Pygmy Pyrosaur MTG Card
1999-02-15 - Number 87
2001-04-11 - Number 208★
2001-04-11 - Number 208
2012-03-30 - Number 46
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Lizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Pygmy Pyrosaur cannot block. oo R Pygmy Pyrosaur gets +1/+0 until end of turn.
Do not judge a lizard by its size. —Ghitu proverb
Cards like Pygmy Pyrosaur
Delving into the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering, the Pygmy Pyrosaur shines as an intriguing creature card within the set. It bears a resemblance to other two-mana creatures but with a fiery twist. It’s akin to Raptor Companion in its base stats with a bit of an edge; Pygmy Pyrosaur can pump its power temporarily, making it a potential surprise during combat.
Another dino contender, Frilled Deathspitter, shares the prehistoric theme but skews towards direct damage rather than power boosting. It reflects damage back to the opponent, albeit at a higher mana cost. There’s also the Viashino Pyromancer which, like Pyrosaur, is infused with red’s passion for aggression, impacting the game immediately with direct damage upon entry, but without the flexible power increase during combat.
When we consider how the Pygmy Pyrosaur fits into the broader scope of MTG, its mix of low cost and combat trick potential allows it to have a unique spot in creature-heavy decks. It’s not just another two-mana creature—it’s a tactical choice for those looking to add a quick and adaptable threat to their arsenal.
Cards similar to Pygmy Pyrosaur by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Pygmy Pyrosaur itself doesn’t draw cards directly, it’s a formidable tool in decks that capitalize on creature synergy. Its presence can lead to an indirect card advantage by pressuring opponents to use their removal spells on it, thus preserving your more pivotal creatures.
Resource Acceleration: Pygmy Pyrosaur offers a cost-effective creature option at just two mana. This efficiency allows players to develop their board state while still having resources available for other strategies, effectively speeding up the pace of their overall gameplay.
Instant Speed: Although Pygmy Pyrosaur is a creature and not an instant, its cheap cost and the haste ability provide an immediate impact on the game. This ‘instant speed’ threat forces opponents to always consider the possibility of sudden damage, enhancing the strategic depth of plays and bluffs during each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of the Pygmy Pyrosaur is that it requires you to discard another card to unleash its potential. This demand can pose a challenge when your hand is sparse, ultimately forcing you to lose valuable resources that could be crucial for your gameplay strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana needed to cast this particular creature is not only color specific but also requires a combination of generic and red mana. This specificity means that its integration is limited primarily to decks that can reliably produce red mana, which may exclude it from various multicolor strategies where red is not a primary color.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that places it in the mid-game spectrum, the Pygmy Pyrosaur’s utility is debatable when considering other creatures or spells you could summon for a similar investment. This factor possibly relegates the Pygmy Pyrosaur to a secondary role given the competitive alternatives that could be played instead.
Reasons to Include Pygmy Pyrosaur in Your Collection
Versatility: Pygmy Pyrosaur is a favorable pick for decks that are looking for aggressive early-game creatures. Its ability to gain first strike can catch opponents off guard, making it a solid addition to various red deck strategies.
Combo Potential: When combined with effects that increase a creature’s power, Pygmy Pyrosaur becomes a formidable threat. Its first strike ability makes it a potent partner for cards that manipulate combat or benefit from attacking creatures.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where fast, aggressive plays are crucial, Pygmy Pyrosaur stands out. It can hold its own against other small creatures, and with red being a common color in aggressive decks, it finds a comfortable place in the meta.
How to beat
Pygmy Pyrosaur shines in environments where small, quick creatures dominate the battlefield. As a two-mana 1/1 creature with the potential to swell into a 2/3 until end of turn when red mana is pumped into it, it offers flexible aggression or defense. However, overcoming the Pyrosaur’s fiery adaptation requires strategic planning. Removal spells that don’t depend on damage, like Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can easily whisk it away without a trace.
In the case you lack spot removal, larger creatures can trump the Pyrosaur’s size even when it’s boosted. Enabling deathtouch through cards like Basilisk Collar also means your smaller creatures can threaten the Pyrosaur regardless of its power. And if you’re aiming for control, focus on setting up a sturdy defense early on, rendering the Pyrosaur’s attacks negligible. In essence, the key lies in neutralizing it before your opponent can capitalize on its increasing strength. Always remember, efficient timing and preemptive action can snuff out the threat this feisty dinosaur presents on the battlefield.
In evaluating cards that thwart the Pyrosaur’s fiery might, we appreciate the diversity in strategies and card types available to MTG players. Whether through precise removal or simply overshadowing it with mightier creatures, there’s a method to subdue the Pyro’s heat in every player’s arsenal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pygmy Pyrosaur MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Seventh Edition, 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 Pygmy Pyrosaur 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 Pygmy Pyrosaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2012-03-30. Illustrated by Dan Frazier.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-02-15 | Urza's Legacy | ULG | 87 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 208★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 208 | 1997 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 4 | 2012-03-30 | Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth | DDI | 46 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pygmy Pyrosaur has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |