Thunder Dragon MTG Card


Thunder Dragon excels at clearing opponents’ creatures, gaining you a substantial advantage. Despite being a force, its discard cost and specific mana needs limit its play. Works well in creature-heavy metas, offering strong combo potential and versatility.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying When Thunder Dragon comes into play, it deals 3 damage to each creature without flying. (This includes your creatures.)


Cards like Thunder Dragon

Within the vast array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, the Thunder Dragon stands out for its explosive impact on the battlefield. This creature can be paralleled with Bogardan Hellkite, another dragon with a direct damage ability when it enters the battlefield. While both have the power to disrupt the opponent’s game plan, the Bogardan Hellkite offers more immediacy and flexibility, able to target creatures or players with its firebreathing arrival.

Another dragon, the Flameblast Dragon, offers a consistent threat with its ability to sling fire each time you attack, adding strategic depth and control. Unlike Thunder Dragon’s one-time burst, Flameblast provides long-term utility but requires a more resource-intensive approach to maximize its potential.

Assessing these core choices, Thunder Dragon remains a formidable option with its straightforward, hard-hitting entrance. It delivers a simple yet powerful solution for players looking to clear the skies and pave the way to victory. Seasoned players may find value in its classic impact, although exploring its contemporaries can offer more nuanced advantages in the right deck strategies.

Bogardan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Flameblast Dragon - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Flameblast Dragon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thunder Dragon by color, type and mana cost

Magma Giant - MTG Card versions
Trained Orgg - MTG Card versions
Velican Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crazed Firecat - MTG Card versions
Yidaro, Wandering Monster - MTG Card versions
Butcher Orgg - MTG Card versions
Rimescale Dragon - MTG Card versions
Boldwyr Intimidator - MTG Card versions
Shivan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
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Knollspine Dragon - MTG Card versions
Karplusan Giant - MTG Card versions
Ancient Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Discord - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Aggressor - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Thraxes - MTG Card versions
Dream Pillager - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Valakut - MTG Card versions
Stalking Vengeance - MTG Card versions
Magma Giant - MTG Card versions
Trained Orgg - MTG Card versions
Velican Dragon - MTG Card versions
Crazed Firecat - MTG Card versions
Yidaro, Wandering Monster - MTG Card versions
Butcher Orgg - MTG Card versions
Rimescale Dragon - MTG Card versions
Boldwyr Intimidator - MTG Card versions
Shivan Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Hamletback Goliath - MTG Card versions
Knollspine Dragon - MTG Card versions
Karplusan Giant - MTG Card versions
Ancient Hellkite - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Discord - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Aggressor - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Thraxes - MTG Card versions
Dream Pillager - MTG Card versions
Tyrant of Valakut - MTG Card versions
Stalking Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Thunder Dragon card can be a powerhouse when it comes to gaining card advantage. Upon entering the battlefield, its ability allows you to deal damage to all creatures your opponents control, potentially clearing the way for further plays without losing card equity.

Resource Acceleration: While Thunder Dragon itself doesn’t directly generate resources, its impact on the game can create indirect resource acceleration by eliminating the need for additional cards to deal with opponents’ threats, saving those cards for future turns.

Instant Speed: Although Thunder Dragon doesn’t operate at instant speed, its formidable presence can influence opponents’ decisions, potentially deterring them from playing creatures before it lands on the battlefield, much like the impact an instant speed threat would have.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players must discard a card when utilizing Thunder Dragon, which can deplete hand advantage and be detrimental in tight game situations.

Specific Mana Cost: With an exact color requirement in the casting cost, Thunder Dragon can be difficult to play in multicolored decks, reducing its versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The dragon’s mana cost is substantial, making it a late-game play. In faster-paced games, its high cost can hinder your ability to establish early board presence or respond to immediate threats effectively.


Reasons to Include Thunder Dragon in Your Collection

Versatility: Thunder Dragon provides flexibility in deck building due to its splashable nature. It serves as a powerful top-end threat in decks that can utilize its damage-dealing entrance or benefit from its aerial presence.

Combo Potential: The ability to deal damage to all creatures when it enters the battlefield allows Thunder Dragon to synergize with strategies revolving around creature removal. It can set off other abilities that trigger on creature death or damage.

Meta-Relevance: As creature heavy meta evolves, Thunder Dragon gains traction by being able to control the board and offer a decisive advantage, making it a relevant choice in an ever-changing competitive landscape.


How to beat

Thunder Dragon is a name that often sends a shiver down the spine of any player who’s come face to face with its might on the battlefield. To beat this formidable foe in a game of Magic: The Gathering, a strategic approach is imperative. It’s crucial to consider the cost of playing this card – a substantial six mana, including four of any color and two red. This offers a valuable window for disruption before your opponent gets a chance to unlock Thunder Dragon’s potential.

Removal spells are the key to disrupting Thunder Dragon plays. Consider employing instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy, thereby dealing with the creature before it can create a lasting impact in the game. When playing against a deck that includes Thunder Dragon, it’s wise to hold onto your removal spells until it hits the board. Remember, timing is critical – if you let Thunder Dragon’s effect resolve, you’ll be facing a cleared board on your side, giving your opponent a significant advantage.

Ultimately, staying one step ahead and keeping your removal spells in reserve can turn a potential game-ending threat into a simple speed bump on your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is a complex blend of strategy, anticipation, and tactical prowess. With Thunder Dragon as a focal topic, it’s clear you seek to harness its raw power while navigating its challenges. Expertise lies in understanding the playing field, and Thunder Dragon can dominate it under the right circumstances. We encourage you to keep refining your deck configurations, exploring new synergies, and optimizing your plays for this formidable force. Dive deeper into the lore and mechanics of MTG with us, where every card holds a universe of possibilities. Let’s continue the quest for top-tier gameplay together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thunder Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Starter 1999 and From the Vault: Dragons, 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 Thunder Dragon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thunder Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1999-07-01 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-07-01Starter 1999S99 1191997NormalWhiteDana Knutson
22008-08-29From the Vault: DragonsDRB 142003NormalBlackChris Rahn
32011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 1381997NormalBlackDana Knutson
42011-04-01Duel Decks: Knights vs. DragonsDDG 612003NormalBlackChris Rahn
52022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 8102015NormalBlackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thunder Dragon has restrictions

FormatLegality
PredhLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal