Tidal Kraken MTG Card


Tidal Kraken’s unblockable trait ensures consistent damage in blue-centric strategies. Although mana-intensive, its combo potential and meta relevance can make it a game-changer. Effectively managing Tidal Kraken revolves around spot removal and preemptive counters.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Kraken
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Tidal Kraken is unblockable.

To merfolk, pirates are a nuisance. To pirates, merfolk are a threat. To the kraken, they're both appetizers.


Cards like Tidal Kraken

The Tidal Kraken, with its imposing presence on the battlefield, is often likened to other sea monsters in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with creatures such as Lorthos, the Tidemaker in terms of being a high-cost powerhouse that can dominate the game. However, Tidal Kraken’s unblockable ability gives it a distinct advantage, allowing it to slip past defenses and strike directly at an opponent’s life total.

In the same realm, we find Inkwell Leviathan, an aquatic giant with an array of defensive capabilities, including shroud and trample. However, despite its resilience against targeted spells, it doesn’t possess the innate unblockable trait of the Tidal Kraken. Then there’s Stormtide Leviathan, which not only affects the board with its islandwalk ability but also alters the dynamics of combat, rendering non-flying creatures unable to attack.

Ultimately, the Tidal Kraken stands out in the pantheon of MTG sea monstrosities for its simplicity and direct approach. Being unblockable, it demands immediate answers from opponents, lest they find themselves overwhelmed by its tidal force turn after turn.

Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Inkwell Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tidal Kraken by color, type and mana cost

Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Benthic Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Djinn - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions
Deep Spawn - MTG Card versions
Benthic Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Denizen of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Will - MTG Card versions
Cognivore - MTG Card versions
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Second Sun - MTG Card versions
Scornful Egotist - MTG Card versions
Qumulox - MTG Card versions
Hoverguard Sweepers - MTG Card versions
Greater Morphling - MTG Card versions
Tidespout Tyrant - MTG Card versions
Slipstream Serpent - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Djinn - MTG Card versions
Kederekt Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Stormtide Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Trench Gorger - MTG Card versions
Tidal Force - MTG Card versions
Elder Deep-Fiend - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With the Tidal Kraken, you gain a significant board presence which often requires multiple resources from your opponents to handle, effectively granting you an edge in terms of cards over them.

Resource Acceleration: Although the kraken itself may not provide direct resource acceleration, its sheer presence can deter opponents from playing expensive spells, indirectly accelerating your access to crucial board states.

Instant Speed: While Tidal Kraken doesn’t have instant speed itself, its intimidating presence on the battlefield encourages strategic passing with mana untapped, allowing for instant speed interactions and keeping opponents wary of your potential responses.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: This sea monster doesn’t immediately impact the game on a full hand; however, Tidal Kraken requires no such sacrifice. Instead, its cons lie elsewhere.

Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a hefty sum of blue mana, Tidal Kraken can be challenging to cast outside mono-blue or heavily blue-based decks, potentially limiting its inclusion in a broader range of strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment for summoning this leviathan runs deep, at a significant eight mana. In a game where tempo can determine victory, there are alternatives with lower costs and similar or greater game influence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tidal Kraken’s unblockable nature makes it a formidable inclusion in blue-based control or ramp decks, ensuring consistent damage against opponents without fear of being blocked.

Combo Potential: Its high mana value can be leveraged in decks that capitalize on sea creature synergies or with effects that reduce the cost of creatures, making it a potent force when combined with cards like “Quest for Ula’s Temple” or “Whelming Wave”.

Meta-Relevance: As control decks gain traction in certain MTG metas, Tidal Kraken can serve as a reliable finisher. Its evasion and substantial power provide a clear path to victory against decks that lack direct removal.


How to beat Tidal Kraken

Tidal Kraken, with its imposing presence on the battlefield, can be a daunting card to face in MTG. This sea creature embodies sheer power, given its unblockable nature, making direct confrontations futile. To navigate these treacherous waters, one must employ clever strategies to bypass its intimidating defense.

Spot removal spells are the quintessential solution to this deep-sea titan. Cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can help turn the tide by removing Tidal Kraken before it can dominate the game. Control decks shine in these scenarios, as they come equipped with a variety of ways to handle such threats without entering combat.

Moreover, countering the Kraken upon casting can prevent it from ever becoming an issue. Counter spells such as Mana Leak or Counterspell are your lifelines here, maintaining board control and keeping your opponent’s mana investment from paying off. Engaging in a battle of wits and timing is crucial when addressing such formidable cards as Tidal Kraken in MTG.

Your success against Tidal Kraken relies on preemptive measures and control toolkit prowess. Recognizing when to neutralize the threat and efficiently using resources will ensure that the Kraken’s fearsome reputation remains just a whispered legend at your gaming table.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tidal Kraken MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Eighth Edition, 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 Tidal Kraken and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tidal Kraken Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 1101997NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 108★2003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 1082003NormalWhiteChristopher Moeller
42005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 105★2003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
52005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 1052003NormalWhiteChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tidal Kraken has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal