Anaconda MTG Card


Grants card advantage and resource acceleration, key factors for maintaining lead in games. Instant speed provides flexibility, though discard requirements and mana cost are cons. High utility for various decks, but specific strategies are needed to counter it effectively.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Snake
Abilities Swampwalk
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Swampwalk (If defending player has any swamps in play, Anaconda can't be intercepted. Swamps are in play regardless of whether they're tapped or untapped.)


Cards like Anaconda

The card Anaconda provides a unique twist in the lineup of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. This card shares similarities with fellow green creatures such as Basking Rootwalla in terms of being a cost-effective creature. However, Anaconda brings its distinct swampwalk ability to the table, allowing it to be unblockable as long as the opponent controls a Swamp, giving it a strategic edge in specific matchups.

Looking at River Boa, we notice another parallel in green creatures with versatility. River Boa boasts the regenerate ability and islandwalk, making it a tough contender in games involving blue decks. The islandwalk ability is akin to Anaconda’s swampwalk, yet the regenerative capability of River Boa can keep it on the battlefield longer under the right conditions. Then there’s Thornweald Archer, a creature similar in mana cost but offering deathtouch and reach, providing excellent defensive value against flyers.

To summarize, Anaconda fits well among MTG’s special ability creatures, carving its niche with swampwalk. While there are other creatures with land-related evasion abilities, Anaconda’s specific skill set can turn the tides in a game where terrain—specifically swamps—plays a vital role.

Basking Rootwalla - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions
Basking Rootwalla - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Anaconda by color, type and mana cost

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Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Viridian Lorebearers - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Anaconda card enables you to engage more of your deck, giving you the upper hand on drawing into solutions or threats, essential in turning the tide of the game.

Resource Acceleration: Anaconda may offer extra land drops or mana-producing abilities, thereby boosting your resource pool faster than normal and overwhelming opponents with advanced plays earlier than expected.

Instant Speed: If Anaconda can act at instant speed, it allows you strategic flexibility. You can respond to your opponent’s moves promptly, potentially disrupting their strategy while keeping your resources ready for the right moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the setbacks when playing Anaconda is the necessity to discard a card to activate certain abilities. This condition could be a strategic disadvantage, especially when your hand size is already diminished.

Specific Mana Cost: Anaconda’s casting requirements demand a combination of green mana and generic mana, which might not be as flexible for a multicolored deck looking to optimize mana expenditure across various spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to get Anaconda on the battlefield is relatively steep compared to other creatures with similar power and toughness. This elevated mana demand can slow down your game, particularly in the early turns when tempo is crucial.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Anaconda MTG card is a flexible asset that can enhance various deck archetypes. Its ability to blend with numerous strategies makes it a valuable component, whether you’re constructing a deck focused on creature power or one that revolves around forest synergies.

Combo Potential: Anaconda’s qualities can synergize well with abilities that capitalize on forest-based or creature-heavy decks. The potential to create powerful combos with cards that benefit from the presence of forest cards or large creatures can be a game-changer in many match-ups.

Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability and potential for synergy within the current environment, Anaconda can be particularly effective. It can gain ground in a meta that favors substantial creature presence, making it a card that can pivot to your advantage in the evolving game landscape.


How to beat

Anaconda in Magic: The Gathering is a creature that can make for a demanding opponent on the battlefield. With its ability to blend into the board by camouflaging, its strength lies in its deceptive simplicity. To effectively counter this card, the key is to stay ahead with removal spells that do not target specific creature types or rely on having more information about the board, such as board wipes or global damage spells. Focusing on spells that change the combat dynamics, like those causing creatures to tap before they can attack or those that remove a creature’s abilities, can render the Anaconda’s advantages null. Additionally, spells that can control or manipulate the top card of your library will help ensure that the Anaconda’s strength in hiding isn’t as formidable. Board awareness and the correct timing of these spells are crucial to flip the scales in your favor when facing an Anaconda on the field.

Adopting a defensive maneuver by increasing your deck’s ability to deal with various threats can also give you an upper hand. Including versatile responses will prepare you not only for an Anaconda but for a diverse range of creature-based strategies that might catch you unaware otherwise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Anaconda MTG card by a specific set like Portal and Portal, 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 Anaconda and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Anaconda Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-05-01 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-05-01PortalPOR 158†1997NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
21997-05-01PortalPOR 1581997NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
31998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 2321997NormalBlackStephen Daniele
42001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 2291997NormalWhiteJohn Gallagher
52001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 229★1997NormalBlackJohn Gallagher
62005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 2292003NormalWhiteAndrew Robinson
72005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 229★2003NormalBlackAndrew Robinson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Anaconda has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal