Ainok Artillerist MTG Card


Ainok Artillerist - Dragons of Tarkir
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Dog Archer
Released2015-03-27
Set symbol
Set nameDragons of Tarkir
Set codeDTK
Power 4
Toughness 1
Number171
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byJames Paick

Key Takeaways

  1. Ainok Artillerist strengthens defenses, particularly against flying creatures, due to its reach capability.
  2. Efficient mana cost and bolster synergy make it a formidable early-game creature.
  3. Strategic deck builds with control and removal can effectively counter Ainok Artillerist.

Text of card

Ainok Artillerist has reach as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it. (It can block creatures with flying.)

"In the Tarkir I once knew, the Abzan revered their ancestor trees. Now, as Dromoka, they cut their finest groves to make weapons." —Sarkhan Vol


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ainok Artillerist may not directly provide card advantage in the typical sense of drawing cards, however, its formidable presence can deter opponents from attacking, potentially leading to a card advantage through battlefield superiority.

Resource Acceleration: While Ainok Artillerist doesn’t accelerate resources directly, its low casting cost makes it an efficient use of your mana resources, fitting well into the curve of aggressive decks that look to maximize the impact of every mana spent in the early stages of the game.

Instant Speed: Ainok Artillerist is not an instant itself, but it pairs well with other cards you might play at instant speed. With its bolstered power when reaching the requisite ferocious condition, it makes for a formidable threat that must be answered, freeing up your instant speed interactions to more effectively control the flow of combat or the end of your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ainok Artillerist requires you to have a bolster card or mechanic in play to get extra value and without this synergy, it can be less impactful on the game board.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a precise mana combination to cast, with one green mana in its casting cost, thereby restricting it to green-inclusive decks and potentially making it a less flexible choice in multi-colored deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, a 4/1 creature might not offer the resilience compared to other creatures you could deploy. Many other creatures in the same mana range provide better toughness, which could survive longer and provide a continued presence on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Ainok Artillerist in Your Collection

Versatility: Ainok Artillerist’s prowess as a 4/1 creature for three mana makes it a solid choice for decks that need a strong early beater. Its ability to become a 6/1 when bolstered provides flexibility in creature-focused strategies.

Combo Potential: This card is excellent in conjunction with counter-adding mechanics, turning it into a formidable threat. It scales well with bolster effects and synergizes with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with aggressive combat strategies, Ainok Artillerist shines by providing a significant amount of power for a minimal mana investment, fitting seamlessly into decks that aim to overpower opponents quickly.


How to beat

Ainok Artillerist, a specialized creature in the MTG universe, offers players the ability to bolster their board with solid defense thanks to its reach attribute. While Ainok Artillerist can be a wall against flying creatures, overcoming this card requires strategic plays. Leveraging spells or creatures that can sidestep its reach is key, as are those that outclass it in combat through higher power and toughness.

Board-clearing spells like Wrath of God or a simple Murder spell can efficiently remove Ainok Artillerist from play. Ensnaring it with enchantments that nullify its abilities or prevent it from engaging in combat are additional avenues to neutralize its presence on the battlefield. Similarly, opting for creatures with trample can also prove effective in dealing with this otherwise formidable blocker. Building a multifaceted deck with a mix of direct removal, control, or overpowering force ensures that Ainok Artillerist won’t stand in the way of victory.


Cards like Ainok Artillerist

Ainok Artillerist is an intriguing creature card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, closely mirroring the likes of Alpine Grizzly. Both cards boast a formidable power of 4, providing significant impact on the battlefield. However, Ainok Artillerist stands out with its unique ability to gain reach, an advantage when thwarting flying creatures, a strategic edge you won’t get from Alpine Grizzly.

Nessian Courser is yet another creature that echoes the power and toughness of Ainok Artillerist, though it lacks any special abilities, highlighting Artillerist’s superior defensive potential. Then there’s Silverback Shaman, which not only matches the Artillerist in strength and its ability to combat flyers but also offers additional value by drawing a card upon its death. This tradeoff between immediate board presence and future card advantage is worth considering for players weighing their creature options.

When analyzing the battlefield aptitudes and unique traits, Ainok Artillerist emerges as a valuable asset in Magic: The Gathering. Its formidable power balanced with defensive capabilities gives it a respectable position among similar creature cards.

Alpine Grizzly - MTG Card versions
Nessian Courser - MTG Card versions
Silverback Shaman - MTG Card versions
Alpine Grizzly - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)
Nessian Courser - Future Sight (FUT)
Silverback Shaman - Core Set 2020 (M20)

Cards similar to Ainok Artillerist by color, type and mana cost

Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
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Cat Warriors - Legends (LEG)
Rysorian Badger - Homelands (HML)
Sabertooth Cobra - Mirage (MIR)
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Spike Feeder - Stronghold (STH)
Hungry Hungry Heifer - Unglued (UGL)
Titania's Chosen - Urza's Saga (USG)
Taoist Mystic - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Femeref Archers - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Lydari Druid - Sega Dreamcast Cards (PSDG)
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Realmwalker - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)
Topiary Stomper - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Territorial Scythecat - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Wirewood Savage - Onslaught (ONS)
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Timberwatch Elf - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Leatherback Baloth - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Pincher Beetles - Tenth Edition (10E)
Yavimaya Elder - Mystery Booster (MB1)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ainok Artillerist MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir, 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 Ainok Artillerist and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ainok Artillerist has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

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