Imposing Vantasaur MTG Card


Imposing Vantasaur - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Abilities Cycling, Vigilance
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Power 3
Toughness 6
Number17
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJonathan Kuo

Key Takeaways

  1. Effective as both a defensive blocker and a cycling card for deck filtering and instant speed drawing.
  2. Synergizes well with strategies that trigger off cycling, offering potential for resource acceleration and combo plays.
  3. Challenges include a specific mana combination and being costly for its stats compared to similar options.
Vigilance card art

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.

Text of card

Vigilance Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

Raugrin's coastline can be quite beautiful, as long as you avoid the volcanic dinosaurs, the sea dinosaurs, and the roaming beach dinosaurs.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though not directly offering card draw, Imposing Vantasaur compensates by being a formidable blocker. Its presence on the battlefield can prevent opponents from attacks, essentially negating their card plays.

Resource Acceleration: Imposing Vantasaur can be cycled for a single generic mana, which not only filters through your deck but also synergizes with effects that trigger when you cycle or discard cards, potentially ramping up your resources.

Instant Speed: Cycling is an ability you can use at instant speed, offering flexibility. Hold mana for other spells, and if there’s no pressing need to play another card during your opponent’s turn, cycle Imposing Vantasaur to draw into more options.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As a common trait of cycling, Imposing Vantasaur requires you to discard it for the benefit of drawing another card. While cycling can help you filter through your deck, having to discard this creature could put you at a disadvantage when you’re in need of maintaining a stronger board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Imposing Vantasaur demands a specific mana combination to cast it normally. With a mana cost that includes white, it might not seamlessly fit into decks that aren’t built around or able to support white mana sources effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value sitting at six for a vanilla creature, Imposing Vantasaur may fall behind when compared to other options in the same mana range. For decks looking to maximize efficiency, committing six mana to a creature without built-in protections or abilities beyond cycling might not be the most effective strategy.


Reasons to Include Imposing Vantasaur in Your Collection

Versatility: Imposing Vantasaur can be a substantial addition to any deck looking for a durable blocker or an impactful attacker. Its cycling ability also gives players an option to draw a card if the situation doesn’t call for a creature on the board, making it adaptable to various game phases.

Combo Potential: This dinosaur synergizes well with strategies that benefit from cycling cards. Imposing Vantasaur can work seamlessly with cards that react to cycling, unleashing potential combos by either drawing cards, creating tokens, or powering up creatures each time you cycle it.

Meta-Relevance: Given its solid stats and low mana cost, it holds up well in a meta that favors aggressive plays while also providing a fallback option through cycling against control-based decks. Its presence can shape the battlefield in your favor, whether you’re applying pressure or stalling for time.


How to beat

Imposing Vantasaur is a creature that brings a considerable presence to the battlefield in MTG. Its sizable stature at six mana for a 3/6 creature with vigilance can be a roadblock for opponents. Dealing with this dinosaur effectively requires understanding its strengths and weaknesses. The key is to bypass its vigilance by using removal spells that can take it out irrespective of its untapped status. Board clears like Shatter the Sky or Doomskar are excellent at managing the Vantasaur along with any other threats on the board.

Another strategy is to utilize enchantments that neutralize the Vantasaur without having to destroy it, such as Pacifism, which renders it unable to attack or block, effectively taking it out of the combat equation. Moreover, flying creatures can soar over the imposing beast, making evasion tactics a viable route. Lastly, leveraging deathtouch creatures can ensure that any attempt by the Vantasaur to become offensive could lead to its own downfall. In conclusion, while the Imposing Vantasaur demands a response when it hits the table, with the right tools and strategies, overcoming this prehistoric giant is well within reach for seasoned MTG players.


Cards like Imposing Vantasaur

Imposing Vantasaur is a noteworthy creature card with significant impact in MTG’s limited formats. It shares traits with other cards like Colossal Dreadmaw, a card that also sports the trample ability and puts a sizable body on the board. Imposing Vantasaur, however, has the advantageous cycling mechanic, allowing players to cycle it from their hand if it’s not immediately needed. This flexibility is absent in Colossal Dreadmaw, which is static in comparison.

Another close relative in this space is Snapping Sailback, which also offers a large creature with flash, enabling it to surprise opponents during combat. Although it doesn’t feature the cycling ability like Imposing Vantasaur, Snapping Sailback does include the enrage mechanic, potentially becoming more powerful if it takes damage. While Imposing Vantasaur stands out for its cycling efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Considering utility, efficiency, and adaptability in gameplay, Imposing Vantasaur can be valued for its multipurpose use, functioning as both a creature on the field and card advantage when cycled. These attributes make it a suitable choice for players who appreciate strategic flexibility in their deck construction.

Colossal Dreadmaw - MTG Card versions
Snapping Sailback - MTG Card versions
Colossal Dreadmaw - MTG Card versions
Snapping Sailback - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Imposing Vantasaur MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Imposing Vantasaur and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Imposing Vantasaur has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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