Xira, the Golden Sting MTG Card


Xira the Golden Sting offers consistent card advantage, increasing strategic options each turn. Its ability for resource acceleration and instant speed reactions provides distinct tactical benefits. However, its discard requirement and specific mana costs are notable drawbacks to consider.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Insect Assassin
Abilities Flying,Haste
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying, haste Whenever Xira, the Golden Sting attacks, put an egg counter on another target creature without an egg counter on it. When that creature dies, if it has an egg counter on it, draw a card and create a 1/1 black Insect creature token with flying.


Cards like Xira, the Golden Sting

Xira the Golden Sting weaves its way into the MTG multiverse as an intriguing creature offering both utility and strategy for players. Analogous to Xira Arien, it brings creature-based card draw to the table, but with a stronger board impact. Xira Arien, the classic legend from the Legends set, allows you to pay three mana and tap it to draw a card, with a slightly less challenging mana cost since it does not require red mana.

Delving into creatures like Baleful Strix presents a comparison where card draw comes attached to a creature with deathtouch and flying; however, whilst Baleful Strix provides immediate value on the etb (enter the battlefield), it lacks Xira the Golden Sting’s ongoing draw potential. Edric, Spymaster of Trest offers a different approach, rewarding you with card draw for dealing combat damage to opponents, incentivizing an aggressive playstyle that pairs nicely with numerous creatures.

Evaluating these creatures emphasizes the unique blend Xira the Golden Sting provides in MTG – a formidable combination of direct card advantage and board presence. The card’s design fulfills a role that strikes a balance between immediate value and long-term advantage, situating it smartly within the ecosystem of creature-based card draw options.

Xira Arien - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions
Xira Arien - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Edric, Spymaster of Trest - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Xira, the Golden Sting. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BRGBRG VintageVintage League 2024-03-17

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Xira the Golden Sting puts you in a favorable position by allowing you to draw extra cards, thus feeding into your strategic depth. It’s an exceptional way to outpace your opponents by having more options each turn.

Resource Acceleration: The ability of Xira the Golden Sting to offer resource acceleration cannot be overstated. Earning additional mana through various in-game mechanisms ensures that you can deploy threats or answers quicker than your adversary.

Instant Speed: The versatility provided by instant speed cards like Xira the Golden Sting is a game-changer. Reacting to the flow of the game on the fly and making decisions at the most opportune moment keeps opponents on their toes and can shift the tide of the match in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Xira the Golden Sting necessitates discarding another card to activate its abilities, potentially depleting your hand when you might need those cards for other strategies or defenses.

Specific Mana Cost: The activation of Xira’s abilities requires a mix of specific mana types, which may not always be readily available, depending on the deck’s mana base or the current board state.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the full cost of getting Xira the Golden Sting into play and utilizing its ability, you might find yourself spending a significant amount of mana that could be directed towards other impactful plays at that stage of the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Xira the Golden Sting offers strategic flexibility for deck builders. It’s able to seamlessly integrate into various deck types, acting as both a creature and a reliable source of card draw. This dual aspect ensures that it serves multiple roles during gameplay.

Combo Potential: Xira the Golden Sting can be a key component in combo decks. Its ability to draw cards can help assemble combo pieces more consistently, while also providing a creature on the board that can contribute to combat or be sacrificed if necessary for additional effects.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-changing MTG environment, it’s crucial to have cards that hold their value in diverse metagames. Xira the Golden Sting’s ability to draw cards is always relevant, especially in formats where grinding out advantages can determine the winner of a match.


How to beat

Xira the Golden Sting weaves her magic in a unique way within the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering. This card may seem intimidating with its ability to draw an additional card at the beginning of your upkeep for just one life. Unlike other cards such as Phyrexian Arena, Xira doesn’t fix you to a color scheme and offers flexibility in multicolor decks.

To counter this golden sting, consider utilizing removal spells to prevent Xira from gaining traction. Cards like Path to Exile or Assassinate not only disrupt the opponent’s gameplay but also remove the potential card advantage threat posed. It’s critical to have a strategy that addresses threats quickly because her ability can provide a consistent stream of card advantage over time. Additionally, running instant-speed interaction ensures you can respond during your opponent’s turn, minimizing the benefits they reap from Xira’s card drawing ability.

Ultimately, maintaining board control and being proactive with threat assessment are key to overcoming the advantages that a card like Xira the Golden Sting could grant an opponent.


BurnMana Recommendations

With the dynamic abilities of Xira the Golden Sting, players are invited to explore its potential to draw additional cards and accelerate resources in-game. While the card presents a considerable mana investment and specific requirements, the strategic depth it introduces to a match is undeniable. In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of MTG, it’s essential to consider cards that can adapt and sustain value across various metagames. If Xira the Golden Sting has piqued your interest, or if you’re looking to refine your deck’s performance with versatile and combo-friendly cards, delve deeper with us. Uncover new strategies, optimal plays, and ensure your deck is equipped to handle the competition. Join the BurnMana community to enhance your MTG experience and expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Xira, the Golden Sting MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United Commander and Dominaria United Commander, 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 Xira, the Golden Sting and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Xira, the Golden Sting Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Mila Pesic.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 482015NormalBlackMila Pesic
22022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 702015NormalBlackMila Pesic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Xira, the Golden Sting has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Xira, the Golden Sting card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-09-09 The delayed triggered ability created as Xira’s ability resolves will trigger even if Xira is no longer on the battlefield when that creature dies.