Zodiac Ox MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 161
2002-06-24 - Number 35092
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Ox |
| Abilities | Swampwalk |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Swampwalk (If defending player has a swamp in play, Zodiac Ox can't be blocked.)
". . . Cao's abdication changed the face of all; / No mighty battles marked the Southland's fall. . . ."
Cards like Zodiac Ox
Zodiac Ox is an intriguing creature card that invites comparisons with other sturdy defenders in Magic: The Gathering. It stands in line with cards like Yoked Ox, both prizing toughness over power, which makes them excellent at early-game defense. Yet Zodiac Ox has the unique characteristic of being part of a cycle reflecting the Chinese Zodiac, adding a layer of collectibility and thematic appeal.
Another creature that shares a similarity with Zodiac Ox is Giant Ox. This mighty beast also leans heavily on defense but has the added benefit of being able to crew Vehicles using its toughness rather than its power. When putting Zodiac Ox in direct comparison, what it lacks in utility, it certainly makes up for in stability and reliability within its mana cost.
When evaluating the place of Zodiac Ox in the realm of MTG creature cards, especially within decks that favor durable blockers, its straightforwardness and cultural significance are worthy of note. It provides consistent defense while embodying the rich lore that Magic: The Gathering often draws upon, making it more than just a card – it’s a piece of a larger mosaic that appeals to both players and collectors.
Cards similar to Zodiac Ox by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zodiac Ox offers the useful ability to replenish your hand by allowing you to draw a card when it enters the battlefield. This can be a game-changer in maintaining your momentum or coming back from a tight spot.
Resource Acceleration: By tapping for green mana, this formidable creature assists in ramping up your resources, ultimately enabling you to deploy larger threats earlier in the match than your opponent.
Instant Speed: While Zodiac Ox itself may not be an instant, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells by providing a reliable blocker that can free up your mana for reactive plays during the crucial moments of a game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Zodiac Ox is its trigger necessitating the discarding of another card. In gameplay, this means you have to give up a potential resource, which might not always be beneficial, especially when your hand is depleted or each card holds significant strategic value.
Specific Mana Cost: Zodiac Ox comes with a mana cost that must include green mana. This requirement can restrict deck-building options, limiting the card’s inclusion only to decks that can generate green mana, reducing its versatility in multicolored or colorless strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost you pay for the abilities of Zodiac Ox can be seen as steep compared with other creatures that occupy the same or similar mana slots. Considering the current meta, where mana efficiency and speed are key, the high mana cost of Zodiac Ox can be a detriment to its playability in faster, more aggressive decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zodiac Ox plays well in decks that look to capitalize on creature synergies or need robust blockers. Its flexible mana cost means it fits into a variety of deck colors and strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that thrive on creatures entering the battlefield or those that benefit from the Ox type, Zodiac Ox can be a key component in executing powerful combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive decks are prevalent, Zodiac Ox serves as a formidable defense. Its stout statline can help stabilize the board against early threats.
How to beat
Zodiac Ox is part of the intriguing lineup of cards in the high-fantasy world of Magic: The Gathering. As a creature card with substantial toughness, it can be quite the challenge to overcome this bovine behemoth on the battlefield. When facing this powerful Ox, one effective strategy is to prioritize the removal of high-toughness creatures. Cards like Path to Exile and Murderous Rider are excellent for swiftly dispatching Zodiac Ox without having to engage in combat. To ensure success, keep these kinds of removal spells handy in your deck when you anticipate encountering sturdy adversaries like the ox.
Another tactic is exploiting the natural weakness of heavy creatures – their typically high casting cost. By using land destruction or mana disruption effects, you can prevent your opponents from ever bringing Zodiac Ox into play. Land denial strategies, utilizing cards such as Stone Rain or Blood Moon, could hinder your opponent’s ability to cast this daunting creature card. Moreover, watch out for counterspells that can negate Zodiac Ox before it even steps onto the field, maintaining control over the game’s pace and keeping the board clear of formidable blockers.
Overcoming Zodiac Ox calls for thoughtful card selection and playing a step ahead. Incorporating efficient removal, proactive counterspells, and disruptive spells will give you the upper hand, ensuring that the Ox’s strength doesn’t become an immovable obstacle in your quest for victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zodiac Ox MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Magic Online 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 Zodiac Ox 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Zodiac Ox Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 1999-05-01. Illustrated by Ai Desheng.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 161 | 1997 | Normal | White | Ai Desheng | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35092 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ai Desheng |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zodiac Ox has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |