Roc of Kher Ridges MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 170
1993-10-04 - Number 171
1993-12-01 - Number 171
1993-12-10 - Number 171
1993-12-10 - Number 171
1994-04-01 - Number 172
1994-04-01 - Number 172
1994-06-21 - Number 172
2011-01-10 - Number 132
2022-11-28 - Number 166
2022-11-28 - Number 463
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying
We encountered a valley topped with immense boulders and eerie rock formations. Suddenly one of these boulders toppled from its perch and sprouted gargantuan wings, casting a shadow of darkness and sending us fleeing in terror.
Cards like Roc of Kher Ridges
Roc of Kher Ridges stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a flying threat in red creature decks. Among avian creatures, the Roc shares the skies with the likes of Rukh Egg which also carries a strong presence. Although Rukh Egg doesn’t have flying inherently, its death summons a mighty 4/4 flying token. This reflects a different kind of resilience compared to the Roc’s straightforward offensive capabilities.
Stormfront Pegasus presents itself as another parallel, offering flying for a lower mana cost, but at the cost of reduced power. The versatility of Roc of Kher Ridges comes forward when considering its ability to attack early and fend against other creatures in the air. Comparatively, the likes of Thundermare interrupts the battlefield on a wider scale by tapping all other creatures once it lands, a powerful effect that Roc does not possess.
In evaluating similar flyers within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Roc of Kher Ridges appeals to players looking for consistent and aggressive airborne attacks, though it may not have the additional board-impacting abilities that some of its kin boast.
Cards similar to Roc of Kher Ridges by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Roc of Kher Ridges may not draw you additional cards directly, its flying ability makes it a formidable aerial threat that can chip away at an opponent’s life total, often remaining unblocked by ground creatures. Over time, this can translate into a significant advantage as it pressures opponents to deal with it or lose valuable life points.
Resource Acceleration: The Roc of Kher Ridges, hailing from the earlier sets of MTG, doesn’t inherently accelerate resources. However, in a deck that leverages creature synergies, it can complement strategies that aim to ramp up your board presence quickly, especially when paired with cards that benefit from having powerful flyers or creatures with specific abilities.
Instant Speed: The Roc of Kher Ridges operates at sorcery speed as it’s a creature, but its relevance increases when you’re playing in formats where older cards shine. It can surprise opponents who are not expecting such vintage threats, potentially giving you a psychological edge as you deploy classical strategies against modern decks.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Roc of Kher Ridges doesn’t have a discard requirement himself, balancing your hand around its cast can be challenging, particularly if you’re playing strategies that hinge on card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card is red mana specific, demanding a solid mana base to consistently play the Roc on curve. Decks not focused on red might find it hard to accommodate this flying behemoth.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana with a 3/3 body, Roc of Kher Ridges could be outmatched by creatures with similar casting costs that provide additional abilities or enter the battlefield effects, offering more value to your overall game plan.
Reasons to Include Roc of Kher Ridges in Your Collection
Versatility: As a classic flyer, Roc of Kher Ridges brings a solid airborne presence to red decks. Its straightforward mana cost and the ability to deal damage to creatures without flying makes it a reliable choice for various deck builds, from aggressive red strategies to more control-oriented lists that require defensive capabilities.
Combo Potential: Though not heavily synergistic, its flying ability pairs well with cards that capitalize on evasive creatures. Additionally, pairing the Roc with damage amplifiers can turn it into a significant threat, leveraging its potential to control the skies and pick off grounded creatures efficiently.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where small, non-flying creatures are prevalent, the Roc can serve as both an attacker and a defender. Its ability to bypass ground-based defenses and selectively control the board can be quite advantageous in the right environment, often shifting the aerial combat in your favor.
How to beat
The Roc of Kher Ridges presents an intriguing challenge within MTG matches. This red creature can dominate in the skies with its flying ability, offering a persistent threat to those unprepared. One effective strategy to counter this winged menace is to control the board with removal spells. Spells such as Doom Blade or Go for the Throat efficiently remove the Roc without a substantial mana cost, ensuring you maintain the tempo of your game.
Another approach is to outmaneuver the Roc with creatures that have reach or those capable of blocking flyers. Playing creatures like Giant Spider or entwining your battlefield with Web can ensure that the Roc of Kher Ridges never gets a free pass to deal damage. Also, don’t underestimate the value of specific enchantments or artifacts designed to nullify flying abilities, rendering the Roc a grounded and much less threatening creature.
Ultimately, while the Roc of Kher Ridges presents a formidable offense in the air, a well-constructed deck with the right removal spells, blockers, or disabling tools can effectively negate its advantages, keeping your life points secure and your path to victory clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Roc of Kher Ridges 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 Roc of Kher Ridges 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
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Printings
The Roc of Kher Ridges Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Andi Rusu.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 170 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 171 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 171 | 1993 | Normal | White | Andi Rusu | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 171 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 171 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 6 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 172 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 7 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 172 | 1993 | Normal | White | Andi Rusu | |
| 8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 172 | 1993 | Normal | White | Andi Rusu | |
| 9 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 132 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 10 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 166 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu | |
| 11 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 463 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andi Rusu |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Roc of Kher Ridges has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |