Thunder Spirit MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 39
2007-09-10 - Number 27
2002-06-24 - Number 229
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Spirit |
| Abilities | First strike,Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
First strike, flying.
"It was full of fire and smoke and light and . . . it drove between us and the Efrafans like a thousand thunderstorms with lightning." —Richard Adams, *Watership Down*
Cards like Thunder Spirit
Thunder Spirit is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that offers players a unique blend of abilities. Drawing comparisons, Serra Avenger also provides an impressive flying and vigilant baseline for a two white and two colorless mana value, but it comes with the restriction of not being able to play it until after your fourth turn. Thunder Spirit, albeit costing one less mana, doesn’t share this limitation and can be deployed earlier for immediate board impact.
Then there is Battle Screech, another similar card in terms of flying capabilities. This sorcery creates not one but two flying creatures with the potential to double that count by using its flashback ability. However, this play requires more tactical groundwork, being a later game strategy compared to the immediate presence Thunder Spirit commands on the battlefield. Lastly, Elite Inquisitor is a worthy comparison with its two mana cost for a vigilant, first strike soldier, but it lacks the fluttering agility of flight that Thunder Spirit exhibits.
Evaluating these cards side by side, Thunder Spirit holds a distinct position for players who value an early, aggressive stance with evasive creatures in their MTG strategies. Its combination of flying and first strike establishes it as a notable combatant amongst its peers.
Cards similar to Thunder Spirit by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thunder Spirit provides a unique combination of flying and first strike, giving you an upper hand in both offense and defense. This can create a dynamic shift in the board state, often forcing your opponent to make unfavorable trades or hold back attacks, effectively granting you a form of card advantage through board superiority.
Resource Acceleration: Although Thunder Spirit itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its modest casting cost means it slots smoothly into your curve, allowing you to maintain momentum in the crucial early to mid-game phases. By applying pressure early on, you can potentially disrupt your opponent’s resource development.
Instant Speed: While Thunder Spirit is a creature and not an instant, its presence on the battlefield can be a constant deterrent to opponents, similar to having instant-speed interaction in hand. Its inherent abilities mean that it can effectively combat creatures with flash or those cast at instant speed, maintaining parity and providing strategic flexibility.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One notable drawback of the Thunder Spirit card is its discard requirement when incorporated into certain strategies or deck builds. This can be quite a downside during gameplay, especially when your hand is already running low on options and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a specific mana cost that includes two white mana and one colorless, Thunder Spirit can restrict deck versatility. This necessity for a strict white mana base may deter some players from including it in multicolored deck variations, where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that demands three mana for a 2/2 flyer, Thunder Spirit may be overshadowed by other creatures that bring more value or utility for the same, or even a lower, mana investment. In a game where tempo and resource management are crucial, this could put players at a slight disadvantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thunder Spirit’s flying and first strike capabilities make it a resilient option for decks that require a robust defense as well as an aggressive offense. Its adaptability across various game phases can be a crucial asset.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with buffs or equipment that accentuate flying or first strike, potentially creating a formidable threat that can be hard to block or engage in combat.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values fast, evasive creatures, Thunder Spirit holds its ground. Its presence on the battlefield can disrupt opponent strategies that are ill-equipped to handle an early flying threat.
How to beat
Thunder Spirit, a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, possesses flying and first strike, making it a reliable attacker or blocker in early phases of the game. However, overcoming this card can be straightforward if approached correctly. One strategy is to utilize spells that can bypass its abilities by not targeting it directly. Wrath of God is an excellent example, as it destroys all creatures and doesn’t allow them to regenerate.
Another tactic is to engage in combat trickery. Since Thunder Spirit has only two toughness, instant spells like Shock or Fatal Push can dispatch it conveniently during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn. Additionally, cards that provide protection from white or grant spells unblockability ensure that your creatures can outmaneuver Thunder Spirit’s defenses, allowing for direct attacks.
Effective sideboarding is also crucial. Incorporating cards that counter flying creatures, such as Windstorm or Plummet, can be a game changer. By anticipating its appearance on the battlefield, you can prepare your deck with the specific measures necessary to neutralize Thunder Spirit’s impact, keeping the field clear for a successful offense.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thunder Spirit MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Magic Online Promos, 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 Spirit 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
Printings
The Thunder Spirit Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Randy Asplund-Faith.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 39 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 229 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | ||
| 3 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 27 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thunder Spirit has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |