Phantasmal Dragon MTG Card
2011-07-15 - Number 71
2014-03-14 - Number 14
2019-11-07 - Number 454
1995-01-02 - Number 21
2020-09-26 - Number DDM-14
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dragon Illusion |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying When Phantasmal Dragon becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it.
Its hunger and ire are no less for being wrought of lies and mist.
Cards like Phantasmal Dragon
Phantasmal Dragon solidifies its presence in MTG as an elusive powerhouse, wrapped in both potential and vulnerability. This creature card stands alongside other illusory beings like Phantasmal Bear and Phantasmal Image, sharing the phantom trait that destroys the creature when it becomes the target of a spell or ability. While the Dragon boasts a formidable power of 5/5, Phantasmal Bear comes with a modest 2/2. Unlike the Dragon, Phantasmal Image brings versatility to the table, copying any creature on the battlefield and potentially gaining their stronger abilities, all the while carrying the phantom trait’s fragility.
Other MTG cards like Mistform Seaswift exhibit a similarity with flying and morph capabilities but lack the phantom’s intrinsic might and self-protective challenge. Krovikan Mist also echoes the power of illusion, with its strength and toughness scaling with the number of Illusions on the field, yet it doesn’t match the immediate impact of the Phantasmal Dragon’s 5/5 power on the board.
When considering cards with both high power and a touch-and-go condition, Phantasmal Dragon presents a unique blend of risk and reward, enchanting players who dare to leverage its might while carefully navigating its delicate existence on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Phantasmal Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phantasmal Dragon provides a significant presence on the board with its potent flying ability, forcing opponents to address it and potentially leading to a favorable exchange of cards.
Resource Acceleration: This card’s affordable mana cost for a 5/5 flying creature enables players to deploy other threats or maintain defensive options sooner, effectively accelerating the player’s resource development.
Instant Speed: While Phantasmal Dragon itself does not operate at instant speed, its synergies with instant speed spells and effects are notable. This dragon can deter attackers just by its mere presence, allowing players to efficiently utilize mana on either player’s turn for instant speed interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Phantasmal Dragon demands sharp focus during play. Any targeted spell or ability from an opponent forces you to sacrifice the creature. This drawback means that you must constantly be aware of potential threats that could remove your dragon from the battlefield without much effort.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning the Phantasmal Dragon requires a sometimes challenging combination of mana — two colorless and two blue. This specificity restricts the card’s flexibility, making it more suitable for a deck with a strong blue mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, this card competes with other powerful creatures and impactful spells vying for a place in the coveted four-manacurve slot. While its stats are respectable, the fragility it presents often leads players to consider alternatives that may not be as vulnerable to being targeted.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phantasmal Dragon offers flexibility for blue-focused decks, as it provides a substantial aerial threat. Its four power level on flying makes it a formidable force, capable of impacting the board as soon as it swoops into play.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes with decks that capitalize on illusions or those that can manipulate or protect creatures without targeting them. It thrives in environments where you can exploit its strengths while mitigating its drawback.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-evolving game dynamics, the adaptability of Phantasmal Dragon keeps it relevant. In a meta where evasion is key, this creature’s significant presence in the skies can give players an edge over opponents, making it a strategic inclusion for those looking to dominate in aerial combat.
How to beat
Confronting the Phantasmal Dragon in Magic: The Gathering can seem daunting at first glance due to its evasive capabilities and considerable power. The essence of its strength lies in its illusionary nature, being a creature that can be a substantial aerial threat if left unchecked on the battlefield. However, its Achilles’ heel is the clause that it must be sacrificed when targeted by a spell or ability.
The most straightforward strategy to overcome the Phantasmal Dragon is to exploit its vulnerability to targeting. This could be achieved through the use of low-cost spells or abilities that specifically target creatures. Single-target removal spells or simple effects, such as those that tap or otherwise mark the Dragon, can force the controller to sacrifice it. Even benign abilities, like those aiming to provide buffs or equip artifacts, will inadvertently cause the Dragon’s demise, turning one of its greatest assets into a fatal flaw.
This strategy not only removes the immediate threat but also serves to maintain board control efficiently. It turns what seems like a robust flying creature into a fleeting presence, manageable through savvy play and a basic understanding of its intrinsic weakness.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phantasmal Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Media Inserts and Magic 2012, 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 Phantasmal 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 Phantasmal Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Media Inserts | PMEI | 21 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | ||
| 2 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 71 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 3 | 2014-03-14 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska | DDM | 14 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 454 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | DDM-14 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne Reynolds |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phantasmal Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |