Sandstorm Eidolon MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Released | 2006-05-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dissension |
| Set code | DIS |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 70 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Brian Hagan |
Text of card
, Sacrifice Sandstorm Eidolon: Target creature can't block this turn. Whenever you play a multicolored spell, you may return Sandstorm Eidolon from your graveyard to your hand.
Cards like Sandstorm Eidolon
Sandstorm Eidolon is a unique piece in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal, somewhat akin to other mana-efficient creatures such as Benevolent Bodyguard. Both cards offer a low-cost creature option, but Sandstorm Eidolon stands out with its ability to be sacrificed for a mana advantage. Additionally, its inclusion within the constellation of spells that underscore the “Eidolon” theme across various sets makes it a niche pick for decks capitalizing on enchantment synergies.
When we sift through similar cards, Hopeful Eidolon comes to mind. It’s a creature with the same Eidolon moniker, not to mention it can bestow an enchantment benefit. However, Hopeful Eidolon’s lifelink trait contrasts with Sandstorm Eidolon’s focus on mana flexibility. On a different note, the likes of Nivmagus Elemental resonate with Sandstorm Eidolon’s sacrifice ability. But the Elemental leans towards absorbing spells for power rather than offering the straightforward mana boost that Sandstorm Eidolon provides.
Therefore, Sandstorm Eidolon provides a blend of sacrifice-driven mana ramp and enchantment synergy that distinguishes it amidst its counterparts. This card exemplifies a strategic choice that, while sharing features with other cards, carves its unique path in player’s decks seeking that very specific edge.
Cards similar to Sandstorm Eidolon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sandstorm Eidolon can be a subtle addition to your deck when it comes to card advantage. It offers versatility as it can be sacrificed to help cast a spell with a higher mana cost, essentially contributing to your hand’s efficiency.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana or treasure tokens, this card can be key in a graveyard-focused deck. Its sacrifice ability can essentially reduce the cost of your next spell, resulting in a form of indirect resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: One of the strongest aspects of Sandstorm Eidolon is its instant speed capability. It can be sacrificed at any time, offering you the flexibility to make strategic plays during your opponent’s turn or in response to certain actions, which can significantly impact the game’s pace.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the limitations of Sandstorm Eidolon is its discard requirement. To harness its full potential, you’ll need to discard another card, which could put you at a disadvantage when your hand is running low. This makes timing crucial when playing Sandstorm Eidolon, as improper use could deplete valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: While Sandstorm Eidolon’s casting and ability costs may appear flexible owing to its hybrid mana, they still necessitate commitment to specific colors. This can be restrictive, limiting the card’s integration into a wider range of multicolored decks and potentially constraining your mana base choices.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Sandstorm Eidolon can be a bit costly compared to other creatures in its range. This could slow down your gameplay, particularly in fast-paced matches where lower-cost creatures and spells could provide a quicker path to victory. Cost-effectiveness is key, and there may be alternative cards that provide similar benefits without such a steep mana investment.
Reasons to Include Sandstorm Eidolon in Your Collection
Versatility: Sandstorm Eidolon offers flexibility to deck builders due to its capability to serve as both an early blocker and as a way to convert late-game excess lands into potential advantage. This makes it a suitable inclusion in various decks that may need occasional graveyard fueling or spell recursion.
Combo Potential: This card works well in synergistic strategies focusing on sacrifice effects or enchantment recursion. With the ability to sacrifice it for a color specific to your deck, it can become a key component in setting up combos or fueling engine pieces in enchantment-themed decks.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the current meta, Sandstorm Eidolon can offer a crucial edge. In environments where games are drawn out or in matches against control decks, having a utility creature that can be both a threat and a resource can prove to be invaluable.
How to beat
Sandstorm Eidolon is a card that can be quite useful in specific deck archetypes in Magic: The Gathering. Its versatility comes not just from being a creature, but also from its potential to bolster your mana when it’s sacrificed. Standing against it requires a strategic approach.
One effective way to neutralize the impact of Sandstorm Eidolon is to limit its ability to contribute to mana acceleration. Employing removal spells before the opponent has the opportunity to sacrifice it can disrupt their game plan. Direct damage spells or targeted removal can efficiently handle the Eidolon before it becomes a threat. Additionally, countering spells that the opponent attempts to cast by sacrificing Sandstorm Eidolon can also cripple their mana curve and stifle their strategy.
Overall, addressing Sandstorm Eidolon promptly and preventing the opponent from exploiting its sac-for-mana ability is key in minimizing its influence on the game. By anticipating when your opponent might sacrifice the Eidolon and having a counter strategy ready, you’ll maintain control over the battle and keep the pace of the match in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sandstorm Eidolon MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Sandstorm Eidolon 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sandstorm Eidolon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |