Pearl Dragon MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 6 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Dragon |
Abilities | Flying |
Power | 4 |
Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying o1oo W +0/+1 until end of turn
"They knew Bantau was lost when, to hide the pearl he had found on the beach, he swallowed it—and soon grew wings." —Hakim, Loreweaver
Cards like Pearl Dragon
Pearl Dragon stands out in the world of flying creatures in MTG. Like its airborne contemporaries, this formidable creature is known for its power in aerial combat. Yet it differentiates itself with a unique ability that allows it to pump its power, granting temporary strength spikes during battle. Unlike its kin, such as the Serra Angel, Pearl Dragon doesn’t have vigilance but compensates with a heftier power potential through its mana-intensive ability.
A closer look at the Shivan Dragon reveals another creature with self-buffing prowess. Although the Shivan Dragon requires a red mana investment to increase its power, it shares the tactic of mid-combat power boosts, a trait highly prized during creature combat phases. Conversely, the Thunder Dragon lacks the Pearl Dragon’s power-flexing characteristic but compensates by delivering immediate impact through its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield.
Evaluating Pearl Dragon’s position within its category, its blend of aerial intimidation and the tactical advantage of scaling power creates unique opportunities for players to outmaneuver their opponents, providing a solid choice for those looking to dominate the skies of MTG.
Cards similar to Pearl Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pearl Dragon shines in the card advantage department. By providing the ability to draw a card whenever it deals damage to an opponent, it helps keep your hand replenished, potentially leading to game-changing situations.
Resource Acceleration: This formidable flyer aids in ramping up your resources. As a high-cost creature, when successfully cast, it leverages your mana investment by presenting a substantial threat in the air that your opponent must answer, often at a loss to their own resources.
Instant Speed: One of Pearl Dragon’s unique features is its instant speed-like ability that allows it to be a formidable defender as well. The ability to pay mana and give it +0/+1 until end of turn can be activated at any time, making it a flexible option for both attack and defense strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One aspect that players must consider with the Pearl Dragon is the potential requirement to discard cards to fuel abilities, making it a risky option for those already managing limited hand sizes.
Specific Mana Cost: Pearl Dragon commands a color-specific mana cost, necessitating a substantial white mana base. This might inhibit its inclusion in multi-colored or color-flexible strategies, cornering it within more monochromatic builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The appeal of Pearl Dragon can be overshadowed by its high casting cost, demanding six mana to enter play. When evaluating mana efficiency, players may find other creatures or spells that provide similar or greater impact at a lower investment, thereby potentially relegating Pearl Dragon to less competitive decks.
Reasons to Include Pearl Dragon in Your Collection
Versatility: Pearl Dragon is a flexible card that has a place in a variety of white decks. Its flying ability makes it a consistent choice for strategies focusing on evasion, and its Pearl Breath can be a useful trick during combat or in response to effects targeting it.
Combo Potential: The Pearl Dragon’s ability to give itself first strike by paying white mana creates opportunities for combos with equipment and auras that are designed to benefit from creatures with this ability.
Meta-Relevance: As the gameplay environment leans towards creature-focused decks, the inclusion of Pearl Dragon becomes advantageous. Its ability to control the skies and offer a combat edge may influence the board’s dynamics, especially in matches where flying creatures are pivotal.
How to beat
Pearl Dragon is a powerful presence in any MTG battle, soaring over the playing field with its ability to gain flying until end of turn. This ability to evade ground-based blockers can make it a tough adversary to handle. But like any card in Magic, there are strategies to clip its wings.
One effective tactic is to utilize instant-speed removal cards that can target Pearl Dragon the moment it declares an attack or uses its activated ability. This ensures that you remove the threat before it deals any damage. It’s also prudent to have counter spells ready for when your opponent casts it, preventing Pearl Dragon from entering the battlefield altogether.
Moreover, capitalizing on cards that restrict activated abilities can stifle Pearl Dragon’s advantage. Even if it lands on the board, being unable to utilize its flying capability levels the playing field. Finally, keep a close eye on mana. Pearl Dragon’s ability costs additional resource to activate, and timing your plays when the opponent’s mana is tapped out can be advantageous.
Knowing these strategies can make facing a Pearl Dragon less daunting, giving you the upper hand in the duel. With the correct timing and resources, you can dominate the skies and ultimately, the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pearl Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Pearl Dragon 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 Pearl Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Ian Miller.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 33 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ian Miller | |
2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 34 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ian Miller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pearl Dragon has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |