Pristine Skywise MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 228
2015-03-28 - Number 228s
2015-03-28 - Number 228
2019-08-23 - Number 196
2002-06-24 - Number 57002
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, untap Pristine Skywise. It gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.
The elite of Ojutai's brood, the skywise see their enemies as puzzles to be solved.
Cards like Pristine Skywise
Pristine Skywise stands out in the dynamic world of Magic: The Gathering as a mighty flying creature that offers both offense and protection. It bears a resemblance to other creatures like Serra Angel, a classic card with flying and vigilance. Both cards allow you to attack without tapping, keeping a robust defense ready. Yet, Pristine Skywise takes this a step further by letting you protect it from spells by untapping a land, making it temporarily indestructible.
Another comparable card is Thundermaw Hellkite. This dragon also flies and commands a dominating presence on the battlefield. However, while Thundermaw Hellkite excels at clearing the way from enemy fliers upon entry, Pristine Skywise provides ongoing control, offering security by selectively using its ability to ward off targeted spells.
Archive Phoenix can also come into consideration due to its flying trait and ability to return to the battlefield, reflecting resilience similar to Pristine Skywise’s protective feature. However, the Phoenix’s ability centers around graveyard recursion, unlike Pristine Skywise’s direct defensive measures during combat and spell resolution. Despite differing mechanisms, they both provide value in long-term board presence.
Therefore, Pristine Skywise is a versatile choice for players who value not only the raw power of flying creatures but also the strategic flexibility to defend against opponents’ actions.
Cards similar to Pristine Skywise by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pristine Skywise offers a tactical edge in the form of protection for itself. Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, you may have Pristine Skywise become indestructible until end of turn, shielding this formidable dragon from most forms of removal and ensuring it remains a persistent threat and a reliable creature on your board.
Resource Acceleration: Although Pristine Skywise does not directly generate additional mana or accelerate your resources, it does offer a loosening of mana restrictions. Its ability to gain protection without a mana cost allows for more efficient use of your resources, keeping your mana pool open for more plays or interaction with your opponent during their turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate its indestructible nature at instant speed whenever casting a noncreature spell gives Pristine Skywise an upper hand during the intricate dance of spells and countermoves in a match. This can disrupt opponents’ strategies that rely on timing and removals, substantially altering the game’s momentum in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Even though Pristine Skywise does not require a card discard to activate its abilities directly, it indirectly pressures deck building decisions. In decks where each card is pivotal, not being able to utilize every spell efficiently due to lacking synergy with Pristine Skywise’s abilities might feel like a pseudo discard, nudging players towards certain deck architectures.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Pristine Skywise includes both white and blue mana, which makes it inherently more difficult to play outside of two-color decks. This specific mana requirement can be a hurdle in formats that value mana flexibility and splashability of game pieces.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Allocating six mana to bring Pristine Skywise into play can be considered lofty, especially in faster-paced games where tempo is crucial. The mana investment may potentially lead to tempo loss as opponents might capitalize on the turn spent casting it or cast more efficient creatures for the same or lower cost.
Reasons to Include Pristine Skywise in Your Collection
Versatility: As a sizeable flying creature, Pristine Skywise offers an immediate aerial threat that can adapt to a variety of deck strategies. Its ability to protect itself or other creatures with its untap effect means it can be a key player in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Combo Potential: The synergy this card has with enchantments and instants can lead to devastating plays. Whether you’re aiming to cast spells for free with protection or fueling graveyard strategies with spells you can play from your graveyard, Pristine Skywise sets the stage for a powerful combo enabler.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment dominated by targeted removal, Pristine Skywise shines by dodging spot removal spells every time you cast a noncreature spell. This resilience against common disruption keeps it relevant in various meta settings, making it a strong contender for any deck that can harness the skies.
How to beat
Confronting a Pristine Skywise on the battlefield presents unique challenges for any Magic: The Gathering player. This formidable dragon boasts a strong 6/4 flying body, making it a serious aerial threat. What truly sets it apart is its ability to gain protection from colors until the end of the turn whenever you cast a noncreature spell. This renders it near invincible in combat and immune to targeted spells or abilities of the chosen color for that turn.
Circumventing this airborne fortress necessitates strategic planning. Board wipes that don’t target, such as Supreme Verdict or Damnation, can sweep away the Pristine Skywise without triggering its protective ability. Alternatively, permanents with colorless effects, like that of Ugin, the Spirit Dragon’s -X ability, bypass color protection entirely. Ensuring you have versatile answers in your deck that aren’t reliant on targeting or colored spells is critical when up against this Dragon’s might.
In summary, overcoming Pristine Skywise’s defenses is about preparation and the right deck tech. Integrating universal removals or colorless answers in your strategy can flip the tide of battle, changing the Skywise from an unstoppable force to a surmountable challenge.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pristine Skywise MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Pristine Skywise 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 Pristine Skywise Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2019-08-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 57002 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | ||
| 2 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 228 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette | |
| 3 | 2015-03-28 | Dragons of Tarkir Promos | PDTK | 228s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette | |
| 4 | 2015-03-28 | Dragons of Tarkir Promos | PDTK | 228 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | |
| 5 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 196 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Paquette |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pristine Skywise has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |