Pearled Unicorn MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 15 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Unicorn
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Provides early board presence and creature synergy, beneficial in specific strategic setups.
  2. Limited impact and restrictive mana cost detract from its utility in varied decks.
  3. Its basic nature and nostalgia value keep it relevant in casual play and collection.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pearled Unicorn may not directly provide card draw, but by being a reliable creature on the battlefield, it supports strategies that capitalize on synergy with other cards. Its presence adds to your creature count which can be beneficial for effects that require a critical mass of creatures.

Resource Acceleration: While Pearled Unicorn doesn’t produce additional mana or tokens, its low casting cost means it can be played early in the game. This factor is essential in resource acceleration as it allows players to establish a board presence without significant investment, saving mana for more significant spells in later turns.

Instant Speed: As a creature, Pearled Unicorn is played at sorcery speed, but its presence can influence the battlefield at any phase of the game. Summoning it early sets the stage for you to operate with the security of having a steadfast creature, giving you the confidence to cast spells at instant speed later on, without having to commit all your resources to maintain board control.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Pearled Unicorn card doesn’t have a direct discard requirement per se, but in a game where each card in hand represents vital resources, the need to play a creature like Pearled Unicorn, which doesn’t provide immediate or substantial board impact, could force players into disadvantageous scenarios where they must discard more impactful cards to keep up with the pacing of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires one white mana and two generic mana, Pearled Unicorn can be somewhat restrictive in terms of mana flexibility. This can be particularly cumbersome for multicolored decks that might struggle with mana consistency and would prefer creatures that offer more versatility and strategic value.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its cost of three mana for a mere 2/2 creature, Pearled Unicorn may be considered inefficient in a metagame where creatures at similar casting costs provide additional abilities, higher stats, or other forms of strategic advantage. Players could likely find creatures with better board presence or utility at a comparative mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pearled Unicorn’s simple mana cost and classic creature type make it a suitable fit for a variety of white decks, serving as a reliable early-game presence on the board.

Combo Potential: As a creature, the Pearled Unicorn can synergize with enchantments, equipments, or other cards that bolster its combat efficacy, providing opportunities for tactical plays.

Meta-Relevance: Though not a powerhouse in today’s competitive scene, it can find its place in casual circles and retro formats where its straightforward design aligns with simpler strategies.


How to beat Pearled Unicorn

The Pearled Unicorn is a classic creature from the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Sitting in the low-cost spectrum of creatures, it’s one often found in the early game acting as a minor blocker or an early strike option. This card is recognized by its nominal stats: a cost-effective addition for decks but with a power level that’s easy to surpass as the game progresses.

Strategizing against it involves a few straightforward methods. One can opt for cheap removal spells, easily clearing the way without significant investment. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push are more than sufficient to handle the modest 2/1 body of the Pearled Unicorn. Additionally, players can choose to simply outclass it by placing more robust creatures on the board. This could directly negate the unicorn’s combat relevance, making it an unworthy trade for stronger entities you control.

Overall, while the Pearled Unicorn may hold a place in Magic’s history, it’s rarely a game-changer on contemporary tables. With numerous efficient tactics available to tackle such early game creatures, the Pearled Unicorn poses little threat to a well-prepared opponent.


Cards like Pearled Unicorn

The Pearled Unicorn is a nostalgic piece from early Magic: The Gathering sets, offering straightforward gameplay with its classic creature status. If we stack it up against contemporaries like Grizzly Bears, we notice an immediate parallel in their mana costs and stats. Both cards command three points in total for power and toughness, making them dependable early-game creatures.

Looking at Eager Cadet, another white creature with a cost of one mana, the Pearled Unicorn provides a more substantial presence on the board due to its higher power. Conversely, when compared to Gray Ogre, a creature with identical mana cost, the Pearled Unicorn stands out with its one-white mana requirement, giving it an edge in mono-white decks seeking efficient creatures.

Assessing Pearled Unicorn within the spectrum of similar MTG cards, it’s clear that it holds a charm in its simplicity, fitting well within strategies where mana curve and color consistency are key. While it may not have the bells and whistles of newer creatures, its role in the formative years of Magic: The Gathering cements its place as a classic card for players and collectors alike.

Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
Eager Cadet - MTG Card versions
Gray Ogre - MTG Card versions
Grizzly Bears - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Eager Cadet - Starter 1999 (S99)
Gray Ogre - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Pearled Unicorn by color, type and mana cost

Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Argivian Blacksmith - Antiquities (ATQ)
Jamuraan Lion - Media Inserts (PMEI)
Snow Hound - Ice Age (ICE)
Elvish Healer - Ice Age (ICE)
Femeref Knight - Mirage (MIR)
Border Guard - Portal (POR)
Stern Marshal - Portal (POR)
Soltari Crusader - Tempest (TMP)
Town Sentry - Portal Second Age (P02)
Benalish Knight - Anthologies (ATH)
Regal Unicorn - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Wild Griffin - Starter 2000 (S00)
Pianna, Nomad Captain - Odyssey (ODY)
Dogged Hunter - Odyssey (ODY)
Sanctum Prelate - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Diving Griffin - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Kitsune Palliator - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Freewind Equenaut - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Sanctum Guardian - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pearled Unicorn MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Pearled Unicorn and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pearled Unicorn Magic the Gathering card was released in 14 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 301993normalblackCornelius Brudi
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 311993normalblackCornelius Brudi
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 311993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 311993normalblackCornelius Brudi
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 311993normalblackCornelius Brudi
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 301993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 301993normalblackCornelius Brudi
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 301993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
91995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 391993normalblackCornelius Brudi
101995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 391993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
111996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 61993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
121996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 61993normalwhiteCornelius Brudi
131997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 501997normalwhiteDavid A. Cherry
142022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 302015normalblackCornelius Brudi
152022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3271997normalblackCornelius Brudi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pearled Unicorn has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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