Raptor Companion MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 31
2018-01-19 - Number 19
2018-06-08 - Number 102
2019-11-07 - Number 205
2020-09-26 - Number RIX-19
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Cards like Raptor Companion
Raptor Companion stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a solid creature card for players looking to strengthen their early game. This particular dinosaur thrives by offering a significant power boost for a low mana cost. It can be likened to cards such as Savannah Lions, which carries the same power and toughness for an equivalent mana investment. The key difference lies in creature types, with Raptor Companion being a Dinosaur – a synergy that can be exploited in the right deck.
Apart from Savannah Lions, there’s also Elite Vanguard, another card that mirrors Raptor Companion’s stats. However, Elite Vanguard bears the Human Soldier creature type, giving it a different kind of deck synergy. Though these cards have similar stats, the distinct creature types can greatly influence which decks they are best suited for. Also worth noting is Leonin Skyhunter, which boasts not only the same stats but also adds the valuable ability to fly. This offers a tactical advantage in bypassing ground-based defenses.
While each card possesses its unique attributes, Raptor Companion can be quite versatile, slotting well into dinosaur-themed strategies that are keen on aggressive plays right from the start of the game.
Cards similar to Raptor Companion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Raptor Companion itself does not provide card draw, its sheer presence on the battlefield can be advantageous. Acting as a deterrent, it may help maintain your current cards in hand by posing a constant threat that needs to be addressed by opponents.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing resources, Raptor Companion’s low casting cost enhances your mana curve, allowing you to deploy other cards sooner. This agile play can lead to a more efficient and accelerated use of your hands, possibly leading to an early game advantage.
Instant Speed: Raptor Companion may not be an instant itself, but its impact is most felt when paired with cards that can be played at instant speed. Its 3-power for two mana investment makes it an immediate board presence, capable of surprising unprepared opponents during combat phases when backed up by instant speed tricks and removals.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Raptor Companion doesn’t require a card discard itself, its presence in your hand may force tough decisions if synergizing with other cards that do have discard stipulations.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring exclusively white mana may restrict deck versatility, limiting the Raptor Companion’s inclusion to primarily white or two-colored decks, which may affect strategic depth.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its seemingly low cost, in a format where efficiency is key, the Raptor Companion’s mana cost can be a downside when considering alternative creatures that offer additional abilities or higher stats for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Raptor Companion in Your Collection
Versatility: Raptor Companion, with its straightforward mana cost and solid stats, easily finds a place in dinosaur-themed decks or any strategy seeking a reliable low-drop creature to maintain board presence.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with mechanics that reward you for controlling creatures with certain power, such as enrage in Ixalan, further amplifying the strength of your creature-based strategies.
Meta-Relevance: For players facing opponents with slower deck types, Raptor Companion offers a fast-paced option to apply early pressure and capitalize on speed, making it particularly useful in certain match-ups.
How to Beat Raptor Companion
Within the dynamic world of MTG, Raptor Companion stands out as a straightforward, low-cost creature card, offering a decent power punch for early game strategies. This card, with its 3/1 stats for a mere two mana investment, can quickly become a nuisance if left unchecked on the battlefield. That said, outmaneuvering the Raptor Companion relies on recognizing its vulnerabilities, namely its low toughness.
Tactics to counter this fast-paced dinosaur include the utilization of cheap removal spells or blockers with at least one point of toughness. For example, Shock—a staple in red-based decks—is an efficient way to remove Raptor Companion from play, as it deals two damage to any target at instant speed. If combat is your preferred method, any creature with one toughness and expendability can serve as an effective blockade against this raptor, ensuring it becomes fossilized before it can dent your life total.
Additionally, cards that can deal with multiple creatures at once, such as Fiery Cannonade or Golden Demise, can sweep the Companion away alongside any other pesky low-toughness threats. Channeling these strategies ensures that this prehistoric predator is relegated to extinction, letting you maintain a strong board presence and keep the scales tipped in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Raptor Companion MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Rivals of Ixalan, 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 Raptor Companion 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Raptor Companion Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 2 | 2018-01-19 | Rivals of Ixalan | RIX | 19 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 3 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 205 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | RIX-19 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Raptor Companion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |