Zodiac Snake MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 99
2002-06-24 - Number 35096
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Snake |
| Abilities | Swampwalk |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Swampwalk (If defending player has a swamp in play, Zodiac Snake can't be blocked.)
"Thrice Xuande's ardent quest led to Nanyang, / Where Sleeping Dragon unveiled Han's partition: . . ."
Cards like Zodiac Snake
Zodiac Snake is a unique creature in the Magic universe, often compared to other cards that have a penchant for slithering past defenses. Its closest counterpart in functionality is River Boa, another reptilian creature that also boasts the ability to regenerate, making it a resilient threat. While River Boa carries a slighter mana cost and the advantageous islandwalk ability, Zodiac Snake distinguishes itself with higher toughness, suggesting it can better withstand more damage before needing to regenerate.
Another snake to consider is the Slitherblade, which slips through using its unblockable trait. Even though it lacks the regeneration capability of Zodiac Snake, being unblockable means Slitherblade can consistently damage opponents without interaction. Then there’s Lotleth Troll, a creature that also carries the regenerate ability, making it comparably durable in battle. However, it thrives in a different ecosystem, requiring creatures to be discarded for power boosting, unlike Zodiac Snake that excels with passive defense.
In evaluating these serpent-like options, Zodiac Snake stands out as a strong defensive creature. Despite differing abilities and mana costs amongst its kin, it remains a solid choice for players who value survival and resilience over aggressive tactics.
Cards similar to Zodiac Snake by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zodiac Snake excels at ensuring players maintain a steady flow of cards in hand. Playing this card can often lead to beneficial trades with the opponent or deter attacks, indirectly preserving your resources while potentially depleting theirs.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, Zodiac Snake can influence the battlefield dynamics, requiring fewer resources to handle threats due to its deathtouch ability. This indirect effect allows players to allocate mana more freely to other spells and abilities, promoting a more efficient use of each turn’s resources.
Instant Speed: Although Zodiac Snake itself is not an instant, its mere presence on the board can affect the pace of the game. Opponents might be forced to play at an awkward tempo, wary of attacking into it, while you can develop your board unimpeded. Additionally, its synergy with instant speed spells elevates its value, as you can react to threats immediately while leveraging the snake’s board control potential.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Zodiac Snake enters the battlefield with a condition that necessitates discarding another card. This can unfavorably impact your hand, especially in situations where holding onto a fuller grip of cards could be vital for upcoming plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green and blue mana to cast, Zodiac Snake mandates a very particular mana base which could constrain deck building options. Players without a strong mana fixing strategy might find difficulty consistently meeting these requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be deemed steep for its capabilities, there are alternatives available that could potentially provide more value or a stronger board presence for the same, or less, investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zodiac Snake thrives in decks that aim to utilize creatures for various purposes. Its ability to fit into control or combo environments due to its reasonable casting cost and potential for card advantage makes it a flexible pick.
Combo Potential: As a creature that can be easily recurring from the graveyard, Zodiac Snake works well with mechanics that capitalize on such interactions. It can be pivotal in setups looking to exploit death and enter-the-battlefield triggers.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting nature of the current meta, Zodiac Snake can disrupt opponent strategies that rely heavily on targeted removal. Its presence on the battlefield necessitates an answer, making it a card worth considering for your arsenal.
How to beat
Zodiac Snake in MTG offers a unique option for players looking to harness the power of snake-themed decks. Its characteristic to be unblockable, as long as it’s attacking alone, sets it apart from other creatures. In confronting this evasive creature, understanding its limitations is key. Unlike many other creatures, Zodiac Snake requires strategic planning from its controller due to its solitary attack condition.
The most effective strategies against it involve removing it before it has a chance to attack or employing cards that negate its unblockable trait. Ensnaring it with spells that prevent attacking, like Frost Breath, or extracting it from the battlefield through removal spells such as Path to Exile, ensures that Zodiac Snake never gets a chance to capitalize on its strengths. It is also helpful to remember that its solitary attack condition can be a drawback for the opponent, potentially opening them up to more damaging counterattacks.
Overall, while Zodiac Snake can be a slippery foe, precise countermeasures and keeping cool under its pressure can turn the tides. Careful deck construction and timely responses are the keys to overpowering this scaled adversary in a match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zodiac Snake 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 Snake 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 Snake Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 1999-05-01. Illustrated by Qi Baocheng.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 99 | 1997 | Normal | White | Qi Baocheng | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35096 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Qi Baocheng |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zodiac Snake has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |