Volcanic Dragon MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 201
1997-05-01 - Number 153
1999-04-21 - Number 214
1999-07-01 - Number 122
2011-07-15 - Number 158
2018-07-13 - Number 167
2018-07-14 - Number 45
2019-07-12 - Number 336
2019-11-07 - Number 1097
2020-08-13 - Number 88
2020-11-20 - Number 207
2020-09-26 - Number M19-167
| Card sets | Released in 12 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying,Haste |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying Volcanic Dragon is unaffected by summoning sickness.
Speed and fire are always a deadly combination.
Cards like Volcanic Dragon
When evaluating the Volcanic Dragon, its position in the echelon of flying, haste creatures within Magic: The Gathering comes into consideration. Shivan Dragon stands as a classic comparison – a formidable flier with the ability to pump its power. Shivan Dragon’s flexibility in battle is similar, yet it lacks the haste which gives Volcanic Dragon an immediate presence on the board. Lightning Shrieker is another relative, offering both flying and haste at a lower mana cost, but it shuffles back into the library, making it less reliable for ongoing threats.
Comparing it further, we have the Skyship Stalker, a dragon which not only flies but can also gain haste each turn at a cost. This gives players the choice of immediate impact similar to Volcanic Dragon, yet with adaptable abilities. On the downside, the Stalker demands additional mana investment which could impact overall tempo. Then there’s Thundermaw Hellkite, a powerhouse with flying and haste that also taps potential blockers. Thundermaw does have a higher casting cost but offers a clear pathway for damage right off the bat.
In summary, while there are numerous flying haste creatures to choose from, the Volcanic Dragon holds its ground in MTG with straightforward aggression and no additional mana costs post-casting, an attribute that resonates well with players aiming for fast-paced, aerial victory.
Cards similar to Volcanic Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Volcanic Dragon’s flying ability often assures it remains uncontested in the air, allowing for consistent damage output and applying pressure that can potentially draw resources away from your opponents as they look for ways to mitigate or remove the threat.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly a tool for resource acceleration, this card can serve as an enforcer in strategies that benefit from having a solid aerial presence. Setting up the board with a Volcanic Dragon can secure the skies, enabling you to focus resources elsewhere with greater confidence.
Instant Speed: Volcanic Dragon benefits from instant speed spells that clear the way or remove potential blockers right before the combat phase. This synergy can create sudden swings in board state and damage output, making the card an impactful play against an unprepared opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bringing the Volcanic Dragon into battle necessitates a significant investment, and if you’re running low on hand options, doing so can put you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast this fierce creature, you need an exact mix of mana types, including a heavier reliance on red mana. This may restrict the card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably produce the necessary resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that leans on the higher end, the Volcanic Dragon demands a substantial portion of your resources. In the fast-paced game environment, where efficiency is key, there might be alternative creatures or spells that offer a better cost-to-impact ratio.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Volcanic Dragon’s ability to grant itself haste allows it to adapt to various game situations. This card can serve as a swift threat in aggressive decks or as a surprise blocker in more controlling strategies.
Combo Potential: The Dragon synergizes with decks that capitalize on its flying ability and speed, possibly combining with cards that benefit from creatures dealing combat damage or entering the battlefield with haste.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where the skies are less defended or slower decks prevail, the Volcanic Dragon’s quick impact can shift the game tempo in your favor and keep your opponents on their heels.
How to beat
Volcanic Dragon, with its haste and flying abilities, is a card that commands attention the moment it hits the board. It allows players to immediately swing for a substantial amount of damage, potentially catching an opponent off guard. Its six mana cost signifies a mid to late-game threat, where it can be a game finisher if not dealt with promptly.
To counter this fiery threat, it’s crucial to have a strategy in place before it takes flight. Removal spells that can target creatures with flying, such as Murder or Doom Blade, are ideal for handling the dragon efficiently. Counterspells also provide a preemptive approach, ensuring that the dragon never even enters the battlefield. Ensnaring Bridge is an excellent artifact that can prevent the dragon from attacking if you have a low hand count.
A well-timed removal or the right defensive setup can mitigate the danger posed by Volcanic Dragon. By keeping your mana open for instant-speed responses or establishing control elements early in the game, you can avoid the volcanic fury that this card is capable of unleashing in MTG. Establishing a board presence with creatures that can block flying threats is another tactic, although dealing with the dragon’s haste ability means that preparation is key. As such, remember to keep your shields up and your response ready to douse its flames.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Volcanic Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Portal, 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 Volcanic Dragon 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 Volcanic Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 12 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 201 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Janine Johnston | |
| 2 | 1997-05-01 | Portal | POR | 153 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Tom Wänerstrand | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 214 | 1997 | Normal | White | Janine Johnston | |
| 4 | 1999-07-01 | Starter 1999 | S99 | 122 | 1997 | Normal | White | Janine Johnston | |
| 5 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 158 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 6 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 167 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 7 | 2018-07-14 | Arena New Player Experience Extras | XANA | 45 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 8 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 336 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 9 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1097 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 10 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 88 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 11 | The List | PLST | M19-167 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | ||
| 12 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 207 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Volcanic Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |