to consider when formulating a counter-strategy. Being aware that Nova Chaser must be championed by sacrificing another elemental is key. Thus, disrupting your opponent’s elemental lineup by removing potential sacrifices can hinder Nova Chaser’s entry to the fray.

Another focal point is Nova Chaser’s susceptibility to instant-speed removals. Due to its lower toughness, cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently dispatch it at a minimal mana cost. Additionally, considering its high power, Nova Chaser pairs unfavorably against damage prevention methods or cards that negate combat damage for a turn. Whether it is through removals, board wipes, or enchantments that neutralize high-power creatures, ensuring that you maintain these answers can give you an upper hand against Nova Chaser’s sheer force.

Ultimately, staying prepared and reacting promptly to the threat of Nova Chaser can swing the momentum of the game in your favor, reflecting the depth and intricacy of competitive play in Magic: The Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nova Chaser MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Nova Chaser and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nova Chaser has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal