Sky Spirit MTG Card

Sky Spirit’s flying ability allows for consistent aerial damage and the potential for card draw benefits. Its moderate casting cost fits well in decks designed around resource acceleration and curve efficiency. The presence of Sky Spirit bolsters instant speed spell strategies by offering a continual aerial threat.

Tempest (TMP)
1997-10-14 - Number 271

Sky Spirit - Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth (DDI)

Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth (DDI)
2012-03-30 - Number 10

Conspiracy (CNS)
2014-06-06 - Number 192

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Spirit
Abilities	First strike,Flying
Power	2
Toughness	2

Text of card

Flying, first strike

"Like a strain of music: easy to remember but impossible to catch." —Mirri of the *Weatherlight*

Cards like Sky Spirit

Sky Spirit stands out in the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card is often compared to other flyers like Welkin Hawk and Stormfront Pegasus. All three cards flourish in aerial combat scenarios with their flying abilities. Sky Spirit, though, adds additional utility with its first strike capability, allowing it to deal combat damage before other creatures that don’t have first strike.

Another card often brought into the conversation is Suntail Hawk. While Suntail Hawk is a low-cost option with flying, it doesn’t carry the same power or the first strike advantage that Sky Spirit offers. Conversely, Thunderclap Wyvern can be seen as a more formidable airborne threat due to its flash ability, letting it surprise opponents, and its power-boosting aura for other flying creatures. However, it requires a larger mana investment compared to Sky Spirit.

In a closer comparison, Sky Spirit prominently holds its position in a player’s deck for its balanced mix of aggression and defense, especially in light control or midrange strategies where its qualities can be maximized. Its blend of flying and first strike for an accessible mana cost makes it a solid competitor among its pairings.

Cards similar to Sky Spirit by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sky Spirit’s ability to fly gives it an upper hand in bypassing ground defenses, thereby allowing for consistent damage and potential card advantage through damage-based draw effects.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly influencing resources, Sky Spirit’s moderate casting cost integrates well with decks focusing on resource acceleration, fitting seamlessly into the curve.

Instant Speed: Sky Spirit itself may not be an instant, but its presence complements strategies involving instant speed spells by maintaining a steady threat in the air, ready to capitalize on opened opponent’s defenses post-instant interactions during their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sky Spirit requires you to discard another card to unleash its full potential. This can be a significant downside when your hand is already sparse, risking the depletion of valuable resources or strategic options for future turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Employing a precise combination of mana types, Sky Spirit demands a specific mana arrangement of blue and white. This requirement can restrict the card’s integration, especially in decks aiming for a broader color palette or those that do not prioritize these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that may seem steep for its abilities, Sky Spirit could fall behind compared to other cards with similar or lower mana requirements. This might make it a less tempting choice when deck building, as there are alternative cards providing comparable or superior effects for a more economical mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sky Spirit offers a flexible role in decks, fitting seamlessly into strategies that desire an evasive creature with both flying and first strike capabilities.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with equipment and aura spells that enhance its combat abilities, turning it into a formidable threat in the air.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creatures dominate the battlefield, Sky Spirit stands out as a strong defensive option while still being able to chip away at an opponent’s life total.

How to beat

The Sky Spirit card in Magic: The Gathering poses a unique challenge with its combination of flying and first strike abilities, creating a formidable defense in the air. To effectively conquer this celestial adversary, it’s essential to bring it to the ground or neutralize its advantages. Cards that remove flying or incapacitate creatures before they can strike are particularly valuable. Ground-based strategies will struggle, so incorporating spells or abilities to manipulate the battlefield dynamics is crucial. For example, enchantments like Gravity Well can ground flying creatures, while cards with reach can block and potentially eliminate the Sky Spirit.

Additionally, direct removal spells sidestep the first strike capability altogether. Exploring destroy or exile effects can deal with Sky Spirit regardless of its position in the skies. Timing here is critical; using instant-speed removal when the opponent is unguarded can clear the way for your attacks. Be aware of the Sky Spirit’s statistics as well; with only two toughness, it’s susceptible to lower damage spells that can be cost-effective answers to this otherwise evasive threat.

Ultimately, respecting the Sky Spirit’s aerial control while preparing targeted countermeasures can tilt the game in your favor, making this lofty challenge one you can confidently overcome.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sky Spirit MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth, 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 Sky Spirit and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sky Spirit Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2014-06-06. Illustrated by Rebecca Guay.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-10-14	Tempest	TMP	271	1997	Normal	Black	Rebecca Guay
2	2012-03-30	Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth	DDI	10	2003	Normal	Black	Rebecca Guay
3	2014-06-06	Conspiracy	CNS	192	2003	Normal	Black	Rebecca Guay

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sky Spirit has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal