Cloud Spirit MTG Card

Portal (POR)
1997-05-01 - Number 47

Stronghold (STH)
1998-03-02 - Number 26

Masters Edition IV (ME4)
2011-01-10 - Number 42

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Spirit
Abilities	Flying
Power	3
Toughness	1

Key Takeaways

Flying allows Cloud Spirit to bypass blockers, potentially leading to indirect card advantages and strategic plays.
Its modest mana cost can complement an instant-speed playstyle, fitting well into decks with a tempo focus.
Discard requirement and specific mana cost are notable downsides that could hamper some deck strategies.

Text of card

Flying Cloud Spirit can intercept only creatures with flying.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Cloud Spirit does not directly provide card draw, its flying ability allows it to potentially bypass ground blockers and connect with an opponent, sometimes leading to card advantage through indirect means, such as enabling prowess triggers or combat tricks that can draw cards.

Resource Acceleration: While Cloud Spirit itself isn’t a source of resource acceleration, its modest mana cost can help maintain tempo, allowing players to deploy other threats or hold up mana for counter spells and interactions, thereby optimizing resource usage.

Instant Speed: Cloud Spirit isn’t an instant, but its evasive nature at three mana can complement an instant-speed strategy. It can apply pressure while keeping mana open for instant-speed responses, fitting nicely into decks that aim to operate at the end of an opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cloud Spirit demands a card be discarded to utilize its ability, which can deplete your hand, potentially leaving you at a resource disadvantage in crucial moments of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Cloud Spirit includes blue mana, necessitating a deck specifically tailored around blue or multicolored mana bases, which may not align with all strategic approaches.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Cloud Spirit offers certain advantages, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities, which could reduce the overall efficiency and pace of your deck.

Reasons to Include Cloud Spirit in Your Collection

Versatility: Cloud Spirit is a flexible choice for decks emphasizing speed and evasive combat tactics. Its flying ability allows it to bypass ground blockers, making it a constant threat to opponents.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that amplify the damage of flying creatures or those that capitalize on the casting of creature spells. It can serve as an essential component in an aerial assault strategy or as a surprise blocker.

Meta-Relevance: Against decks that lack sufficient aerial defenses, Cloud Spirit can tip the balance in your favor. Especially in environments where ground-based creatures dominate, having an airborne attacker can give you a definitive edge.

How to beat

Cloud Spirit represents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic the Gathering. This spirit creature is known for its flying trait, making it unreachable by ground forces. When devising strategies to take down the elusive Cloud Spirit, consider using removal spells that can specifically target flying creatures or spells that don’t require a target to connect. Cards like Plummet come to mind, as they are specifically designed to destroy creatures with flying, making it a perfect answer to Cloud Spirit.

Alternatively, focusing on board control with a more versatile approach can be effective. This includes utilizing spells capable of mass removal, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, which can clear the skies along with the rest of the board. It’s also beneficial to fortify your defenses with reach creatures, who can block flying opponents and serve as a deterrent to attacks from Cloud Spirit.

Overall, flexibility in your deck to counter flying threats and an understanding of the timing for when to play your answers are key to overcoming a card like Cloud Spirit. It’s not just about having the right card–it’s about playing it smartly within the rhythm of the game.

Cards like Cloud Spirit

Cloud Spirit holds a unique position in the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It is often compared to other flying creatures like Stormcrow, thanks to their shared ability to evade non-flying blockers. Cloud Spirit differentiates itself with its considerable 3 power, making it a more aggressive option in the skies. However, unlike Stormcrow, Cloud Spirit comes with a notable drawback: it cannot block.

Another similar card often brought up is Welkin Tern, which also boasts flying and the inability to block. Welkin Tern requires less mana to cast, yet it offers less power in return. This makes Cloud Spirit a preferred choice for players looking to apply early-game pressure. Additionally, Mistral Charger is related in function, providing flying without the inability to block. Although it has balanced stats, Cloud Spirit’s higher power gives it an edge in racing strategies where blocking is less of a priority.

Ultimately, Cloud Spirit’s appeal lies in its strong offensive capabilities among flying creatures at its mana cost. While there are alternatives available, Cloud Spirit’s aggressive nature often makes it a more impactful choice in decks that aim to swiftly reduce an opponent’s life total.

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

Volrath's Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions

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Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions

Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions

Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - MTG Card versions

Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cloud Spirit MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Stronghold, 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 Cloud Spirit and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cloud Spirit Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-05-01	Portal	POR	47	1997	Normal	Black	DiTerlizzi
2	1998-03-02	Stronghold	STH	26	1997	Normal	Black	Randy Gallegos
3	2011-01-10	Masters Edition IV	ME4	42	1997	Normal	Black	DiTerlizzi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cloud Spirit has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cloud Spirit card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.