Stormchaser Chimera MTG Card
2014-05-02 - Number 156
2016-08-26 - Number 207
2019-11-07 - Number 1490
2020-09-26 - Number CN2-207
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Chimera |
| Abilities | Flying,Scry |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Key Takeaways
- Combines card advantage with direct damage through scry ability, enhancing deck filtering and threat removal.
- Active at instant speed, providing strategic flexibility without committing mana prematurely during your turn.
- Requires careful mana and spell management, balancing its unique powers against potential limitations.
Text of card
Flying : Scry 1, then reveal the top card of your library. Stormchaser Chimera gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is that card's converted mana cost. (To scry 1, look at the top card of your library, then you may put that card on the bottom of your library.)
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stormchaser Chimera has the potential to generate card advantage by scrying and then dealing damage equal to the top card’s converted mana cost (CMC) to the opponent or to an opposing creature. This synergy not only removes threats but also effectively sifts through your library to find key cards.
Resource Acceleration: This creature’s base stats give you a foothold on the battlefield, while its scry ability, tied to a mana investment, can indirectly accelerate your resources by ensuring your draws are more valuable and you hit your land drops consistently.
Instant Speed: Although Stormchaser Chimera itself isn’t an instant, its activated ability can be used at instant speed. This means you can end your turn without tapping out, keeping your mana available for responses, and if nothing else arises, you can use its ability to potentially deal a significant amount of damage at the end of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Stormchaser Chimera offers a unique spin on spellcasting benefits, it lacks the immediate impact players may seek. Unlike other creatures that might provide value upon entering the battlefield or when casting spells, Stormchaser Chimera’s scry ability does not guarantee card advantage, potentially leading to wasted mana and turns if no beneficial spells are forthcoming.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Stormchaser Chimera includes both blue and red mana. This specificity means that the card is restricted to decks that can accommodate both colors reliably. For players running three or more colors, or those working with a more color-intensive mana base, including Stormchaser Chimera might pose consistency challenges.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a combined mana cost of four, including two specific mana types, Stormchaser Chimera enters the battlefield later than other options in its mana range. Considering that its prowess-like ability scales with spells played, earlier turns could be spent on more mana-efficient creatures that either directly influence the board state or provide other forms of card advantage.
Reasons to Include Stormchaser Chimera in Your Collection
Versatility: Stormchaser Chimera offers a dynamic role in decks that are looking to capitalize on spell-slinging synergies. Its flying ability makes it a consistent threat in the air, while its Scry ability helps sift through the deck for the right answers or combo pieces.
Combo Potential: With its ability to play off the top of the library with its activated ability, Stormchaser Chimera can work well with cards that manipulate the top of the deck, potentially leading to powerful plays and unexpected turns.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where games may drag on or spell-based decks are dominant, Stormchaser Chimera can be particularly effective. Its ability to scale in power with the mana available makes it a card that can stay relevant at all stages of the game.
How to Beat Stormchaser Chimera
Stormchaser Chimera brings a unique twist to the battlefield that MTG players must handle with skill. As a creature that thrives from taking advantage of casting spells, it gains significant power from its scry ability which is activated by its unique ability after each instant or sorcery spell is cast. To effectively counter this card, players must consider strategies that neutralize creatures or disrupt spell casting.
Firstly, employing removal spells that can target creatures directly is key. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch Stormchaser Chimera before it accumulates power from spells. Alternatively, employing counter spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent the Chimera from ever hitting the field. Players should also consider using creatures with reach or flying to deal with it defensively.
Additionally, focusing on limiting your opponent’s ability to scry and cast multiple spells in a turn could stifle the Chimera’s potential. This might involve using cards that restrict spell casting or increase the cost of spells for your opponent. In any case, strategic planning and timely reactions are essential to beat Stormchaser Chimera and secure the upper hand.
Cards like Stormchaser Chimera
Stormchaser Chimera enters the fascinating world of multi-faceted creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It finds its kinship with likes of Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, which also thrives on the synergy between spells and damage output. Though both creatures reward casting spells, Stormchaser Chimera is unique with its scry-and-damage ability which is triggered by the mana investment, providing a level of control over its effect.
Another relative in this family is Enigma Drake. Similar in its dependence on spells in the graveyard to increase power, Enigma Drake lacks the versatility Stormchaser Chimera offers through its mana-fueled potential. Then there’s Spellheart Chimera, marching to the beat of the same drum with strength tied to the number of instants and sorceries in the graveyard but missing that direct damage dealing option.
Each card plays a distinct role within this archetype, and while some may be more efficient under various circumstances, Stormchaser Chimera stands out for its proactive ability to filter upcoming draws and deal immediate damage concurrently, making it a noteworthy option in spell-centric MTG decks.
Cards similar to Stormchaser Chimera by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stormchaser Chimera MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Stormchaser Chimera 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
Printings
The Stormchaser Chimera Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-05-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Greg Staples.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-05-02 | Journey into Nyx | JOU | 156 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 207 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1490 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | CN2-207 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stormchaser Chimera has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
