Tempest Drake MTG Card
Text of card
Flying Attacking does not cause Tempest Drake to tap.
"Its speed will be equaled only by the swiftness of my enemy's fall." —Kaervek
Cards like Tempest Drake
Tempest Drake is a unique creature in the world of Magic the Gathering, with its own strengths when put side-by-side with other flying creatures. It can be compared to cards like Wind Drake, which shares the same mana cost and also has the flying ability, establishing itself as a staple in blue decks seeking aerial superiority. However, Tempest Drake stands out with its ability to not only fly but also power up each turn it’s not blocked.
Moving to another comparable option, we have Sky Theater Strix, which also gains strength under certain conditions—specifically, whenever you cast a noncreature spell. While the Strix offers potential for repeated power boosts in the right deck, it starts at a lower base power compared to Tempest Drake. There is also Watercourser, a blue creature that can temporarily increase its power, giving it flexibility in combat. Yet unlike the consistent growth offered by Tempest Drake, Watercourser’s ability requires a constant mana investment.
Thus, when evaluating these fliers for deck inclusion, Tempest Drake may appeal to players who value the potential for an unattended threat that grows turn after turn, ensuring that, among similar cards, it holds a notable position for ongoing tactical advantages in the air.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tempest Drake can offer significant card advantage with the potential to retrieve key instants or sorceries from the graveyard, giving you access to your most impactful spells for another round.
Resource Acceleration: Through its mana-generating abilities, this card assists in propelling your mana curve forward. This can be especially useful for quickly deploying your larger threats or enabling multiple spell casts in a single turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Tempest Drake’s effects at instant speed grants you the flexibility to adapt to the state of the game on the fly, maximizing your tactical options and keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For deck builders, one hurdle with Tempest Drake is the necessity to discard a card to unlock its potential. This can lead to a reduction in hand advantage, especially if your deck isn’t tailored to capitalize on discards or graveyard strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation is its specific mana requirement. Duelists must have access to the exact combination of mana colors to get Tempest Drake into play. This tends to restrict the card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably generate the necessary mana types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the realm of competitive MTG, mana efficiency is key. Tempest Drake’s cost may be seen as steep, considering alternative creatures or spells available for the same or lower mana investment. Balancing a deck’s curve is critical, and the inclusion of higher-cost cards requires careful consideration to maintain optimal gameplay tempo.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Tempest Drake offers adaptability across various deck archetypes, with flying prowess enabling it to slot seamlessly into airborne themed or spell-heavy decks that capitalize on creature synergies or spell-slinging strategies.
Combo Potential: Its ability to gain from spells cast not only strengthens individual card plays but also opens up avenues for combos with cards designed to untap creatures, amplify damage, or cast additional spells within a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: Given its inherent evasion and scalability with spellcasting, Tempest Drake holds a relevant place in metas where control decks predominate, providing a resilient threat that can grow beyond common removal ranges.
How to beat
Tempest Drake is a card that demands attention on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a powerful flyer, it can quickly become a thorn in your side if you’re unprepared. But fear not, there are strategies to mitigate the presence of this formidable creature. First and foremost, it’s crucial to control the skies. Aerial blockers or cards that can remove flying abilities level the playing field against Tempest Drake. Cards like Plummet, which specifically target creatures with flying, are particularly effective.
Another technique involves utilizing removal spells that can bypass the Drake’s defenses. Spells like Murder or Doom Blade can cleanly take care of the Drake without having to engage in combat. Alternatively, board wipes that clear multiple creatures at once, like Wrath of God or Damnation, can reset the board and remove Tempest Drake along with other potential threats.
In summation, while Tempest Drake can be a daunting card to face, proper deck preparation and inclusion of precise removal or control elements can help you overcome it. By prioritizing cards that specifically address the challenges posed by flying creatures, your chances of triumph in your MTG gameplay escalate.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tempest Drake MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 Tempest Drake 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tempest Drake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.