Ziatora, the Incinerator MTG Card
2022-04-29 - Number 231p
2022-04-29 - Number 231
2022-04-29 - Number 231s
2022-04-29 - Number 404
2022-04-29 - Number 339
2024-06-14 - Number 279
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Demon Dragon |
| Abilities | Flying,Treasure |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Flying At the beginning of your end step, you may sacrifice another creature. When you do, Ziatora, the Incinerator deals damage equal to that creature's power to any target and you create three Treasure tokens.
Cards like Ziatora, the Incinerator
Ziatora, the Incinerator from Magic the Gathering is a standout amongst dragon-themed cards. Within the draconic arsenal, Dragonlord Atarka shares similarities, dealing damage upon entering the battlefield. Ziatora, however, adds the unique ability to convert that damage into a benefit by allowing you to cast a card with mana value equal to the damage dealt without paying its mana cost.
When compared with Terror of Mount Velus, which grants double strike to your other creatures, Ziatora’s direct and flexible advantage sets it apart. Also of note is Atarka, World Render, which also amplifies dragon attacks with double strike, but lacks Ziatora’s immediate board impact. Moreover, Ziatora’s versatility in dealing with both creatures and planeswalkers gives players an edge in removing threats whilst potentially putting them ahead on the board.
Ziatora stands out in MTG for its utility in converting destruction into development, whereas other dragons mainly focus on offensive prowess. Players who leverage Ziatora, the Incinerator can expect to incite fear in their opponents through both its removal potential and the unexpected plays it enables.
Cards similar to Ziatora, the Incinerator by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Ziatora, the Incinerator. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Grixis Reanimator | Standard | 4c Reanimator | ~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event |
 | Jund Midrange | Standard | Jund Fight Rigging | 2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ziatora, the Incinerator offers a unique form of card advantage by converting creatures you control into a direct assault on your opponents or their planeswalkers. The ability to sacrifice a creature and potentially deal significant damage equivalent to its power creates a dynamic shift in board presence, often leading to game-swinging turns.
Resource Acceleration: This formidable dragon doesn’t stop at just card advantage; it excels at propelling your resources forward. When Ziatora incinerates a creature, it doesn’t just disappear into the aether—it becomes a powerful tool in the form of a treasure token. This treasure can be harnessed to bolster your mana pool, thus accelerating your game plan and enabling you to cast more spells sooner than you normally could.
Instant Speed: While Ziatora’s activated ability isn’t outright at instant speed, it synergizes seamlessly with cards in your deck that operate at instant speed. This means you can initiate powerful interactions during your opponent’s turn, only to follow up with Ziatora’s devastating blow on your turn, catching opponents off guard and maximizing the timing of your resource utilization.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ziatora, the Incinerator demands a significant sacrifice to unleash its potential – specifically, you must discard another creature card. This requirement can pose a strategic dilemma, especially if your hand is dwindling or if you’re required to relinquish a crucial piece from your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost requirement for this card is quite particular, necessitating not just any three colors but an exact combination of black, red, and green mana. This specific requirement can restrict the card’s inclusion only to dedicated Jund decks, making it less flexible for players who prefer a broader deck-building palette.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Ziatora, the Incinerator brings considerable power to the battlefield, its seven-mana cost puts it on the higher end of the casting curve. This means that it competes with other heavy-hitters for the late-game slot, and players might find themselves weighing its benefits against other potentially more impactful seven-mana options.
Reasons to Include Ziatora, the Incinerator in Your Collection
Versatility: Ziatora, the Incinerator offers a flexible role within a variety of decks, serving as a strong finisher in dragon-themed or sacrifice-focused strategies. Its ability to turn any creature into damage and resources makes it a valuable asset in games that stretch into the late stage.
Combo Potential: With its capability to convert creatures into direct damage, Ziatora excels in decks that generate token creatures or ones that recur creatures from the graveyard. This can lead to powerful combinations that continually fuel its ability for sustained advantage.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment shifts, cards that can directly impact the board and affect life totals are always in demand. Ziatora encompasses both aspects. Its presence in your collection ensures that you have a card ready to adapt to and challenge the prevailing competitive landscape.
How to beat
Ziatora, the Incinerator brings formidable strength to the battlefield in the MTG universe. This powerful Dragon card sets itself apart with its capacity to convert sacrificed creatures into direct damage to any target while also allowing you to ramp up your mana pool with additional treasure tokens. Overcoming such a juggernaut requires a blend of strategic removal and timing.
To tackle the threat of Ziatora, players might consider using instant-speed removal spells when the opponent is low on mana and least expects it, minimizing the chance for them to utilize responsive spells or abilities. Efficient exile spells like Path to Exile or Dire Tactics can be especially effective, as they prevent the creature from hitting the graveyard, thus bypassing triggers that can benefit the Ziatora’s controller. Considering countermeasures such as Graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace that can stifle the dreaded reanimation strategies ensures that once Ziatora is dealt with, it stays out of play.
Ultimately, facing off against Ziatora, the Incinerator is about anticipation and disruption. By keeping answers ready and strategically managing the board, MTG players can neutralize Ziatora’s imposing threat, maintaining control over the game’s flow and inching closer to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ziatora, the Incinerator MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna Promos and Streets of New Capenna, 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 Ziatora, the Incinerator 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 Ziatora, the Incinerator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-04-29 | Streets of New Capenna Promos | PSNC | 231p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 2 | 2022-04-29 | Streets of New Capenna | SNC | 231 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 3 | 2022-04-29 | Streets of New Capenna Promos | PSNC | 231s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 4 | 2022-04-29 | Streets of New Capenna | SNC | 404 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 5 | 2022-04-29 | Streets of New Capenna | SNC | 339 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 6 | 2024-06-14 | Modern Horizons 3 Commander | M3C | 279 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ziatora, the Incinerator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ziatora, the Incinerator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-04-29 | Use the creature's power as it last existed on the battlefield to determine how much damage Ziatora deals. |