Freewind Falcon MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Bird
Abilities	Flying,Protection
Released	1997-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Visions
Set code	VIS
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	5
Frame	1997
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Una Fricker

Key Takeaways

Its evasion abilities provide board advantage and allow strategic play with instant-speed spells.
Requires white mana and may be outpaced by cards offering more for two mana.
As a low-cost flyer, it excels in thematic decks and specific metagame strategies.

Text of card

Flying, protection from red

"That does it! I'm going back to hunting chickens!" —Rhirhok, goblin archer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although the Freewind Falcon MTG card doesn’t draw cards directly, its protection from creatures ensures it maintains board presence. This persistence can indirectly lead to card advantage by forcing your opponent to use multiple resources to deal with it.

Resource Acceleration: The Freewind Falcon is not a resource acceleration tool in itself. However, its low casting cost means it can be played early, allowing you to dedicate later turns to ramping up your mana and playing more impactful cards without falling behind on board control.

Instant Speed: While it can’t be cast at instant speed, Freewind Falcon can benefit from instant-speed spells due to its evasion abilities. The ability to freely attack or block, knowing you can bolster it with instants without fear of it being blocked, adds a layer of tactical flexibility to your game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other cards with in-built advantages, Freewind Falcon does not have a discard effect to leverage potentially unwanted cards in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: The Falcon comes with a colored mana requirement, demanding white mana which might not always be readily available in multicolored or off-theme decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing two mana may seem reasonable, for a 1/1 creature, players may expect broader abilities or higher power/toughness stats to warrant the spot in a deck, especially when there are alternatives that offer more impact on the game’s board state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Freewind Falcon offers flexibility to your deck with its bird creature type which is fantastically synergistic with a variety of flying and bird-related deck themes. As a low-cost flyer, it can be a defensive speed bump against other creatures with flying.

Combo Potential: With its ability to block creatures with flying, this card can be the cornerstone of combos in a deck that controls the skies. Pairing it with cards that boost its toughness or grant additional abilities can turn Freewind Falcon into a formidable defender or an offensive threat.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that heavily features flyers or where evasion is of utmost value, having a reliable aerial blocker like Freewind Falcon can be a subtle yet impactful player. Due to its niche role, it can catch opponents unprepared, making it an interesting tech choice in specific metagames.

How to beat

To gain the upper hand against the Freewind Falcon from Magic: The Gathering, understanding its abilities and limitations is key. This card presents a unique challenge with its ability to block creatures with flying—a trait not common among low-cost creatures. Nevertheless, its power lies in defense rather than offense, with only one point of power.

One effective strategy is to leverage spells that can target and destroy the Falcon regardless of its flying capability. Cards with reach or those that can deal damage to any target can bypass the Falcon’s defensive posture. Always consider the timing of your plays. Since the Falcon’s protection is passive, instant spells can disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn, keeping the pressure constant.

It’s also worth considering the overall strategy your opponent may be using the Freewind Falcon in. As a complement to an aerial defense deck, your focus should not solely be on the Falcon, but rather on dismantling their broader game plan. By doing so, you render the Falcon less significant, paving the way to claim victory in your MTG matches.

Cards like Freewind Falcon

In examining the Freewind Falcon within the vast lexicon of Magic: The Gathering, this card presents an intriguing benchmark for evaluating similar creature-based options. Many players regard Stormfront Pegasus as a close counterpart, sharing the same mana cost and power. The key difference lies in the Falcon’s ability to block creatures with flying, a tactical advantage not commonly found in other cards of its tier.

Furthermore, when considering other cards like Healer’s Hawk, although it costs less and brings a lifelink ability to the table, the distinct defensive capability of Freewind Falcon against flying-creature heavy strategies can be game-defining. Aven Squire also springs into this conversation with its exalted ability enhancing the offensive prowess of your army, yet it doesn’t offer the specialized defense of the Falcon.

In the overall assessment, Freewind Falcon holds its unique place in decks geared towards control and protection from aerial threats. The specialized skill it carries ensures its continuous relevance among players strategizing to counteract opponents riding high on flying creatures.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Freewind Falcon MTG card by a specific set like Visions, 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 Freewind Falcon and other MTG cards: