Windrider Patrol MTG Card
2015-10-02 - Number 89
2022-12-02 - Number 373
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard |
| Abilities | Flying,Scry |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying Whenever Windrider Patrol deals combat damage to a player, scry 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)
Cards like Windrider Patrol
Windrider Patrol carves its niche in the world of MTG as a creature card that offers rewards for player aggression. This card shares similarities with the likes of Air Elemental, both creatures boasting a formidable presence in the skies. While Air Elemental establishes a stable 4/4 flying creature on the board, it does not provide the card advantage that Windrider Patrol does upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Another card to consider is Stormchaser Chimera. This creature also invites a proactive playstyle, offering scry benefits without depending on combat damage to activate. However, Windrider Patrol surpasses it in raw power and toughness, thus potentially yielding a higher reward through card draws. Lastly, Sphinx of Magosi stands as a comparable giant flyer, which not only provides card draw but also allows for player control when to trigger this ability, unlike the automatic trigger of Windrider Patrol’s ability after damage dealt.
Assessing these creatures against each other, Windrider Patrol holds a spot for players seeking to blend aerial dominance with a strategy of constant card advantage, and when combined with evasion buffs, this card can indeed become a persistent threat in the air.
Cards similar to Windrider Patrol by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Windrider Patrol has a compelling ability that allows you to scry 2 and then draw a card every time it deals combat damage to a player. This mechanic not only keeps your hand replenished but also gives you greater control over your upcoming draws. This consistent card filtering can be a key factor in outmaneuvering your opponent and maintaining the upper hand throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: Although Windrider Patrol itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration in the traditional sense, the card advantage it offers can lead to drawing into more land cards or mana-generating spells. This advantage indirectly accelerates your resource development, enabling you to deploy threats more quickly and efficiently than your opponent.
Instant Speed: While Windrider Patrol’s abilities don’t operate at instant speed, the card plays a strategic role in decks that value the capability to cast spells during the opponent’s turn. Its mere presence on the battlefield can deter attacks, effectively protecting your life total while you wait to unleash instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s moves, making Windrider Patrol an essential component in a well-rounded, control-oriented strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Windrider Patrol does not have a discard requirement, players focusing on optimizing their deck might want to consider the synergy between cards, the hand-size upon casting, and the overall strategy that ensures a high-value play from each card.
Specific Mana Cost: Windrider Patrol requires both blue mana and a higher total mana to cast, which can be challenging for decks that are not dedicated to providing the necessary mana base, especially in the early game where tempo is crucial.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, including two blue, Windrider Patrol could be a heavy investment in decks that demand a faster pace or those that could benefit from alternative creatures or spells with a lower mana commitment for a similar or greater impact on the game.
Reasons to Include Windrider Patrol in Your Collection
Versatility: Windrider Patrol offers a unique blend of aerial power and card selection, suiting decks that capitalize on flying creatures or seek to maintain card advantage over opponents.
Combo Potential: As a creature that triggers upon dealing combat damage to a player, Windrider Patrol pairs well with cards that manipulate the top of your library, setting up for impactful draws and synergizing with scry mechanics for a smoother gameplay experience.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where the skies are less contested, Windrider Patrol can be a formidable threat. It’s particularly potent in environments where evasive creatures can turn the tide of battle and consistently connect with opponents, making it a valuable addition in such a meta.
How to beat
Windrider Patrol is a formidable blue creature card in Magic: The Gathering that many players find challenging. It boasts flying, which allows it to soar over ground defenses, and a rewarding ability that lets you scry 2 whenever it deals combat damage to a player, setting up your next draws. However, like all cards, it has its weaknesses that can be exploited.
To counter Windrider Patrol effectively, consider using removal spells that can target flying creatures or spells that don’t specify a target type, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile. Cards that can provide reach or also have flying give you a means to block Windrider Patrol and prevent it from dealing combat damage. Enchantment-based removals, like Pacifism, can neutralize it without triggering any potential counterspells. If you prefer a more subtle approach, playing instant-speed spells on your opponent’s turn can disrupt their strategy and possibly remove the Patrol before it becomes an active threat. While Windrider Patrol has potential for card advantage, a well-timed removal or blocker can easily turn the tides in your favor.
Lastly, always aim to maintain board control. If you let a Windrider Patrol go unchecked, it can quickly lead to a disadvantage. By staying ahead of the game and using the right answers at the right time, you’ll be able to mitigate the impact of Windrider Patrol and secure your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Windrider Patrol MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Windrider Patrol and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Windrider Patrol Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-10-02 | Battle for Zendikar | BFZ | 89 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 373 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Windrider Patrol has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |