Zetalpa, Primal Dawn MTG Card
Text of card
Flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, indestructible
The sky takes flight and the earth trembles.
Cards like Zetalpa, Primal Dawn
Zetalpa, Primal Dawn is an imposing creature in MTG that bears striking resemblance to other lofty fliers in terms of command over the skies. Just as Zetalpa boasts an impressive array of abilities including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible, we can look at creatures like Akroma, Angel of Wrath who offers a somewhat similar suite of traits. Akroma also features flying, vigilance, trample, haste, and protection from various spells, yet lacks Double Strike and the indestructible nature of Zetalpa.
Another formidable flying creature to be considered is Baneslayer Angel, renowned for its protection from demons and dragons, in addition to life-link and first strike. While Baneslayer has its merit, it doesn’t provide the same level of resilience or offensive versatility as Zetalpa. Then there’s Gisela, Blade of Goldnight, introducing a unique angle with damage doubling and halving effects, though it isn’t as defensively sound as Zetalpa with the absence of indestructible.
Each of these cards has its role depending on the game situation, but Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands out for its blend of offensive and defensive abilities, carving a niche among high-cost powerhouse creatures in the MTG universe.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Zetalpa, Primal Dawn. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Soulflayer | Pioneer | Soulflayer | Pioneer League 2023-12-26 | |
Atraxa Neoform | Pioneer | Atraxa Neoform | Pioneer League 2023-12-10 | |
WBR | Pioneer | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-24 | ||
Grixis Soulflayer | Pioneer | Soulflayer | UOL MKM Pioneer League | |
Neoform Atraxa | Pioneer | Atraxa Neoform | ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze) | |
Sultai Soulflayer | Pioneer | Atraxa Neoform | The Gathering Showdown Series |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands out by guaranteeing board presence with its exceptional resilience. Featuring abilities like indestructible and flying, this card remains unscathed against most removals, ensuring sustained card advantage on your side of the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: While Zetalpa doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its sheer presence can deter opponents from attacking. By forcing them to deal with it, you can focus your resources elsewhere, effectively accelerating your game plan while Zetalpa holds the fort.
Instant Speed: Although Zetalpa operates at sorcery speed, its keywords like double strike and vigilance place opponents in a predicament, having to consider the massive damage potential and constant readiness to defend. Zetalpa influences the pace and decisions in the game, making it a considerable strategic advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Not applicable to Zetalpa, Primal Dawn as it does not require you to discard cards upon casting.
Specific Mana Cost: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn demands a hefty amount of two white mana in its total cost, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks heavily invested in white mana sources or those capable of heavy mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding eight mana to summon, Zetalpa, Primal Dawn’s cost is on the higher end of the spectrum, which makes it less accessible in the early to mid-game and can be a significant drawback in faster, more aggressive matches.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zetalpa, Primal Dawn can adapt to various deck strategies due to its sturdy defenses and ability to deal considerable damage. It’s a formidable addition to control decks that require powerful finishers as well as any deck that can benefit from a resilient flyer.
Combo Potential: With its suite of keywords including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible, Zetalpa can be at the heart of devastating combos. It pairs excellently with aura and equipment cards that elevate its combat prowess or utilize its indestructibility.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that heavily features creature-based strategies, Zetalpa can be a game-changer. Its indestructibility allows it to endure board wipes and removal, making it a persistent threat against a wide range of opponents.
How to beat Zetalpa, Primal Dawn
Zetalpa, Primal Dawn stands as a formidable creature card in Magic: The Gathering, boasting an impressive array of abilities, including flying, double strike, vigilance, trample, and indestructible. This Elder Dinosaur can be a real headache for opponents due to its resilience and potential for high damage output. Handling Zetalpa requires strategic planning and the right card choices.
One effective strategy is to utilize spells and abilities that sidestep its indestructible nature. Board sweepers that change the rules of engagement, such as Settle the Wreckage, circumvent traditional destruction and exile Zetalpa directly from play. Alternatively, reducing Zetalpa’s power to zero, with cards like Languish or a -1/-1 counter strategy, can lead to its demise as state-based actions do not see it as indestructible. Engaging enchantments can also come into play by neutralizing its abilities, though these must be handled with caution due to Zetalpa’s potent offense.
Understanding Zetalpa’s strengths and weaknesses is key. Once a plan is in place, even the mightiest of creatures can be overcome in the ever-evolving battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. Timely reactions and knowing when to hold back or confront this prehistoric powerhouse can assure victory.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering MTG is like assembling a puzzle where each card is a piece that can significantly alter the outcome. Zetalpa, Primal Dawn is one of those unique pieces that redefine board states with its combination of offensive might and defensive fortitude. Its array of keywords pushes opponents to think twice, adding a layer of depth to every match. If you’re looking to add strength to your deck or simply admire the elegant complexity of MTG’s diverse ecosystem, Zetalpa deserves consideration. For more insights and strategies that can sharpen your gameplay, keep following BurnMana’s guidance – your compass in the MTG universe.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zetalpa, Primal Dawn MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and Commander 2019, 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 Zetalpa, Primal Dawn 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 Zetalpa, Primal Dawn Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Chris Rallis.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2018-01-19 | Rivals of Ixalan | RIX | 30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
2 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 79 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
3 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 15 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
4 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 107 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
5 | The List | PLST | RIX-30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | ||
6 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 112 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
7 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United Commander | DMC | 108 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
8 | 2023-05-08 | From Cute to Brute | PCTB | 8 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
9 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 71 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
10 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 478 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | |
11 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander | LCC | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zetalpa, Primal Dawn has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Zetalpa, Primal Dawn card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2018-01-19 | If an attacking creature with double strike and trample destroys all of its blocking creatures with first-strike combat damage, all of its normal combat damage is assigned to the player or planeswalker that creature's attacking. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.