Thriss, Nantuko Primus MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Insect Druid
Released	2002-05-27
Set symbol
Set name	Judgment
Set code	JUD
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	134
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	John Avon

Key Takeaways

Thriss provides a consistent card advantage through counter proliferation from instant spells.
Resource acceleration is achieved, heightening the power of creatures and planeswalkers rapidly.
Instant speed play enabled by Thriss promotes a versatile, responsive battle approach.

Text of card

o G, oc T: Target creature gets +5/+5 until end of turn.

"When you live for others, you live for yourself."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thriss, Nantuko Primus enables you to proliferate each time you cast an instant spell, potentially increasing the number of counters on your permanents and enhancing your board state significantly. This ability can swiftly turn into ongoing card advantage, outpacing your opponents by leveraging the additional resources.

Resource Acceleration: By increasing the number of +1/+1 counters on creatures or loyalty counters on planeswalkers, you effectively accelerate your resources. This can lead to earlier activation of ultimate abilities or simply overpowering the battlefield with larger creatures than your opponent can handle.

Instant Speed: Thriss’s ability to trigger off instant spells exemplifies the value of instant speed interaction in MTG. This promotes a reactive playstyle, allowing you to adapt to your opponent’s moves while still progressing your game plan through proliferate, ensuring that you are always maximizing your turns.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thriss, Nantuko Primus necessitates discarding a card alongside other costs for its powerful abilities. This can be a steep price, especially when your hand is already stretched thin by other demands.

Specific Mana Cost: This legendary creature comes with a specific mana cost that includes green. It requires a deck built around green mana sources, potentially limiting its integration in multicolor decks that might struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher end, deploying Thriss onto the battlefield demands significant resources. It competes for space in your deck with other high-cost creatures, which can be a tough sell given the fast pace of many MTG games where efficiency is key.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thriss, Nantuko Primus boasts adaptability that allows it to slide into different deck archetypes. Its ability to manipulate +1/+1 counters makes it an asset in both aggressive and midrange strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can work wonders with strategies that involve synergy with +1/+1 counters, opening up opportunities for infinite combos with cards like Hardened Scales or Doubling Season, amplifying its impact on the board.

Meta-Relevance: Given its natural fit in counter-centric decks, Thriss, Nantuko Primus can be particularly potent in environments where these strategies are prevalent, keeping your deck competitive and dynamic.

How to beat

Thriss, Nantuko Primus holds a formidable presence on the battlefield with his ability to amplify your insect creatures. The key to overcoming this legendary insect lies in disrupting the synergy he fosters. Efficient removal spells are crucial—you’ll want to use instant speed answers like Path to Exile or Doom Blade to deal with Thriss before his effect becomes overwhelming. Additionally, countering him upon casting with spells like Mana Leak ensures he never gets the chance to empower his kin.

Board wipes also serve as a powerful solution, as they clear out multiple insect threats in one fell swoop. Day of Judgment and Wrath of God can reset the state of play, thereby invalidating the advantage Thriss provides. Managing your resources wisely and maintaining control of the board state are essential strategies. Ensure you have the necessary spells at the ready to prevent Thriss from establishing dominance and turning his insect army into an unstoppable force.

Remember, it’s not just about removing Thriss, but also staying ahead by countering the ancillary strategies that hinge on him. By taking a proactive stance and keeping your opponent’s board clear, you can mitigate the impact of Thriss, Nantuko Primus and secure your path to victory.

Cards like Thriss, Nantuko Primus

Thriss, Nantuko Primus introduces a unique spin to green creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Other creatures that synchronize with insect and druid synergies include Ant Queen, which allows you to create insect tokens, albeit without the built-in growth mechanic that Thriss boasts. Thriss, unlike the Ant Queen, grows stronger with each token you create, thanks to its ability to accumulate +1/+1 counters.

Another close relative in terms of functionality is Mycoloth, a creature that devours your other creatures to later produce a swarm of saproling tokens each upkeep. Yet, Mycoloth lacks the direct combat prowess that Thriss offers as it doesn’t get stronger just from token generation. Meanwhile, Izoni, Thousand-Eyed offers both token generation and a utility to sacrifice creatures for life and card advantage, but doesn’t enhance its own combat abilities like Thriss does.

In the end, Thriss, Nantuko Primus stands in a league of its own among MTG green creatures. Its ability to grow more formidable through token generation and improve insect tribal decks is a feature that makes it distinct and potentially valuable in gameplay strategies that favor token-based aggression.

Izoni, Thousand-Eyed - MTG Card versions

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Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions

Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thriss, Nantuko Primus MTG card by a specific set like Judgment, 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 Thriss, Nantuko Primus and other MTG cards: