Ravener MTG Card


The Ravener can provide card draws, boosting player options and game advantage. Allows for early high-impact plays with resource acceleration capabilities. Instant speed enhances play adaptability and timely threat response.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Tyranid
Abilities Ravenous, Flash
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Flash Ravenous (This creature enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. If X is 5 or more, draw a card when it enters.) When Ravener enters the battlefield, target creature attacks target opponent this turn if able.


Cards like Ravener

Ravener resonates with the likes of other creature spells in Magic: The Gathering, presenting players with tactical advantages aligned with their specific strategies. Ravener has a comparable role to a creature like Baleful Strix, which also grants card advantage and presents a defensive challenge for opponents with its deathtouch ability. Both cards offer immediate value upon entering the battlefield. Yet, Ravener’s niche comes from its potential synergy within deck themes that capitalize on discarding or graveyard interaction, distinguishing its strategic importance.

Contrasting Ravener with Dusk Legion Zealot reveals differences in initial impact. Dusk Legion Zealot’s entry onto the battlefield allows for card drawing without the discard requirement, but it doesn’t offer Ravener’s recursive threat. Moreover, Squee, Goblin Nabob shares that potential for recurring gameplay, like Ravener, yet it doesn’t influence hand dynamics. While Squee is primarily a resilience-focused creature, Ravener can be a more proactive choice in decks looking to leverage its unique discard mechanic.

Assessing Ravener within the broader scope of Magic: The Gathering creature cards, it presents a valuable option for players seeking resource flexibility and a persistent board presence, adding a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay experience.

Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Dusk Legion Zealot - MTG Card versions
Squee, Goblin Nabob - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Dusk Legion Zealot - MTG Card versions
Squee, Goblin Nabob - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ravener by color, type and mana cost

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Suspicious Stowaway // Seafaring Werewolf - MTG Card versions
Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy - MTG Card versions
Coiling Oracle - MTG Card versions
Thrasios, Triton Hero - MTG Card versions
Kiora's Follower - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Heretic - MTG Card versions
Nimbus Swimmer - MTG Card versions
Zameck Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Skyrider Elf - MTG Card versions
Plaxmanta - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Mistbinder - MTG Card versions
Hydroid Krasis - MTG Card versions
Biomancer's Familiar - MTG Card versions
Ice-Fang Coatl - MTG Card versions
Verazol, the Split Current - MTG Card versions
River Hoopoe - MTG Card versions
Maraleaf Pixie - MTG Card versions
Quandrix Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Lonis, Cryptozoologist - MTG Card versions
Shambleshark - MTG Card versions
Suspicious Stowaway // Seafaring Werewolf - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Ravener offers a strategic edge by potentially providing a player with additional card draws. This card advantage can be a decisive factor in gaining the upper hand during gameplay, ensuring that options remain plentiful as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: This powerful card can facilitate resource acceleration, granting players the ability to summon more potent creatures or cast high-impact spells ahead of their normal curve. Such a boost in resources can quickly turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Instant Speed: The play versatility that instant speed offers cannot be overstated. With The Ravener, you can seamlessly adapt to the fluid dynamics of a match, deploying resources at the most opportune moment or reacting to threats as they arise, without missing a beat.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of the Ravener card is the condition that you must discard another card to play it. This aspect could put players at a disadvantage, especially when hand size is crucial to maintaining game momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for the Ravener card includes a specific combination of mana colors. This requirement can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored or color-flexible decks, potentially reducing its versatility across different strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Ravener offers certain benefits, its casting cost is on the higher end when compared to other creatures with similar effects. Players may find that, within the same mana range, there are alternatives that could provide equal or greater value and synergy with their deck’s overall game plan.


Reasons to Include Ravener in Your Collection

Versatility: The Ravener card is a flexible addition to various deck archetypes. Its abilities align with different strategies, providing utility and adaptability whether you’re focusing on aggression or control.

Combo Potential: Ravener offers synergy with decks that capitalize on certain triggers or actions. Its properties might allow for combinations with other cards to unlock powerful plays, enhancing its value in decks designed for intricate combos.

Meta-Relevance: Current decks in the metagame that thrive on adaptability and combo execution could find Ravener an immensely useful card. Keeping up-to-date with the meta ensures that including Ravener could give players an edge in competitions.


How to beat

The Ravener is one of those MTG cards that demands immediate attention on the battlefield. With its formidable abilities, it can quickly become a threat if left unchecked. To effectively counter this card, you’ll want to employ strategies that either prevent it from hitting the board in the first place or remove it swiftly once it’s in play. Counter spells are your first line of defense; being able to stop the Ravener from entering the battlefield can be crucial. Cards like Negate or Essence Scatter can be particularly effective here.

Should the Ravener make it to the field, you’ll need efficient removal tactics. Destroy spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile offer a quick solution, and exile effects are especially effective since they bypass any potential revival abilities. In some cases, utilizing sacrifice effects can also be beneficial as they typically circumvent any indestructibility the Ravener might have. Board wipes like Wrath of God can also reset the playing field, removing the Ravener and clearing the way for you to take control of the game once more.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we’ve dissected the Ravener’s potential in the current MTG landscape, it’s clear that integrating this card into your collection can be a game-changer. With its dynamic abilities, it can give you the upper hand when it comes to card advantage and resource acceleration, not to mention the strategic flexibility instant speed plays offer. Yes, there are trade-offs, such as its discard requirement and specific mana cost. But if woven into the right deck, Ravener can turn the tides of battle swiftly in your favor. Keen on harnessing the full power of the Ravener in your deck? We have the insights and tactics you need to make the most of this formidable card. Enhance your MTG expertise and let the Ravener take your gameplay to new heights. Discover more with us, and outmatch your opponents in your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ravener MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Ravener and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ravener Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Xavier Ribeiro.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 1382015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 138★2015NormalBlackXavier Ribeiro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ravener has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ravener card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-10-07 A creature with ravenous gets its counters as it enters the battlefield. It doesn’t enter the battlefield first and then get its counters. Any triggered ability that looks for a creature with a certain power or toughness entering the battlefield will see the counters when it checks to see if it should trigger.
2022-10-07 If a permanent spell with ravenous is copied, the copy will have the same value for X, and the token permanent that the spell becomes as it enters the battlefield will enter with X counters.
2022-10-07 If another permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a creature with Ravenous, it will not enter with any counters from the ravenous ability.
2022-10-07 The triggered ability that checks to see if X is 5 or greater refers to the value of X that was chosen as the spell was cast, which may be different from the number of counters it entered with if there are replacement effects involved. This is also true for any other ability that it has which refers to X and triggers when it enters the battlefield.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.