Abzan Falconer MTG Card


Abzan Falconer turns creatures with +1/+1 counters into evasive aerial threats, altering battlefield dynamics. Its instant speed activation offers surprise maneuvers, making it a versatile combat asset. Mana-specific and higher cost considerations are trade-offs for its substantial strategic benefits.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Abilities Outlast
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Outlast (, : Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.) Each creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it has flying.

The fastest way across the dunes is above.


Cards like Abzan Falconer

Abzan Falconer is a unique utility creature within Magic: The Gathering, shining in decks that focus on +1/+1 counters. When drawn parallel to creatures like Ainok Bond-Kin, which grants first strike to creatures you control with +1/+1 counters, Falconer steps ahead by offering flying – typically a more advantageous ability as it allows for evasion and more secure direct attacks.

Mer-Ek Nightblade is another creature that operates in a similar counter-centric framework, conferring deathtouch instead of flying. This can be particularly useful for defensive strategies but lacks the offensive potential provided by the flying ability of Abzan Falconer. Outlast, the mechanic shared by these cards, is a commitment of resources that in the case of Abzan Falconer, can turn your entire battlefield into a skyborne threat.

When comparing the impact on gameplay dynamics, Falconer holds its ground through its ability to transform even the most grounded of creatures into aerial threats, shifting how opponents must respond to your board presence. Its synergy with +1/+1 counters mixed with the utility of flying makes it a formidable card in creature-based strategies looking to soar to victory.

Ainok Bond-Kin - MTG Card versions
Mer-Ek Nightblade - MTG Card versions
Ainok Bond-Kin - MTG Card versions
Mer-Ek Nightblade - MTG Card versions

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Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
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Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
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Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
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Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Field Marshal - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Abzan Falconer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro PioneerMono-White HumansPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Abzan Falconer’s key ability lies in its potential to turn each creature with a +1/+1 counter on it into a threat by granting those creatures flying. This can effectively tilt the battlefield in your favor by making your creatures difficult to block, thus maintaining pressure and strategic superiority.

Resource Acceleration: Although Abzan Falconer itself does not directly accelerate resources, it can synergize with resource acceleration strategies that involve +1/+1 counters. By enhancing the capabilities of creatures that grow stronger through these means, it accelerates the impact and threat level of your board presence significantly.

Instant Speed: While Abzan Falconer is a creature card and not instant speed itself, its ability can be activated at instant speed thanks to the nature of +1/+1 counters. This allows you to potentially surprise an opponent by turning a creature into a flying threat at a critical moment, such as during the declare blockers step, thereby bypassing defenders and pushing through for lethal damage unexpectedly.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Abzan Falconer has a specific mana requirement that necessitates white mana in addition to generic mana. This may restrict its integration into diverse deck types, especially those that are not tailored to a white mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that may be considered high for its 2/2 body, some players might find it less efficient compared to other creatures at a similar cost that could bring immediate board presence or additional abilities.

Discard Requirement: While Abzan Falconer itself does not have a discard requirement, it typically resides in strategies where discarding can be part of the game plan. Therefore, if not used carefully, it may indirectly contribute to a reduced hand size which could be detrimental in prolonged games.


Reasons to Include Abzan Falconer in Your Collection

Versatility: Abzan Falconer is a multifaceted creature card capable of enhancing any deck that leverages +1/+1 counters. Its ability to grant flying to creatures with +1/+1 counters allows for offensive strategies and evasive tactics that can bypass ground defenses.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes exceptionally well with cards that place +1/+1 counters on creatures, such as bolster and outlast mechanics. When combined with other support cards, Abzan Falconer can create a formidable flying battalion out of your bolstered forces.

Meta-Relevance: Flying is a powerful ability in many MTG metas, particularly in environments where reaching over ground stalls is crucial. In such scenarios, Abzan Falconer can turn a board of ground creatures into an aerial threat, adjusting your gameplay to overcome common defensive setups.


How to beat

Abzan Falconer is a unique utility creature in Magic: The Gathering, known for enabling a powerful flying strategy with its outlast ability, elevating your creatures to new heights – quite literally. To counteract Abzan Falconer-centered tactics, it’s essential to prioritize the removal of this creature before the outlast ability is activated. Direct removal spells are highly effective; consider utilizing kill spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile to handle the Falconer swiftly.

Moreover, because the outlast ability can only be activated at sorcery speed, apply pressure during your turn to force tough decisions. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can also reset the playing field, nullifying any advantage gained from the Falconer’s ability. Additionally, cards that negate activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle, are incredibly valuable as they can stifle the Falconer before it becomes a threat in the air.

In essence, quick elimination, disruptive control of abilities, and keeping the board clear are key strategies in ensuring that Abzan Falconer doesn’t take your game to a soaring defeat. Keeping these tactics in mind, you can ground your opponent’s strategy and maintain control of the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the depth of MTG is an ongoing adventure, brimming with opportunities to enhance your game. With Abzan Falconer, you obtain a card that transforms the battleground, turning each creature with a +1/+1 counter into an aerial power. This unique capability empowers numerous strategies, taking advantage of its synergy with counter-centric decks for a high-flying offense. However, consider its mana specifics and integrate into matching decks to maximize potential. Interested in advancing your tactical edge and embodying the essence of the skies? Dive deeper into strategic deck building and the dynamic roles Abzan Falconer can play by joining our focused MTG community. Learn more and witness your gameplay take flight.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abzan Falconer MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Commander 2016, 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 Abzan Falconer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Abzan Falconer Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 22015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 572015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
32017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 32015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
42018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 152015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 72015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
62020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 92015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
72020-09-26The ListPLST KTK-22015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
82021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 342015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
92021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 772015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
102022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 42015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
112023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1652015NormalBlackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abzan Falconer has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Abzan Falconer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2014-09-20 Several creatures with outlast also grant an ability to creatures you control with +1/+1 counters on them, including themselves. These counters could come from an outlast ability, but any +1/+1 counter on the creature will count.
2014-09-20 The cost to activate a creature's outlast ability includes the tap symbol (). A creature's outlast ability can't be activated unless that creature has been under your control continuously since the beginning of your turn.