Zada's Commando MTG Card
2016-01-22 - Number 120
2019-11-07 - Number 1106
2020-09-26 - Number OGW-120
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Goblin Archer Ally |
| Abilities | Cohort,First strike |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
First strike Cohort — , Tap an untapped Ally you control: Zada's Commando deals 1 damage to target opponent.
"There's a word for someone who brings too much gear to battle: 'survivor.'" —Zada of Slab Haven
Cards like Zada's Commando
Zada’s Commando is an intriguing card in the MTG realm, an ally that stands out in decks centered on ally synergy and direct damage. With its innate ability to ping opponents when partnered with cohort allies, it draws parallels to cards such as Guttersnipe, a creature that deals damage to each opponent whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell. Both cards capitalize on repeated, non-combat damage to opponents, albeit through different triggers.
Visibility into cards like Thermo-Alchemist is also necessary, as it shares the capacity for repeated damage but is triggered by casting instant or sorcery spells, a different path from Zada’s Commando’s cohort-based mechanic. However, it offers a more stable and consistent damage output. Comparatively, Zada’s Commando requires a network of allies to unlock its full potential, a dependency that can either be a strength or limitation based on the deck’s construction. Lastly, Firebrand Archer, which damages each opponent when you cast a noncreature spell, echoes this ping strategy and serves as a versatile fit for any deck looking to damage opponents outside combat.
Within the dynamics of MTG, Zada’s Commando has its niche. It provides a distinct role in ally strategies, marrying the themes of creature synergies and direct damage in a blend that is both unique and specialized.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zada’s Commando stands out with its cohort ability, allowing the pairing with another Ally to deal damage directly to an opponent. This not only thins out the opponent’s life total but also synergizes with cards that benefit from Allies entering the battlefield or activating cohort abilities, effectively maximizing the value of each card played.
Resource Acceleration: Although Zada’s Commando itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, its low mana cost makes it an efficient play early in the game. Its synergy with other cards can speed up the game’s pace by pressuring the opponent and forcing them to deal with the threats you’re presenting much sooner than they might like.
Instant Speed: While the Commando’s cohort ability isn’t an instant, its first strike capability allows it to serve as a formidable defender during combat. This means you can play tactically in your turn and still leave Zada’s Commando ready to react during your opponent’s turn, maintaining a strong board presence and control.
Card Cons
Replacement Vulnerability: Zada’s Commando requires another Ally on the battlefield to activate its cohort ability, making it susceptible to removal tactics that can negate its utility.
Specific Mana Cost: Zada’s Commando necessitates a precise red mana in its casting cost, which can sometimes be prohibitive in multicolored decks that struggle with mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing two mana isn’t exorbitant, for a 2/1 creature, its stats are slightly underwhelming, considering the plethora of other two-drop creatures that could potentially offer more impact upon entering the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Zada’s Commando in Your Collection
Versatility: Zada’s Commando can be a solid inclusion in aggressive red decks, offering consistent damage output with its tap ability. It’s notably effective in formats where games are swift and every point of damage counts.
Combo Potential: The card synergizes well with effects that untap creatures, allowing you to potentially dish out multiple points of damage in a single turn. It also pairs well with cards that create token copies of creatures for a potentially overwhelming strike force.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small, quick creatures are key, Zada’s Commando stands out. Its cohort ability can apply pressure on your opponent early in the game, which can be critical in a fast-paced match-up.
How to Beat
Zada’s Commando stands out in Magic the Gathering as a noteworthy ally creature, bringing both direct damage and ally synergy to the battlefield. When considering a strategy to surpass this goblin archer, it’s crucial to address its cohort ability which can consistently ping your life total each turn.
To gain the upper hand, focus on removal that can manage multiple creatures as Zada’s Commando is often accompanied by allies. Spells like Radiant Flames or Blazing Volley can effectively clear the board of multiple creatures at once, ensuring that Zada’s Commando loses its cohort potential. Additionally, having instant-speed interaction allows you to disrupt the cohort ability before it causes damage, tipping the scales in your favor during crucial moments of the game.
If the board is clear of other allies, spot removal spells such as Fatal Push or Shock are efficient ways to remove Zada’s Commando without expending key resources. These options provide a one-for-one answer, halting any immediate damage and preventing further ally triggers. Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to thwart Zada’s Commando’s tactical advantage in your next MTG game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zada's Commando MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch and Mystery Booster, 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 Zada's Commando 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
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Printings
The Zada's Commando Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-01-22 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Zack Stella.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-01-22 | Oath of the Gatewatch | OGW | 120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1106 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | OGW-120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zada's Commando has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Zada's Commando card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-01-22 | To activate a cohort ability, the Ally with that ability must have been under your control continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn. Informally, it can’t have “summoning sickness.” However, the other Ally you tap can be one that just came under your control. (Note that tapping the second Ally doesn’t use -he tap symbol].) |