Stormsurge Kraken MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Stormsurge Kraken comes with a sizable trigger that lets you draw two cards when it becomes the target of a spell or ability, ensuring a flow of additional cards to your hand. This can be especially powerful in formats where targeted effects are commonplace, making the Kraken a self-sustaining source of card advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: With its Lieutenant ability, if the Kraken is powered up in the presence of your commander, resource acceleration is put into motion. It contributes a significant 5/5 creature to your board state which not only exerts pressure on your opponents but also fortifies your defensive line. Although the Kraken itself does not directly produce mana or tokens, its sheer presence can free up resources by demanding answers from your opponents.

Instant Speed: While Stormsurge Kraken itself is not an instant, its sizable stats make it an excellent recipient of instant-speed enhancements and protections. You can respond to removal or blocking situations with instants that can turn the tides, emphasizing the adaptability and the high impact the Kraken has when lightning-fast decisions are crucial during gameplay.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Stormsurge Kraken often involves having the right cards at hand to trigger its abilities. Not having this could lead to inefficient turns and missed opportunities to maximize the game.

Specific Mana Cost: If you’re looking to dominate the battlefield with Stormsurge Kraken, you’ll need to invest in blue mana. This requirement could strain mana resources or dictate deck-building options, restricting versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Summoning the Stormsurge Kraken demands a notable amount of resources—five mana with two being blue. For some players, this cost might steer them towards other creatures or spells providing more immediate board impact or versatility for the same or lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include Stormsurge Kraken in Your Collection

Versatility: Stormsurge Kraken can be a powerful addition to any blue-centered deck, especially those looking for a resilient threat. Its hexproof ability shields it from targeted removal, making it a consistent presence on the board.

Combo Potential: With its Lieutenant ability, Stormsurge Kraken becomes a card-drawing engine once your commander is out. This can fuel various strategies, including those that capitalize on drawing cards or having a large creature on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In a commander game that leans towards longer, drawn-out matches, the Kraken serves as an excellent late-game asset. Its ability to grow and draw cards in longer games can give you the upper hand when facing decks that exhaust their resources too quickly.

How to beat

Confronting a Stormsurge Kraken in MTG can be a daunting experience given its Leviathan strength and the hexproof ability, shielding it from targeted spells. To successfully navigate this challenge, it’s critical to alter your strategy towards using board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation that can clear the board regardless of hexproof protections. Additionally, edict effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature circumvent the Kraken’s defenses. Cards such as Diabolic Edict or Liliana of the Veil can prove invaluable in this scenario.

Another strategy involves countering the Kraken before it even hits the battlefield. Counterspells are your first line of defense, preventing your opponent from gaining any traction. Should the Stormsurge Kraken make its way onto the board, you can employ strategies that don’t rely on targeting it directly. Engaging the Kraken in combat with creatures that can either overpower it or provide a beneficial trade—like indestructible creatures or ones with death triggers—can also be effective. A thorough understanding of the mechanics and a carefully constructed deck can tip the scale in your favor against the formidable Stormsurge Kraken.

BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the depths of MTG, especially the vibrant tapestry of blue-centered strategies, is essential for any player looking to make waves at the table. With Stormsurge Kraken offering both a formidable presence and a card advantage, integrating this leviathan into your deck could be the tide that raises all ships. Given the competitive nature of commander games, finding cards that consistently provide value over time, just like the Kraken does with its Lieutenant ability, is key to maintaining an edge. For more insights into maximizing your gameplay, enhancing your collection, and navigating through the seas of strategy, dive into our comprehensive resources. Harness the power of the Kraken and anchor your victory with wisdom from the depths of MTG knowledge.