Waterfall Aerialist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Djinn Wizard |
| Abilities | Flying,Ward |
| Released | 2021-04-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Strixhaven: School of Mages |
| Set code | STX |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 61 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lie Setiawan |
Text of card
Flying Ward (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .)
Form and function in perfect unity.
Cards like Waterfall Aerialist
Waterfall Aerialist steps into the world of MTG as an intriguing creature card for deckbuilders aiming to enhance their gameplay with a dash of evasiveness and combat flexibility. This particular aerialist shares traits with cards like Spire Owl and Cloudkin Seer in terms of granting players a creature with flying capabilities. All three cards have an immediate impact on the board state upon entering the battlefield, providing a player with the upper hand in air control.
The key distinction between Waterfall Aerialist and its counterparts is its unique Ward ability, requiring opponents to pay an additional cost to target it, which is quite protective compared to the simpler designs of Spire Owl and Cloudkin Seer. Moreover, Waterfall Aerialist allows players to venture into the dungeon, a newer mechanic that brings a progressive advantage through different stages, something that neither Spire Owl nor Cloudkin Seer offer. The Dungeon mechanism can shape the trajectory of the match in subtle yet profound ways as the game advances.
Therefore, while each card has its merits within aerial strategies in MTG, Waterfall Aerialist presents a compelling option for players seeking a blend of aerial threat, incremental advantages from dungeon exploring, and resilience against targeted spells or abilities. Its intricate potential makes it a worthy consideration for deck builders looking to dominate the skies.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Waterfall Aerialist, you have the opportunity to consistently draw a card each time you meet its condition of having eight or more cards in hand. It empowers your game by maintaining a full grip, giving you plenty of options to outmaneuver your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Waterfall Aerialist plays a pivotal role in resource acceleration by potentially providing an additional land play on each of your turns. This consistent land drop can be critical in outpacing your opposition and deploying threats or answers ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: Although Waterfall Aerialist itself isn’t an instant, its inherent flexibility meshes well with instant-speed plays. By enabling you to play an additional land during your turn, it frees up mana to leverage instant-speed interactions, ensuring you’re maximizing efficiency every step of the way.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Waterfall Aerialist necessitates discarding a card to trigger its cascade feature, which could be a setback if your hand is already sparse.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost requires both blue and generic mana, potentially restricting its integration into multi-color decks that might not always have the right mana available.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s on the higher side for its abilities, it faces stiff competition from other creatures that might bring more value or have lower mana requisites for similar effects.
Reasons to Include Waterfall Aerialist in Your Collection
Versatility: Waterfall Aerialist brings a unique blend of aerial threat and adaptability to the table. With flying, it bypasses ground defenses, and its Ward ability helps it remain on the battlefield against targeted removal, making it a dependable card in a variety of blue-focused decks.
Combo Potential: Within combos, this card shines by synergizing with spells and abilities that care about flying creatures. It easily slots into strategies that capitalize on evasive combatants, enhancing both offensive and defensive gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given that evasive creatures are always a reliable inclusion in many competitive formats, Waterfall Aerialist competes well in environments where controlling the skies is paramount. Its resilience against targeted spells ensures it remains a relevant choice in a constantly evolving meta.
How to beat
Mastering the art of gameplay in Magic: The Gathering often involves knowing your opponent’s cards as well as your own. A prime example is the challenge presented by the Waterfall Aerialist. Its distinct prowess mechanically allows it to grow stronger with every noncreature spell cast. A straightforward strategy to counteract its strength is to minimize the number of noncreature spells you play.
Alternatively, incorporating removal spells into your deck can efficiently neutralize the Waterfall Aerialist before it becomes a significant threat. Opt for cards with targeted creature removal or those that can bypass its ward ability, reducing the resource advantage your opponent might gain. Combat tricks that grant additional power or toughness during battle can also turn the tide against the Aerialist without having to resort to noncreature spells.
Finally, keeping a good balance of creatures in your deck not only strengthens your position but also maintains pressure on the board, curtailing the Aerialist’s opportunity to capitalize on its prowess. Hence, a well-rounded approach, emphasizing creature play and strategic removal, stands as your best defense in outplaying the Waterfall Aerialist.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Waterfall Aerialist MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Waterfall Aerialist 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Waterfall Aerialist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Waterfall Aerialist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-04-16 | If a player casts a spell that targets multiple permanents their opponent controls with ward, each of those ward abilities will trigger. If that player doesn’t pay for all of them, the spell will be countered. |