Thundering Chariot MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact — Vehicle |
| Abilities | Crew,First strike,Haste,Trample |
| Released | 2020-01-24 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Theros Beyond Death |
| Set code | THB |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 239 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Aaron Miller |
Key Takeaways
- Grants card advantage through direct battlefield presence, increasing player board dominance.
- Accelerates resources, translating additional combat damage into strategic in-game gains.
- Complements instant speed strategies, offering tactical surprise against opponents.
Text of card
First strike, trample, haste Crew 1 (Tap any number of creatures you control with total power 1 or more: This Vehicle becomes an artifact creature until end of turn.)
In times of conflict, the philosophers of Meletis trade their podiums for conveyances of war.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thundering Chariot provides a unique twist to card advantage by effortlessly putting a powerful artifact creature onto the battlefield, potentially pulling ahead of the opponent in terms of board presence.
Resource Acceleration: This formidable artifact creature can be a form of resource acceleration by granting you extra combat damage potential, possibly translating into more in-game resources like life point damage or triggering combat-related abilities for additional benefits.
Instant Speed: While Thundering Chariot itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with spells of this nature. Playing instant speed spells keeps your options open, allowing you to respond reactively to the game state and summon Thundering Chariot when the moment is right, catching opponents off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thundering Chariot comes with the stipulation of needing an additional card discard to trigger its ability. This cost can be burdensome, especially when your hand is already low on cards, potentially setting you back further.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for this artifact includes both red and colorless mana. Such a specific requirement can potentially limit the card’s flexibility, locking it into red-centric or at least two-colored decks, which may not align with every player’s strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep mana cost to get onto the battlefield, Thundering Chariot may find competition in other cards that are more mana-efficient. In MTG, where tempo can dictate the pace of a match, the card’s high cost might delay critical plays, putting its user at a disadvantage against faster decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thundering Chariot offers flexibility across various deck archetypes. It can become a key component in strategies that require a robust vehicle or artifact presence.
Combo Potential: With its ability to grant creatures haste when it crews, Thundering Chariot can be a linchpin in combos that capitalize on the surprise element or that need to utilize a creature’s abilities instantly.
Meta-Relevance: Vehicles, especially ones that can give haste to other creatures, hold a significant place in the current meta. Thundering Chariot integrates well into aggressive strategies that necessitate immediate board impact.
How to beat
Thundering Chariot is a noteworthy card in the realm of MTG due to its mechanics and impact on the battlefield. Players seeking to overcome this card should focus on its potential weaknesses. For instance, its reliance on other creatures for activation means removing potential crew members can be an effective strategy. By keeping the board clear of smaller creatures, you hinder its ability to become a threat.
Enchantment-based removal is also a viable tactic. Cards that can immobilize or detain Thundering Chariot without destroying it bypass any potential indestructibility or regeneration effects it may have. Direct removal spells are less ideal, as this vehicle could be equipped with various means of protection.
Bearing this in mind, players can prevent Thundering Chariot from gaining momentum by prioritizing control elements in their deck build. Such strategies ensure that this powerful artifact remains a stationary relic rather than a formidable force rampaging across the planes.
Cards like Thundering Chariot
Thundering Chariot stands out as a unique vehicle card in Magic: The Gathering. When compared to a card like Sky Skiff, a player can see the differences subtle yet impactful. While both are vehicles, Sky Skiff has a lower crew cost and flying, but Thundering Chariot offers a sturdier option with higher toughness and the potential for trample, which can be crucial for getting damage through in the late game.
Moving to another card, Ovalchase Dragster, there’s a noticeable shift in dynamics. Ovalchase Dragster boasts haste, allowing for immediate impact, unlike Thundering Chariot which requires setup. While both share the trample ability, Thundering Chariot’s potential for repeated use without the risk of self-sacrifice stands tall against the one-shot nature of Ovalchase Dragster.
Finally, Fleetwheel Cruiser also presents an interesting comparison. This vehicle automatically becomes a creature upon entry, negating the initial crew cost. Yet, the Cruiser’s lower toughness in relation to the Thundering Chariot may leave it more vulnerable to common removal spells. In summary, Thundering Chariot offers a blend of durability and power that can be more favorable in the context of a vehicle-centric strategy within Magic: The Gathering’s diverse card pool.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thundering Chariot MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death, 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 Thundering Chariot and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thundering Chariot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
