Zenith Chronicler MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Construct |
Power | 3 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever a player casts their first multicolored spell each turn, each other player draws a card.
It watches through the never-ending day, motionless save for the unsettling, twitching dance it performs as each sun reaches its apex.
Cards like Zenith Chronicler
The allure of Zenith Chronicler lies in its capacity to meld graveyard recursion with card advantage. This creature card echoes the dynamics seen in other blue spells like Archaeomancer, both aiming to retrieve instant or sorcery cards from the graveyard to your hand. However, Zenith Chronicler allows a direct play on those spells, which elevates its strategic merit in MTG decks focused on spell-casting.
Comparing it further, Mnemonic Wall comes to mind, another creature with a similar return-to-hand ability, yet it lacks the outright playability that Zenith Chronicler offers. This playability grants a smoother and swifter flow to cycling spells within a game. Then there’s Salvager of Secrets, a creature card with a synergy that aligns closely to Zenith Chronicler, but still, it doesn’t permit the immediate casting that can potentially turn the tides of a match.
In assessing these options, it’s evident that Zenith Chronicler holds a valued spot due to not just recuperating valuable spells, but allowing players to seamlessly weave them back into gameplay, a potent feature that’s quite rare in the realm of blue creatures.
Cards similar to Zenith Chronicler by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Zenith Chronicler. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rakdos Aggro | Standard | Rakdos Aggro | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zenith Chronicler offers you the upper hand with its ability to sift through the deck swiftly, ensuring that you’re not just getting any card, but the right card for the situation at hand. This kind of card selection often leads to a significant advantage over your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: As a gameplay mechanic, Zenith Chronicler can give you a notable boost in resources. Whether it’s by potentially untapping lands or providing alternative means of leveraging your mana, this card keeps you steps ahead, keeping the pressure on the adversary while bolstering your strategic position.
Instant Speed: The flexibility that Zenith Chronicler brings to the table as an instant cannot be overstated. This speed permits reactive gameplay, allowing you to adapt to the unfolding match. Play it during your opponent’s turn to maximize efficiency or as a surprise maneuver that could potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Zenith Chronicler demands a card be discarded to utilize its ability. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially in tight situations where every card in hand is pivotal for maintaining momentum in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes both generic and colored mana, necessitating a precise mana base to play it effectively. It requires a specific combination of mana types, which could make it a less versatile option for decks that don’t generate those mana types consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While offering insightful card draw capabilities, Zenith Chronicler’s mana cost is on the higher end. Players may find the investment too steep when alternatives are available that provide similar benefits without the steep resource commitment.
Reasons to Include Zenith Chronicler in Your Collection
Versatility: Zenith Chronicler offers flexibility to players, being able to adapt to various deck styles and game scenarios. With its capabilities in either drawing cards or returning spells from the graveyard, it meets multiple needs that arise during gameplay.
Combo Potential: This card can become a pivotal piece in powerful combos. Its ability to retrieve instant or sorcery cards from your graveyard not only lets you reuse valuable spells but also synergizes with strategies that capitalize on spell casting or graveyard manipulation.
Meta-Relevance: Zenith Chronicler remains pertinent in evolving metagames. As control and combo decks ebb and flow within popularity, this card is consistently useful for maintaining hand advantage and executing game-winning strategies regardless of the prevailing trends.
How to beat
Zenith Chronicler offers players in Magic: The Gathering a strategic advantage with its cascade mechanic, allowing you to potentially cast spells for free from your library. To effectively counter this card, timing is key. Playing instant-speed removal when the Chronicler is on the stack will prevent the cascade trigger from occurring, as cascade only happens when the creature spell resolves. Cards with split second, such as Krosan Grip or Sudden Death, can be particularly effective as they prevent any responses from your opponent.
Another strategy is to manipulate the library directly, making the cascade less beneficial. Effects like Lantern of Insight combined with Codex Shredder or Field of Ruin can remove potentially dangerous spells from the top of your opponent’s library before Zenith Chronicler’s ability resolves. Additionally, hand disruption tactics can force the opponent to discard Zenith Chronicler before it’s ever cast, with cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek. Keeping the battlefield clear of other creatures also makes it less tempting for your opponent to play a creature that primarily serves to trigger cascade.
Ultimately, while Zenith Chronicler holds potential for explosive plays, a gameplay approach that prioritizes control and disruption can successfully undermine Zenith Chronicler’s impact on the game.
BurnMana Recommendations
Diving into the MTG realm enhances your play with cards like Zenith Chronicler, a card that’s as much about strategic depth as it is about finesse. Whether you aim to optimize your deck with its card selection advantage, ramp up your resources, or surprise opponents with instant speed plays, the Chronicler is a significant boost to any collection. However, be mindful of the trade-offs in terms of discard requirements and mana cost. Keep evolving your approach by incorporating cards that challenge current metagames, ensure you maintain card advantage, and seamlessly adapt combos for victory. Elevate your deck’s capability with Zenith Chronicler and stay a step ahead in the ever-changing landscape of MTG. Discover more strategies and card insights with us, and harness the full potential of your MTG arsenal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zenith Chronicler MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos, 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 Zenith Chronicler 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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Printings
The Zenith Chronicler Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by Johann Bodin.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 246 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
2 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 246s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
3 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Promos | PONE | 246p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
4 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 399 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zenith Chronicler has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |