Ravenous Sailback MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dinosaur |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 202 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Andrew Mar |
Text of card
When Ravenous Sailback enters the battlefield, choose one — • Ravenous Sailback gains haste until end of turn. • Destroy target artifact or enchantment.
Converter beasts were sent to ensnare as many of Ixalan's dinosaurs as possible. Many of them were converted themselves—into snacks.
Cards like Ravenous Sailback
Ravenous Sailback is an intriguing creature within the vast array of dinosaur cards available in MTG. Its closest kin in abilities and cost might be Thrash of Raptors, which also gains a significant advantage when another dinosaur is on the battlefield, although it starts with higher power. Ravenous Sailback’s standout feature is its enrage ability, activating upon taking damage, which gives it a temporary power boost.
Colossal Dreadmaw is another card worth mentioning alongside Ravenous Sailback. It sports the intimidating trample ability, allowing it to potentially deal excess damage to the opponent. Though both dinosaurs have a green mana identity and similar cost, Colossal Dreadmaw begins with a higher base power and toughness, making it a formidable presence from the start.
Considering dinosaur-themed decks or just solid green creatures, Ravenous Sailback has its place, particularly for players who take advantage of the enrage mechanic. Its strength lies in its ability to surprise opponents with sudden power spikes, an aspect that Thrash of Raptors and Colossal Dreadmaw lack, although they have their own advantages in the arena of strength and immediate board impact.
Cards similar to Ravenous Sailback by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ravenous Sailback doesn’t offer direct card drawing abilities, but it serves as a steadfast blocker on the battlefield due to its formidable size. By discouraging enemy attacks, it indirectly contributes to card advantage by preserving your hand and board state.
Resource Acceleration: While the Ravenous Sailback itself is not a tool for resource acceleration, its presence can influence opponents to hold back resources or overcommit to the board, allowing you to capitalize on their hesitation. This can lead to better resource management and a more favorable position.
Instant Speed: The creature isn’t an instant, but in a deck built around flash mechanics or with cards that allow casting creatures as though they had flash, Ravenous Sailback could surprise an opponent by appearing unexpectedly during combat or at the end of their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Ravenous Sailback doesn’t necessitate discarding cards, but it may require strategic hand management to ensure it comes into play effectively.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast the Ravenous Sailback, you need one specific green mana, meaning it could be less adaptable in multi-colored decks not focused on green resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at five total mana, including one green, this dinosaur’s cost can be a bit steep considering its abilities. There are creatures with similar or even lower mana costs that might bring more immediate board impact or synergies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ravenous Sailback can be a flexible addition to dinosaur-themed or ramp decks looking for a substantial mid-game presence. Its simplicity allows for easy integration with various strategies that benefit from large creatures.
Combo Potential: The card’s enrage mechanic can synergize with effects that deal damage to all creatures, triggering its +1/+0 boost multiple times during combat phases to overwhelm opponents.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting landscape of the MTG meta, the Ravenous Sailback holds potential in environments where larger creatures dominate the board. Its surprise power increase during combat can turn the tides in your favor against unsuspecting adversaries.
How to Beat
The Ravenous Sailback is a notable creature in Magic: The Gathering, recognized for its enrage ability which can add a considerable amount of power to the battlefield. This dinosaur makes an entry with a solid 5/4 body but really shines if damaged, getting stronger with a +1/+1 counter. To come out on top against this formidable foe, players need to handle it delicately, avoiding incidental damage that would trigger its enrage.
An effective strategy is to employ removal spells that eliminate it without dealing damage, such as “Murder” or “Path to Exile.” In some situations, countering it before it hits the field with a “Counterspell” or similar effects can maintain board control and prevent your opponent from gaining any advantage. Moreover, creatures with “deathtouch” can serve as powerful deterrents, providing a potent threat that can neutralize the Sailback regardless of its size.
In essence, defeating the Ravenous Sailback hinges on smart play—sidestepping triggers, managing threats, and deploying removals efficiently. A strategic approach that reckons with its enrage ability can deftly turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ravenous Sailback MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Ravenous Sailback and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana 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 Ravenous Sailback has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |