Thunderhead Squadron MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 6 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Human Knight |
Abilities | Convoke,Flying |
Released | 2023-04-21 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | March of the Machine |
Set code | MOM |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 4 |
Number | 81 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | PINDURSKI |
Text of card
Convoke (Your creatures can help cast this spell. Each creature you tap while casting this spell pays for or one mana of that creature's color.) Flying
Just as all seemed lost, the griffin riders of Zhalfir arrived with the force of a gathered storm.
Cards like Thunderhead Squadron
Thunderhead Squadron is an alluring card that captures the interest of Magic: The Gathering players who enjoy token strategies. When looking for parallels, Squadron Hawk immediately comes to mind as it also operates on a creature retrieval mechanic – albeit with a focus on fetching copies of itself from your library instead of generating token creatures on the battlefield like Thunderhead Squadron.
Another related card is Captain’s Call, which is straightforward in its approach, creating three 1/1 white Soldier creature tokens at sorcery speed much like the Squadron, sans the retrieval component. Conversely, the Squadron offers a more dynamic battlefield presence, with the potential to scale its power by utilizing cards from the graveyard. Similarly, Mogg War Marshal enters the fray as a goblin token generator, providing a similar but lower cost token-producing alternative that can set the stage for aggressive plays early on in the game.
Assessing the broader scope of token-generating cards within MTG, Thunderhead Squadron finds its niche with the capacity to replenish creature tokens and fortify player strategies over time, ensuring ongoing tactical advantages for those employing creature-heavy decks.
Cards similar to Thunderhead Squadron by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Thunderhead Squadron has the potential to create substantial card advantage by consistently generating flying creature tokens that apply pressure on the opponent, potentially forcing them to exhaust their resources to handle these threats.
Resource Acceleration: Through its creature token creation, this card indirectly contributes to resource acceleration as it allows players to maintain a board presence without expending cards from their hand, saving those resources for pivotal moments.
Instant Speed: While Thunderhead Squadron itself may not be an instant, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells by offering a fleet of flying tokens that can benefit from surprise buffs or reactive spells during the opponent’s turn, enhancing its strategic impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One limitation of Thunderhead Squadron is the discard requirement to activate certain abilities. Players may find this challenging, especially when their hand is already depleted from previous plays, reducing strategic flexibility.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific mana cost that includes blue and white mana, which may not seamlessly fit into all deck types. Players running mono-color decks or those without a strong mana base might struggle to incorporate it effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Thunderhead Squadron has a relatively high mana cost. For four mana, players may expect a more impactful board presence or game-changing effect. Its cost efficiency may be questioned when compared with other cards in the same mana range offering potentially greater utility or power.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thunderhead Squadron offers flexibility as it serves multiple purposes within a deck. Its ability to generate flying tokens makes it a suitable choice for decks aiming to control the skies or bolster defenses against air attacks.
Combo Potential: This card’s synergy with mechanics that capitalize on token generation or effects triggered by creatures entering the battlefield can be quite powerful. Pairing it with cards that buff flying creatures can escalate its impact on the game.
Meta-Relevance: With many decks in the current meta focusing on creature-based strategies, Thunderhead Squadron can act as both a valuable defensive measure and a means to apply offensive pressure from the air, positioning it as a viable choice for those looking to adapt and compete effectively.
How to beat
The Thunderhead Squadron card presents a formidable force in MTG, arriving as a vigilance and trample combo that can overwhelm opponents. To counteract this, incorporating removal spells that can target multiple creatures, like Wrath of God or Damnation, offers a swift solution to clear the battlefield. Flexibility through instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can also dismantle the Squadron before they have a chance to manifest their power.
Another strategy involves limiting the card’s impact through enchantments or artifacts that restrain all creatures’ abilities, such as Cursed Totem or Linvala, Keeper of Silence. Players might also employ counterspells to prevent the Squadron from hitting the board in the first place. Cards like Mana Leak or Negate are efficient ways to intercept and neutralize potential threats early on.
Succeeding against the Thunderhead Squadron demands precision and timely responses. Maintaining a balance between proactive and reactive plays aids in controlling the pace and tipping the scales in your favor. When preparing to face this powerful card, keep a sharp eye and a roster of versatile answers to ensure dominance on the MTG battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thunderhead Squadron MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Thunderhead Squadron 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 Thunderhead Squadron has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |