Pierce Strider MTG Card
2011-02-04 - Number 123
2018-06-08 - Number 244
2022-12-02 - Number 790
2002-06-24 - Number 39017
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Construct |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Pierce Strider enters the battlefield, target opponent loses 3 life.
"Pain isn't a negative stimulus. Pain is a sign of your imperfection." —Sheoldred, Whispering One
Cards like Pierce Strider
Pierce Strider is a unique creature card in the realm of MTG with the ability to deal direct damage upon entering the battlefield. It shares a functional similarity with cards like Flametongue Kavu that also provide a direct impact on the game when played. However, Pierce Strider has the added advantage of dealing damage directly to the opponent, offering a strategic edge in reducing your opponent’s life total irrespective of the board state.
Another comparable card is Gray Merchant of Asphodel, also known for its ability to affect life totals upon entering the battlefield. While Gray Merchant has the potential to affect life totals more significantly due to its devotion mechanic, Pierce Strider’s effect does not rely on board presence or a particular color devotion, making it versatile across various deck types. Moreover, Pierce Strider’s colorless nature makes it an easy addition to any deck without worrying about mana constraints.
In the broader context of MTG, Pierce Strider fits into strategies that focus on ‘enter the battlefield’ effects and life total manipulation. While not the most powerful option available, its direct approach and versatility make it worthy of consideration for decks built around these mechanics.
Cards similar to Pierce Strider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Pierce Strider entering the battlefield, it deals direct life loss to an opponent, setting up for an advantage not just in life totals but also potentially disrupting opponent strategies dependent on maintaining a high life count.
Resource Acceleration: In decks that thrive on artifacts, Pierce Strider can act as an enabler, triggering effects of cards that benefit from artifacts entering the battlefield or being in the graveyard, hence accelerating your resource development organically.
Instant Speed: While Pierce Strider itself might not be an instant, its entry effect is similar to an instant speed spell, impacting the board immediately upon landing. Its effect can be maximized by playing via flicker or bounce spells at instant speed, catching opponents by surprise and squeezing out more value during crucial moments of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pierce Strider does not demand a discard when coming into play, but it does present a trade-off in the form of a one-way life swing. This can be less impactful in scenarios where you need to manage multiple threats or when life totals are less of a concern compared to board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes generic and colorless mana, Pierce Strider is somewhat flexible in deck placement. However, its specific requirement of three generic mana and one colorless mana can still restrict its inclusion to decks that are optimized for such costs or possess sufficient mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its four mana cost, Pierce Strider’s battlefield effect might not quite measure up against other options. MTG has numerous creatures and cards at the same or lower mana value that could potentially offer more significant benefits upon entering the battlefield, execute removal, or provide card advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pierce Strider offers a straightforward but flexible role in multiple deck types. As a colorless creature, it can easily slot into any deck without worrying about mana colors. Its enter-the-battlefield effect deals direct damage, making it useful for chipping away at an opponent’s life total.
Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that capitalize on enter-the-battlefield triggers. Pairing Pierce Strider with flicker or bounce effects allows you to repeatedly exploit its damage-dealing ability for a steady stream of life point deductions.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where life totals can hinge on tight margins or in games that drag into longer battles, Pierce Strider’s consistent damage output can be a game-changer. It’s especially potent in formats that see players utilizing life points as a resource more liberally.
How to Beat
Pierce Strider is a unique artifact creature in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, offering a straightforward ability that can influence the tide of a match. With its notable entrance to the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to an opponent, potentially swaying life totals significantly. Despite this impact, overcoming Pierce Strider’s effect is achievable with a few strategic measures.
Counterspells are your first line of defense, stopping Pierce Strider before it even gets a chance to deploy its damage-dealing ability. Also, instant-speed removal cards will let you dispatch of Pierce Strider before your opponent can capitalize on any additional synergies or recurring abilities that may utilize the Strider in later turns.
For ongoing synergy denial, grave-hate cards mitigate the threat of Pierce Strider being reanimated or otherwise utilized from the graveyard, ensuring its effect remains a one-time inconvenience. Incorporating life-gain strategies can further mitigate the impact of Pierce Strider’s entrance, diminishing the effectiveness of its singular burst of damage and keeping you in a healthy life total range.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pierce Strider MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Pierce Strider 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
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Printings
The Pierce Strider Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 39017 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | ||
| 2 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 123 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 244 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 790 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pierce Strider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |