Pyknite MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Ouphe |
Released | 1995-06-03 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Ice Age |
Set code | ICE |
Power | 1 |
Toughness | 1 |
Number | 258 |
Frame | 1993 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Edward P. Beard, Jr. |
Text of card
Draw a card at the beginning of the upkeep of the turn after Pyknite comes into play.
"Never cross a Pyknite, if you value your scalp." —Lovisa Coldeyes, Balduvian Chieftain
Cards like Pyknite
Pyknite is an intriguing creature card that brings a unique presence to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to creatures like Elvish Mystic, as both provide a mana ability. Where Pyknite is distinct is in its “Mana Link” ability, giving it the capacity to survive board wipes that do not remove enchantments. In contrast, Elvish Mystic, despite being a one-drop creature that taps for mana, lacks any additional protective measures.
Examining a card such as Llanowar Elves sheds light on another comparison. This classic card also taps for green mana but doesn’t offer the resilience provided by the Mana Link ability. Pyknite holds an advantage by having this additional layer of protection that can be critical in longevity within a game. Rounding out the trio comes Fyndhorn Elves, echoing the capabilities of Llanowar Elves but with a different lineage. Both of these cards are key in mana acceleration but do not offer Pyknite’s enchantment-like endurance.
Deciding between these utility creatures often comes down to the meta and the player’s deck strategy. Pyknite stands out with its dual role as a creature and pseudo-enchantment, offering a strategic edge in certain MTG decks that capitalize on such versatility.
Cards similar to Pyknite by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When playing Pyknite, the ability to deliver potential card advantage by enabling creature draws can be invaluable. This mechanism enhances your gameplay by offering more options each turn and replenishing your hand to keep the pressure on your adversaries.
Resource Acceleration: Pyknite can act as a catalyst for ramping up your resource pool. This investment in the early game can escalate into a powerhouse mid to late game, allowing you more versatility and the ability to cast high-cost spells ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The flexibility Pyknite provides by operating at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows strategic players to optimize their mana usage and react on the fly to shifting game states, whether that’s by surprising an opponent with a blocker or by leveraging abilities at the most opportune moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The card demands that you discard another card from your hand, which could set you back if your hand is already depleted or if you rely on synergy between your cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Pyknite requires a precise combination of mana to cast, which could be restrictive if your deck isn’t fine-tuned to produce the necessary colors consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Pyknite might offer some solid abilities, its mana cost is on the higher side compared to other creatures of similar power level, making it less appealing for decks that need to establish board presence quickly.
Reasons to Include Pyknite in Your Collection
Versatility: Pyknite offers dynamic adaptability for decks that capitalize on both early-game presence and late-game value. Its scalable power makes it a suitable inclusion in a variety of matchups.
Combo Potential: With its modular nature, Pyknite seamlessly integrates into synergistic strategies, amplifying combos with its creature type or triggering pivotal on-cast or enters-the-battlefield abilities.
Meta-Relevance: Adaptability to ever-shifting metas is key, and Pyknite holds its ground by offering consistent performance, especially in environments where its characteristics align with prevalent deck archetypes.
How to beat
The Pyknite card presents a unique combat challenge to players in the MTG arena. This creature can become quite a nuisance due to its toughness and the potential to grow stronger over time. Tackling this threat requires a strategic approach. Removal spells that don’t depend on damage, like Path to Exile or Murder, can swiftly handle Pyknite’s resilience. Board wipes also prove effective, clearing Pyknite regardless of its size. Furthermore, countering it early is advantageous, as Pyknite’s full potential is only reached once it has momentum. In essence, the key is to neutralize it before it becomes a larger problem or use non-damaging removal to bypass its growing defenses. Combining control elements with timely removal makes for a robust strategy against Pyknite’s steady threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pyknite MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Pyknite and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pyknite has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |