Sanctuary Raptor MTG Card
2021-06-18 - Number 233
2021-08-26 - Number 755
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Bird |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Sanctuary Raptor attacks, if you control three or more tokens, Sanctuary Raptor gets +2/+0 and gains first strike until end of turn.
The song of the Worldsoul can take on life in the most unlikely places.
Cards like Sanctuary Raptor
In Magic: The Gathering, Sanctuary Raptor stands out with its evasive abilities. It parallels cards such as Healer’s Hawk, which shares the flying trait, allowing it to soar over ground-based defenses with ease. Though Healer’s Hawk comes with lifelink, a feature that the Sanctuary Raptor lacks, the raptor compensates with its strength in combat scenarios through its mentor ability. This not only bolsters its own attacking prowess but also lends strength to other creatures.
Looking further, Gust Walker is another card with similarities to Sanctuary Raptor. Like the raptor, Gust Walker can also become a more formidable force in the air, though it requires exertion — a small price to pay for an increased offensive impact. Compared to Sanctuary Raptor, however, Gust Walker does not offer the same consistent opportunity to empower other creatures on the battlefield.
Lastly, we have Sunwing Skirmisher which, while similar in cost to Sanctuary Raptor, emphasizes flying and double strike, granting it the ability to deal damage twice in combat. This direct approach contrasts with Sanctuary Raptor’s strategy of distributing strength among the team.
Ultimately, Sanctuary Raptor’s mix of flying and mentoring carves its niche among its counterparts in MTG, providing a unique blend of aerial assault and strategic creature enhancement.
Cards similar to Sanctuary Raptor by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Sanctuary Raptor thrives on its flexibility, functioning as both a creature and a reliable source of card advantage. Once on the battlefield, every instance of lifegain translates into potential card draw, keeping your hand full and options open.
Resource Acceleration: As it soars across the battlefield, the Sanctuary Raptor pairs well with decks focused on life gain. This harmonious interaction can rapidly swell your life total, indirectly providing a resource advantage as you’re able to leverage your health as a strategic buffer.
Instant Speed: Sanctuary Raptor’s ability to impact the game at instant speed cannot be understated. The raptor’s flash ability means you can spring a surprise blocker or an unexpected end-of-turn play, keeping opponents on their toes and disrupting their battle plans.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Sanctuary Raptor comes with a condition that can be especially taxing for a player’s hand. Activating its ability mandates that you pitch another card, a trade-off that might not always be beneficial if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Playing the Sanctuary Raptor requires a precise mana arrangement, which includes white mana. This can restrict the card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably produce white mana, potentially excluding it from a variety of multi-color or mono-color strategies that do not utilize white.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side for its stats and abilities, Sanctuary Raptor faces stiff competition from other creatures in the same mana range. The mana investment could often be allocated towards more impactful cards that offer immediate board presence or value.
Reasons to Include Sanctuary Raptor in Your Collection
Versatility: Sanctuary Raptor shines with its adaptability. This card can seamlessly fit into various deck builds, notably those designed around flying creatures or those that capitalize on life gain strategies due to its flying and lifelink abilities.
Combo Potential: With lifelink as a key feature, Sanctuary Raptor pairs well with cards that trigger upon gaining life, enabling potent combinations that can rapidly turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Given its defensive capabilities through lifelink, Sanctuary Raptor holds its ground in a meta that favors aggressive tactics. It serves as a valuable inclusion by both stalling opponents and sustaining your life total, making your deck resilient against the prevailing aggro decks.
How to Beat
Sanctuary Raptor is an intriguing creature card that brings a unique dynamic to the MTG battlefield. Known for its flying ability and versatility, it can be a strong addition to any deck that values life gain strategies. When facing the Sanctuary Raptor, it’s crucial to prevent triggering its lifelink capability that bolsters its power.
One effective strategy to overcome this card is the use of direct removal spells. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade can dispatch the Raptor before it has a chance to become a threat. It’s also wise to hold back instant-speed removal until the opponent attempts to gain life, ensuring the Raptor doesn’t benefit from any encounters. Counterspells are another potent option. Mana Leak or Counterspell can stop the Raptor cold, negating its effect on the game before it even begins.
Lastly, controlling the pace and flow of combat is vital. Since the Raptor relies on its ability to deal combat damage to gain life, cards that prevent or restrict combat damage, like Holy Day or Fog, can be key in securing victory. Prioritize controlling the Raptor’s presence and the game will sway in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sanctuary Raptor MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Sanctuary Raptor 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 Sanctuary Raptor Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Drew Baker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 233 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Drew Baker | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 755 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Drew Baker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sanctuary Raptor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |