Olivia's Dragoon MTG Card


This card strategically supports graveyard synergies with its discard-triggered flying ability. Its instant speed activation smoothly counters opponents’ moves, enhancing flexibility. But, the requisite discard and specific mana cost could limit deck utility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Vampire Berserker
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Discard a card: Olivia's Dragoon gains flying until end of turn.

Displays of Voldaren bloodlust are not restricted to glamorous banquets and lavish parties.


Cards like Olivia's Dragoon

In the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, Olivia’s Dragoon stands as an intriguing creature. It shares some features with other creatures, like Vampire Interloper, another two-mana cost Vampire that also boasts the flying ability. However, Olivia’s Dragoon differentiates itself with a flexible discard mechanism, allowing players to transform any card into a means to grant it flying until end of turn, an advantage in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Comparatively, we have Falkenrath Reaver, a simple two mana cost creature without flying, but it offers a straightforward approach for players who prefer guaranteed power/toughness without additional abilities. Meanwhile, Bloodmad Vampire from the Shadows over Innistrad set provides an alternative Vampire option, with a focus on aggressive strategies bolstered by the madness mechanic which can potentially be enabled by Olivia’s Dragoon’s discard ability.

While assessing creatures within the Vampire archetype and beyond, Olivia’s Dragoon’s versatility in enabling madness and providing strategic aerial defense or offense showcases its unique position within Magic: The Gathering. Its synergy with the madness mechanic and the dynamic flying ability enrichment makes it a valuable card in specific gameplay situations.

Vampire Interloper - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodmad Vampire - MTG Card versions
Vampire Interloper - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodmad Vampire - MTG Card versions

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Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Skullsnatcher - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Olivia's Dragoon. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UBUB PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-13
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange PauperOgonyok

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Olivia’s Dragoon provides a strategic edge by allowing discards that enable graveyard synergies, thus setting the stage for potentially advantageous plays later on.

Resource Acceleration: Engaging with this versatile vampire lets you convert cards in hand into immediate board presence, streamlining your curve and enabling swift and impactful plays.

Instant Speed: Its activated ability can be used at instant speed, offering a cunning trap for your adversaries by quickly adapting to the ever-changing battlefield, either for surprise blocks or unexpected damage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Olivia’s Dragoon demands a discard to activate its ability, which can be a costly move when your hand is already running thin. This can be especially detrimental late in the game when each card’s strategic value is at its peak.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red and colorless mana to cast, Olivia’s Dragoon isn’t as flexible as some other creatures. This limitation means it can’t always fit into multi-color decks that might benefit from its ability but are strained on red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its ability to gain flying could be beneficial, the associated two mana cost is a significant investment, particularly when you could deploy cheaper creatures with flying or powerful ground threats instead. Additionally, other cards at a similar mana point could offer more immediate board impact without the discard condition.


Reasons to Include Olivia’s Dragoon in Your Collection

Versatility: Olivia’s Dragoon can be a valuable addition to decks that focus on discarding cards as part of their strategy, enabling you to get key cards into your graveyard for reanimation or other graveyard synergies.

Combo Potential: Since Olivia’s Dragoon has the ability to give itself flying until end of turn, it opens up the possibility to pair with cards that benefit from creatures with flying or when discarding a card could trigger a beneficial effect for an impactful combo.

Meta-Relevance: This card can adapt to various metas, especially if decks that capitalize on graveyard mechanics or need a consistent way to enable madness are prominent, making Olivia’s Dragoon a proficient choice for your deck.


How to beat

Olivia’s Dragoon is a unique creature that can turn the tide in games of Magic: The Gathering with its ability to gain flying until end of turn. To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to plan your strategy around removal spells or abilities that can target creatures irrespective of their flying status. Cards like Fatal Push or Shock can take out Olivia’s Dragoon efficiently before it poses a significant threat.

Another viable strategy is to prioritize creatures with reach or those that can block creatures with flying. By including cards like Giant Spider or Windstorm in your deck, you ensure that Olivia’s Dragoon’s aerial advantage is neutralized. It’s also worth considering enchantments such as Pacifism to prevent the card from attacking or blocking, rendering it ineffective on the battlefield.

Lastly, playing cards that can force your opponent to sacrifice a creature, such as Diabolic Edict, can be incredibly effective. This removes the need to target Olivia’s Dragoon directly and can also handle other problematic creatures your opponent may control. By incorporating these tactics into your gameplay, you stand a better chance at keeping Olivia’s Dragoon in check and maintaining control over the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Olivia's Dragoon MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Ultimate Masters, 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 Olivia's Dragoon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Olivia's Dragoon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-07-22Eldritch MoonEMN 1002015NormalBlackChris Rallis
22018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 1092015NormalBlackChris Rallis
32023-03-21Shadows over Innistrad RemasteredSIR 1282015NormalBlackChris Rallis

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Olivia's Dragoon has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Olivia's Dragoon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-12-07 You can activate the ability of Olivia’s Dragoon more than once in a turn, even if it already has flying.