Rathi Dragon MTG Card
1997-10-14 - Number 196
2005-07-29 - Number 210
2005-07-29 - Number 210★
2015-05-06 - Number 150
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying When Rathi Dragon comes into play, sacrifice two mountains or sacrifice Rathi Dragon.
Wrap the flame as twine Kingdoms will be thine.
Cards like Rathi Dragon
The Rathi Dragon is a nod to Magic: The Gathering’s roster of powerful flying creatures with a notable drawback. Echoing the high risk and reward aspects of Shivan Dragon, which provides fantastic firepower at a higher mana cost but without the perilous downside, Rathi Dragon demands the sacrifice of two untapped Mountains to enter the battlefield. This caveat makes Rathi Dragon a card that requires strategic planning similar to Ball Lightning, which also has a formidable strength but is ephemeral, serving as a one-shot source of considerable damage before it vanishes.
In terms of mana-for-damage ratio, Rathi Dragon has parallels with cards like Kilnmouth Dragon. Although Kilnmouth may potentially provide a more formidable offensive asset due to its Amplify ability, it doesn’t necessitate a direct sacrifice of lands, offering more flexibility in gameplay. Lastly, we have cards like Thunder Dragon, which also delivers a devastating entry effect to the battlefield. However, Thunder Dragon doesn’t impose the same stringent summoning condition as Rathi Dragon.
When evaluating the tactical utility of these creatures, Rathi Dragon sits in a unique position demanding a steep price for its presence, rewarding players who can navigate the treacherous terrain of resource management within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Rathi Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rathi Dragon can potentially provide card advantage by compelling your opponent to deal with a considerable threat on the board. If they can’t answer it quickly, you gain the upper hand as it begins to dominate the game.
Resource Acceleration: While the initial cost may seem steep, Rathi Dragon’s return to your hand ability can work in synergy with effects that capitalize on casting powerful creatures. This could potentially lead to mana ramp strategies that bring the dragon out earlier than expected or reused after being bounced back to your hand.
Instant Speed: Although Rathi Dragon itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it can play well in a deck with instant-speed interactions. This allows you to hold up mana for other spells and only commit to casting the dragon when the situation is most advantageous for you, preserving the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Rathi Dragon comes with a steep price right from the get-go; you have to discard two cards to even cast it. This can significantly deplete your hand, especially if you’re playing a fast-paced game where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning the Rathi Dragon isn’t just about any mana – it requires a hefty sum of two red mana. This specificity makes it a challenging fit for multicolor decks that may not have sufficient red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana cost of six, including four generic and two red, the Rathi Dragon may arrive a little too late in the game. When you could be casting powerful spells or summoning other formidable creatures, the mana investment on this dragon might not yield the expected payoff in terms of board presence and game impact.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rathi Dragon offers a powerful presence in any red-based deck, bringing a significant aerial threat that can dominate in the late game. It can slot into a variety of archetypes as a finisher.
Combo Potential: This fiery behemoth can be an excellent catalyst in decks focused on sacrifice mechanics or reanimation strategies, making it much more than just a high-powered attacker.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players tend to build fortresses with complex board states, the Rathi Dragon can be an effective way to break stalemates with its formidable power and evasion, making it a solid pick for certain meta shifts.
How to beat
Rathi Dragon is a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, known for its strength and power in the battlefield. To effectively counter this card, players must strategize beyond its initial mana cost drawback. One tactic is to take advantage of the Rathi Dragon’s requirement to sacrifice two mountains when it comes into play. Employing land destruction or stalling strategies can limit an opponent’s ability to sustain the dragon’s presence on the field.
Additionally, leveraging blue spells that return creatures to the owner’s hand can be incredibly effective, such as Unsummon or Boomerang. This forces the Rathi Dragon’s controller to face the mountain sacrifice once again if they choose to replay the creature. Instants that destroy or exile the creature, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can also neutralize the threat before it inflicts significant damage. Understanding the risks and costs associated with powerful creatures like Rathi Dragon will enable players to prepare their decks with the right counters and maintain control over the game.
Ultimately, overcoming a Rathi Dragon requires a blend of timing, resource denial, and direct removal. When these elements are combined, players can turn the tide of battle against this intimidating dragon and secure victory in their Magic: The Gathering duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rathi Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Ninth 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 Rathi Dragon 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 Rathi Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Christopher Rush.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 196 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 210 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 210★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 4 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 150 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rathi Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |