Dauntless Survivor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Released | 2020-09-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar Rising |
| Set code | ZNR |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 184 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Rapoza |
Key Takeaways
- Enhances board presence with +1/+1 counters, strengthening creatures subtly for strategic advantages.
- Amplifies synergistic deck themes, particularly those revolving around counter manipulation and growth.
- Though limited by color and mana, it compensates with immediate and lasting board impact.
Text of card
When Dauntless Survivor enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.
"I've got a little surprise for you, beasties! Come and get it!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Dauntless Survivor doesn’t directly let you draw cards, when used as part of a deck strategy, it can effectively tip the scales in your favor. By strengthening your board presence with a +1/+1 counter, this card supplements your overall card efficacy, subtly contributing to a longer-term advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Dauntless Survivor works well in decks that leverage +1/+1 counters, potentially speeding up your game plan. When paired with synergistic mechanics or creatures that grow over time, this card can accelerate your resource development beyond what’s stated on its text, effectively paving the way for more powerful plays in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: While Dauntless Survivor is a creature card that you play at sorcery speed, its ability to immediately impact the board can be compared to instant speed effects. The +1/+1 counter it provides upon entering the battlefield can be crucial in combat scenarios, allowing you to surprise an opponent with a stronger blocker or attacker akin to the instant speed tricks found in MTG.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Dauntless Survivor needs you to play a land or cast a spell with kicker to capitalize on its ability. This may result in undesirable discards when aiming to maximize its potential on the field, especially when your hand is nearing emptiness.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into the green portion of the mana spectrum, its deployment relies on green mana availability. If your deck is straying across multiple colors or is mana strained, the Survivor might languish unwanted in your hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Two mana for a 1/1 creature may seem steep considering other options available in the game. While the inherent +1/+1 counter it grants is a boon, there are instances where more flexible or low-cost creatures could be preferable for an early game strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Dauntless Survivor can be a valuable addition to counter-based decks like +1/+1 strategies, as its ability consistently boosts other creatures on the battlefield or itself upon entry.
Combo Potential: With its ability to add a +1/+1 counter, this card synergizes well with proliferate mechanics or any strategy that leverages counters for larger plays, ramping up the power of your creatures rapidly.
Meta-Relevance: In metas that favor aggressive starts, the Dauntless Survivor offers a bump in creature stats that can make early attacks more formidable or serve as a pivotal piece to enhance board presence in the long game.
How to beat
Dauntless Survivor is a versatile card in Magic: The Gathering that strengthens your battlefield presence with its +1/+1 counter ability when it enters play. This can make it quite a nuisance to deal with if left unchecked, especially if it’s enhancing key creatures in your opponent’s line-up.
To effectively counter Dauntless Survivor, removal spells that target creatures irrespective of their size, like Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can deal with the buffed threat directly. Similarly, utilizing counterspells such as Essence Scatter when Dauntless Survivor is cast negates the problem before it starts. Board wipes also reset the playing field, making them an excellent answer to a table that’s gotten out of control due to the Survivor’s buffing ability.
Remember, while Dauntless Survivor can be a boon for an opponent, it’s the creatures that benefit from its ability that often pose the real jeopardy. Prioritize neutralizing these enhanced threats quickly, and Dauntless Survivor’s impact will be greatly diminished. Approach the game with the right strategy and this card will hardly stand in your way to victory.
Cards like Dauntless Survivor
Dauntless Survivor is an intriguing creature card that finds its place among the ranks of efficient two-cost creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares the battlefield with Kujar Seedsculptor which also gives a boost to a creature’s power. Yet, Dauntless Survivor offers a more flexible buff, enabling a +1/+1 counter on any target creature you control, not just itself. This can be a strategic advantage when buffing creatures with existing synergy or abilities.
Another parallel can be drawn with the card Wildwood Tracker. Both cards are two-mana creatures that can influence the board early on. While Wildwood Tracker has the potential to become stronger as you control more non-human creatures, Dauntless Survivor ensures an immediate and guaranteed impact with its +1/+1 counter – a valuable asset for maintaining momentum in the game. Skyrider Trainee shares a similarity as well, arriving with a possibility of getting a +1/+1 counter, but its dependence on another spell with support to activate makes Dauntless Survivor a more autonomous choice.
Therefore, evaluating the scope of these cards, Dauntless Survivor stands out for its immediate value and versatility, making it a competitive option for players seeking to enhance their creature-based strategies effectively.
Cards similar to Dauntless Survivor by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dauntless Survivor MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Dauntless Survivor and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dauntless Survivor 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dauntless Survivor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-09-25 | Dauntless Survivor can be the target of its own ability. |
