Plated Seastrider MTG Card
2010-10-01 - Number 38
2014-06-06 - Number 103
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Cards like Plated Seastrider
Plated Seastrider offers a unique role in Magic: The Gathering as a resilient creature in blue decks. Its likeness can be drawn to creatures such as Walking Atlas. Although Walking Atlas doesn’t boast the same defensive stats, it provides a notable ability to put lands onto the battlefield, suggesting a more strategic rather than defensive use. Meanwhile, Plated Seastrider stands out with its ability to withstand early aggression with its toughness.
Another comparison could be made with the likes of Omenspeaker. This creature similarly provides a defensive body, but with a valuable enter-the-battlefield ability, allowing you to scry and subsequently manipulate your draws. In contrast, Plated Seastrider lacks such utility but compensates with its ability to endure in a battle.
Considering its cost and defensive capabilities, Plated Seastrider can be an essential piece in decks that aim to stabilize the game early on. While it doesn’t come with any abilities that affect the board’s state directly, its presence as a steadfast blocker can be invaluable. MTG players who prioritize a solid defense may find Plated Seastrider to be a strategic inclusion in their decks.
Cards similar to Plated Seastrider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Plated Seastrider may not directly influence your hand, but its synergy with bounce or flicker effects can generate repeated value. This nuanced card advantage works exceptionally well in decks tailored to leverage enters-the-battlefield triggers.
Resource Acceleration: While the Plated Seastrider itself doesn’t act as a ramp card, it provides a reliable body that can protect your more critical mana dorks or artifacts from being attacked, indirectly contributing to your resource acceleration strategy by preserving your mana sources.
Instant Speed: Although this creature casts at sorcery speed, its significance lies in decks that operate at instant speed. With flash enablers on the field, Plated Seastrider can unexpectedly be summoned to block incoming threats or to be paired with instant-speed interaction for combat tricks during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Plated Seastrider does not necessitate discarding, providing a stable play without compromising hand advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Costing two blue mana can be restrictive in multicolor decks that may not always have the necessary mana open.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a 1/4 creature, it might be outperformed by other creatures offering more aggressive stats or valuable abilities at a similar cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Plated Seastrider has the flexibility to be a resilient early blocker in blue-based control or midrange decks. Its aquatic theme also makes it a natural fit for sea creature and leviathan tribal decks seeking thematic unity.
Combo Potential: Though not a combo enabler on its own, Plated Seastrider’s low cost allows it to be easily incorporated into various synergistic interactions, such as those requiring a high count of creatures on the battlefield or benefiting from defensive capabilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with aggressive red or green decks, this card can act as an efficient early-game deterrent. The necessity to manage fast-paced threats often requires sturdy and affordable creatures, and Plated Seastrider fulfills this role without compromising deck coherence.
How to beat
Plated Seastrider, a resident of the vast seas within the world of Magic: The Gathering, is a card that showcases resilience with its shield-like ability. Players face a unique challenge when encountering this creature, as its straightforward power and toughness can sometimes appear unassuming. With a set of characteristics that include being a blue creature with a notable ability to avoid certain forms of removal, it can be a thorn in an opponent’s side.
Overcoming Plated Seastrider requires understanding both the battlefield and your deck. Utilizing removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes, allows players to bypass the Seastrider’s defenses. Another approach is to outpace the card by amplifying your own board presence, overwhelming your opponent before the Plated Seastrider can become an effective blocker. Crafting a strategy against this creature involves being one step ahead, foreseeing its deployment, and retaining the means to assure it won’t stall your path to victory.
Ultimately, while Plated Seastrider can serve as a reliable defender for your opponent, being equipped with the right tactics can ensure that your deck’s performance remains unaffected. Remember, it’s not about the strength of a singular card, but rather how well you adapt and navigate around it.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Plated Seastrider MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Conspiracy, 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 Plated Seastrider 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 Plated Seastrider Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Izzy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-10-01 | Scars of Mirrodin | SOM | 38 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 103 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Plated Seastrider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |