Unyaro Griffin MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 44
1999-04-21 - Number 49
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Griffin |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying Sacrifice Unyaro Griffin: Counter target red spell that assigns damage to you or a creature you control. Play this ability as an interrupt.
The griffin's shadow gives courage to the righteous and dread to the idle.
Cards like Unyaro Griffin
Unyaro Griffin stands out in the arena of flying creatures in MTG. This card shares some similarities with Serra Angel, both featuring the crucial ability to fly over ground-based defenses. However, Unyaro Griffin offers a unique blend of utility and defense with its ability to be sacrificed for a burst of anti-artifact action. In contrast, Serra Angel lacks this function but offers vigilance, allowing it to attack without tapping.
Another feathered peer in the MTG universe is Stormfront Pegasus, a lightweight flyer available for less mana. The Pegasus is speedier to the battlefield but doesn’t provide the same utility against artifacts. On the higher end of the spectrum resides the graceful Baneslayer Angel, which not only flies but boasts first strike and lifelink. Although more powerful, the Baneslayer Angel demands a substantial investment of mana compared to the more modestly costed Unyaro Griffin.
Surveying this aerial assortment, we see how Unyaro Griffin occupies a niche as a versatile flying creature. It may not have the outright power of some alternatives, but its destructive potential against artifacts ensures it a place in decks that value flexibility and tactical artifact disruption.
Cards similar to Unyaro Griffin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The ability of Unyaro Griffin to fly over most ground-based defenses can indirectly contribute to card advantage by allowing for consistent damage each turn and forcing opponents to address its presence on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Although Unyaro Griffin doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense of providing additional mana or reducing costs, its moderate casting cost makes it an accessible choice for a mid-game flying presence, maintaining a balanced mana curve.
Instant Speed: Unyaro Griffin’s activation ability can be used at instant speed, offering the strategic advantage of surprise and the ability to effectively counter strategies reliant on targeted spells or abilities, possibly saving the Griffin or other key creatures in pivotal moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unyaro Griffin commands you to discard another card to leverage its flying ability. This can deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options as the match progresses. Especially during tight situations, where each card in hand counts, the discard requirement can be a significant drawback.
Specific Mana Cost: With its casting cost including two white mana symbols, the Griffin slots into a narrow range of decks, primarily those heavily invested in white mana. This specificity can cause difficulties in mana fixing for multi-colored decks, reducing its versatility across various play styles.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a converted mana cost of four, including two white mana, Unyaro Griffin might not be the most mana-efficient creature on the board. When compared to other creatures at the same mana cost, it may underperform in terms of power or resilience, potentially making it a less attractive choice for those crucial mid-game turns.
Reasons to Include Unyaro Griffin in Your Collection
Versatility: The Unyaro Griffin boasts an adaptable presence on the battlefield. Its flying ability allows it to serve as both a defensive blocker and an aggressive attacker, making it a flexible addition to any deck that values aerial capability.
Combo Potential: This card’s activated ability, which can prevent spells from targeting it, opens up intricate combo possibilities. It pairs well with enchantments or equipment that leverage its inherent abilities, enhancing both its survival and impact in gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to dodge targeted spells, Unyaro Griffin can be particularly relevant in metas where control decks with ample removal are prevalent. In such environments, its evasive and protective traits make it a strategically sound choice for maintaining board presence.
How to beat
Unyaro Griffin, a creature card from Magic: The Gathering, presents a tactical challenge with its flying ability and the option to gain protection from red until the end of turn. This latter ability can be activated when you have open mana, making it a formidable foe against red spells and creatures that could potentially remove it from the battlefield. However, overcoming the Unyaro Griffin is about understanding its weaknesses and predicting your opponent’s moves.
Cards that allow for creature removal without targeting, like board wipes such as Supreme Verdict or Wrath of God, can bypass the Griffin’s protection ability. Alternatively, utilizing combat tricks or creatures with reach can help control the Griffin before the protection ability is activated, ensuring it doesn’t become an aerial threat. It’s also crucial to manage your resources efficiently and keep pressure on your opponent to restrict their available mana, making it harder for them to use the Griffin’s ability to its full potential. By thinking strategically and staying one step ahead, you can navigate around the challenges Unyaro Griffin poses.
When it’s all said and done, the Unyaro Griffin can be a roadblock, but with a solid strategy and a calm approach to resource management, you can fly past this obstacle and advance towards victory in your Magic: The Gathering duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unyaro Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Classic Sixth 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 Unyaro Griffin 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 Unyaro Griffin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Al Davidson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 44 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Al Davidson | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 49 | 1997 | Normal | White | Al Davidson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unyaro Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |