Ranger-Captain of Eos MTG Card
2019-06-14 - Number 21
2021-06-18 - Number 5
2021-08-26 - Number 115
2002-06-24 - Number 91205
2019-06-05 - Number 11
2020-09-26 - Number MH1-21
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier Ranger |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Ranger-Captain of Eos enters the battlefield, you may search your library for a creature card with converted mana cost 1 or less, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle your library. Sacrifice Ranger-Captain of Eos: Your opponents can't cast noncreature spells this turn.
Cards like Ranger-Captain of Eos
Ranger-Captain of Eos holds a distinct position in Magic: The Gathering’s library of creature cards. Sharing similarities with cards like Stoneforge Mystic, both allow players to search their library for specific cards, bringing a strategic advantage. Stoneforge Mystic lets you fetch an equipment card which gives it an edge in decks centered around artifacts. Ranger-Captain, conversely, lets you search for creatures with converted mana cost one or less, making it pivotal in creature-based strategies.
Analogous to Ranger-Captain is Imperial Recruiter, which also has a “when this comes into play, search your library” effect, but Recruiter expands the possibilities by allowing you to search for a creature with power 2 or less. The Ranger-Captain, though, provides an additional ability to sacrifice itself and prevent your opponent from casting noncreature spells that turn, which is a remarkable form of control in critical moments.
In summation, while Ranger-Captain of Eos might share its library-searching kinship with other MTG cards, it remains unparalleled in its capacity to fetch low-cost creatures and simultaneously offer a shield against noncreature spells, thereby harmonizing search capability with strategic gameplay disruption.
Cards similar to Ranger-Captain of Eos by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ranger-Captain of Eos. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Boros Midrange | Modern | Boros Midrange | Modern Challenge 32 2024-04-18 |
| Mono-White Midrange | Modern | Mono-White Midrange | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-20 (1) |
 | Devoted Combo | Modern | Devoted Combo | Modern Challenge 32 2024-04-30 |
 | Selesnya Lifegain | Modern | Selesnya Lifegain | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-20 |
 | Bant Midrange | Modern | Bant Midrange | Modern League 2024-04-19 |
| WUR | Modern | Modern Challenge 32 2024-04-25 | |
| Selesnya Heliod Combo | Modern | Selesnya Heliod Combo | Modern League 2024-04-22 |
 | Abzan Heliod Combo | Modern | Abzan Heliod Combo | Modern Challenge 32 2024-04-19 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ranger-Captain of Eos comes with the ability to search your library for a creature card with a converted mana cost of 1 or less, putting it directly into your hand. This feature not only thins your deck, but also ensures that you are pulling a creature into your hand, maintaining or potentially gaining card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Ranger-Captain of Eos doesn’t produce mana or treasure tokens directly, it accelerates your resources by allowing you to get low-cost creatures into play quickly. These creatures can be integral for enacting your strategy faster, by either being part of a combo or by contributing to your board presence.
Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by Ranger-Captain of Eos’s sacrifice ability adds another layer of strategy at instant speed. You can sacrifice it during your opponent’s turn to prevent them from casting noncreature spells, potentially disrupting their plans and protecting your interests during a crucial turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When leveraging the sacrifice ability of Ranger-Captain of Eos for a strategic advantage, bear in mind that it essentially ends up being a one-time use. This could put you at a card disadvantage if not timed correctly, as it removes a valuable creature from your board in the process.
Specific Mana Cost: Ranger-Captain of Eos has a restrictive mana cost that includes both white and generic mana. This can be a hurdle for multicolor decks that may not always have the necessary white mana available at the crucial moment, potentially delaying your game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three, including two white mana, Ranger-Captain of Eos is a substantial investment early in the game. While it does tutor for a creature with converted mana cost 1 or less, there are scenarios where this cost is not the most efficient use of your mana, especially when facing aggressive, low-curve strategies.
Reasons to Include Ranger-Captain of Eos in Your Collection
Versatility: Ranger-Captain of Eos is a utility card that can adapt to various deck archetypes, particularly those that require specific creature tutoring or want to take advantage of sacrifice mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card facilitates game-winning combinations by fetching essential one-mana creatures and can strategically silence opponents by sacrificing itself at the right moment.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that’s heavy with spell-based strategies, Ranger-Captain of Eos can disrupt opponents while also enhancing your board presence with value creatures.
How to Beat Ranger-Captain of Eos
Ranger-Captain of Eos is a powerful card known for its utility in Magic: The Gathering, providing a boost to players by allowing them to search their library for a creature card with converted mana cost 1 or less. This card shines in decks that capitalize on small creatures, offering not just card advantage but also strategic planning as players can secure the exact card they need to execute their winning combo or defense.
One effective method to counter Ranger-Captain of Eos is through timely removal spells. When your opponent summons the Ranger-Captain, it’s crucial to disrupt their plans before they can benefit from the card’s ability. Using instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can eliminate the Captain before it has the chance to fetch a creature from the library, cutting short your opponent’s plan.
Another tactic involves graveyard disruption. Since Ranger-Captain of Eos can sacrifice itself to prevent the opponent from casting noncreature spells this turn, it can become a regular nuisance from the graveyard through recurring effects. Utilizing cards like Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can ensure that once it’s dealt with, it stays out of the game, leaving your opponent without their critical piece. By understanding the pivotal role it plays in your opponent’s strategy, you can tailor your gameplay to effectively neutralize the card and gain an upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ranger-Captain of Eos MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Modern Horizons Art Series, 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 Ranger-Captain of Eos and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Ranger-Captain of Eos Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Ryan Pancoast.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 91205 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ryan Pancoast | ||
| 2 | Modern Horizons Art Series | AMH1 | 11 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Ryan Pancoast | ||
| 3 | 2019-06-14 | Modern Horizons | MH1 | 21 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Pancoast | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | MH1-21 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Pancoast | ||
| 5 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 1 Timeshifts | H1R | 5 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ryan Pancoast | |
| 6 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 115 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Pancoast |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ranger-Captain of Eos has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ranger-Captain of Eos card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-06-14 | If a card in a player’s library has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0. |
| 2019-06-14 | Your opponents may cast spells in response to the last ability of Ranger-Captain of Eos. The ability won’t affect those spells and it won’t affect spells that those players cast before you activated it. (In other words, the ability can’t be used to counter a spell.) |