Pearled Unicorn MTG Card

Provides early board presence and creature synergy, beneficial in specific strategic setups. Limited impact and restrictive mana cost detract from its utility in varied decks. Its basic nature and nostalgia value keep it relevant in casual play and collection.

Pearled Unicorn - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
1993-08-05 - Number 30

Pearled Unicorn - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)

Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
1993-10-04 - Number 31

Pearled Unicorn - Unlimited Edition (2ED)

Unlimited Edition (2ED)
1993-12-01 - Number 31

Pearled Unicorn - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)

Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
1993-12-10 - Number 31

Pearled Unicorn - Collectors' Edition (CED)

Collectors' Edition (CED)
1993-12-10 - Number 31

Revised Edition (3ED)
1994-04-01 - Number 30

Pearled Unicorn - Foreign Black Border (FBB)

Foreign Black Border (FBB)
1994-04-01 - Number 30

Pearled Unicorn - Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)

Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
1994-06-21 - Number 30

Pearled Unicorn - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)

Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
1995-04-01 - Number 39

Fourth Edition (4ED)
1995-04-01 - Number 39

Pearled Unicorn - Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)

Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)
1996-07-01 - Number 6

Pearled Unicorn - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)

Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
1996-12-31 - Number 6

Fifth Edition (5ED)
1997-03-24 - Number 50

Pearled Unicorn - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 30

30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
2022-11-28 - Number 327

Card sets	Released in 15 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Unicorn
Power	2
Toughness	2

Cards like Pearled Unicorn

The Pearled Unicorn is a nostalgic piece from early Magic: The Gathering sets, offering straightforward gameplay with its classic creature status. If we stack it up against contemporaries like Grizzly Bears, we notice an immediate parallel in their mana costs and stats. Both cards command three points in total for power and toughness, making them dependable early-game creatures.

Looking at Eager Cadet, another white creature with a cost of one mana, the Pearled Unicorn provides a more substantial presence on the board due to its higher power. Conversely, when compared to Gray Ogre, a creature with identical mana cost, the Pearled Unicorn stands out with its one-white mana requirement, giving it an edge in mono-white decks seeking efficient creatures.

Assessing Pearled Unicorn within the spectrum of similar MTG cards, it’s clear that it holds a charm in its simplicity, fitting well within strategies where mana curve and color consistency are key. While it may not have the bells and whistles of newer creatures, its role in the formative years of Magic: The Gathering cements its place as a classic card for players and collectors alike.

Cards similar to Pearled Unicorn by color, type and mana cost

Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pearled Unicorn may not directly provide card draw, but by being a reliable creature on the battlefield, it supports strategies that capitalize on synergy with other cards. Its presence adds to your creature count which can be beneficial for effects that require a critical mass of creatures.

Resource Acceleration: While Pearled Unicorn doesn’t produce additional mana or tokens, its low casting cost means it can be played early in the game. This factor is essential in resource acceleration as it allows players to establish a board presence without significant investment, saving mana for more significant spells in later turns.

Instant Speed: As a creature, Pearled Unicorn is played at sorcery speed, but its presence can influence the battlefield at any phase of the game. Summoning it early sets the stage for you to operate with the security of having a steadfast creature, giving you the confidence to cast spells at instant speed later on, without having to commit all your resources to maintain board control.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Pearled Unicorn card doesn’t have a direct discard requirement per se, but in a game where each card in hand represents vital resources, the need to play a creature like Pearled Unicorn, which doesn’t provide immediate or substantial board impact, could force players into disadvantageous scenarios where they must discard more impactful cards to keep up with the pacing of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires one white mana and two generic mana, Pearled Unicorn can be somewhat restrictive in terms of mana flexibility. This can be particularly cumbersome for multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency and would prefer creatures that offer more versatility and strategic value.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its cost of three mana for a mere 2/2 creature, Pearled Unicorn may be considered inefficient in a metagame where creatures at similar casting costs provide additional abilities, higher stats, or other forms of strategic advantage. Players could likely find creatures with better board presence or utility at a comparative mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pearled Unicorn’s simple mana cost and classic creature type make it a suitable fit for a variety of white decks, serving as a reliable early-game presence on the board.

Combo Potential: As a creature, the Pearled Unicorn can synergize with enchantments, equipments, or other cards that bolster its combat efficacy, providing opportunities for tactical plays.

Meta-Relevance: Though not a powerhouse in today’s competitive scene, it can find its place in casual circles and retro formats where its straightforward design aligns with simpler strategies.

How to beat Pearled Unicorn

The Pearled Unicorn is a classic creature from the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Sitting in the low-cost spectrum of creatures, it’s one often found in the early game acting as a minor blocker or an early strike option. This card is recognized by its nominal stats: a cost-effective addition for decks but with a power level that’s easy to surpass as the game progresses.

Strategizing against it involves a few straightforward methods. One can opt for cheap removal spells, easily clearing the way without significant investment. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push are more than sufficient to handle the modest 2/1 body of the Pearled Unicorn. Additionally, players can choose to simply outclass it by placing more robust creatures on the board. This could directly negate the unicorn’s combat relevance, making it an unworthy trade for stronger entities you control.

Overall, while the Pearled Unicorn may hold a place in Magic’s history, it’s rarely a game-changer on contemporary tables. With numerous efficient tactics available to tackle such early game creatures, the Pearled Unicorn poses little threat to a well-prepared opponent.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pearled Unicorn MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Pearled Unicorn and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pearled Unicorn Magic the Gathering card was released in 14 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1993-08-05	Limited Edition Alpha	LEA	30	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
2	1993-10-04	Limited Edition Beta	LEB	31	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
3	1993-12-01	Unlimited Edition	2ED	31	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
4	1993-12-10	Intl. Collectors' Edition	CEI	31	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
5	1993-12-10	Collectors' Edition	CED	31	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
6	1994-04-01	Revised Edition	3ED	30	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
7	1994-04-01	Foreign Black Border	FBB	30	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
8	1994-06-21	Summer Magic / Edgar	SUM	30	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
9	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border	4BB	39	1993	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
10	1995-04-01	Fourth Edition	4ED	39	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
11	1996-07-01	Rivals Quick Start Set	RQS	6	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
12	1996-12-31	Introductory Two-Player Set	ITP	6	1993	Normal	White	Cornelius Brudi
13	1997-03-24	Fifth Edition	5ED	50	1997	Normal	White	David A. Cherry
14	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	30	2015	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi
15	2022-11-28	30th Anniversary Edition	30A	327	1997	Normal	Black	Cornelius Brudi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pearled Unicorn has restrictions

Format	Legality
Oldschool	Legal
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal