Ao, the Dawn Sky MTG Card


Ao, the Dawn Sky excels in drawing cards, maximizing hand potential when creatures enter the fray. The card’s synergy with flying creatures ramps up damage, hastening opponent defeat. Despite not being instant, Ao significantly influences gameplay upon entry.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Dragon Spirit
Abilities Flying, Vigilance
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying, vigilance When Ao, the Dawn Sky dies, choose one — • Look at the top seven cards of your library. Put any number of nonland permanent cards with total mana value 4 or less from among them onto the battlefield. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order. • Put two +1/+1 counters on each permanent you control that's a creature or Vehicle.


Cards like Ao, the Dawn Sky

Ao, the Dawn Sky presents a unique twist in Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of legendary creatures. In comparison to other legendary birds such as Kangee, Aerie Keeper, Ao, the Dawn Sky offers a powerful death-triggered ability, catering to strategies that benefit from creature death and rebirth. While Kangee facilitates a flying creature strategy with buffs for each feather counter, Ao promises a chance for revival and strategic play post-death.

Similarly, Reya Dawnbringer is another legendary creature that operates on the principle of resurrection. Unlike Ao, the Dawn Sky, Reya brings back creatures from your graveyard to the battlefield at the beginning of each upkeep, providing a constant source of rebirth. However, Ao’s ability to cast a spell from the hand without paying its mana cost when it dies could lead to a decisive turn, offsetting the lack of recurring reanimation.

When considering the impact on gameplay dynamics, Ao, the Dawn Sky stands out for its potential to trigger a significant ability once, allowing for a big swing or comeback late in the game. Through these comparisons, Ao proves to be a unique addition that could shape game outcomes in ways other legendary creatures might not.

Kangee, Aerie Keeper - MTG Card versions
Reya Dawnbringer - MTG Card versions
Kangee, Aerie Keeper - MTG Card versions
Reya Dawnbringer - MTG Card versions

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Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Shu Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Conclave Phalanx - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White ControlMono-White Control StandardMono-White ControlStandard Challenge 64 2023-11-26
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange StandardMardu MidrangeJaffer's Mini Mosh - Standard
Five-color ReanimatorFive-color Reanimator Standard5c Self-MillBOP! Standard Open
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2023-12-09
Five-Color LegendsFive-Color Legends Standard5c LegendsJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Esper MidrangeEsper Midrange StandardEsper Midrange2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Mono-White MidrangeMono-White Midrange StandardMono-White ControlJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Mono-White PlaneswalkersMono-White Planeswalkers StandardMono-White ControlThe Pizza Box Open: Standard

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ao, the Dawn Sky shines at giving players a leg up in maintaining a robust hand. By triggering a draw when other creatures enter the battlefield under your control, Ao harnesses the flow of the game to keep your options replenished and varied.

Resource Acceleration: Ao’s ability reaches further than just card draws; it also serves as a catalyst for resource management. By allowing creatures with flying to deal additional damage, it accelerates the pace at which you can whittle down your opponent’s life total, effectively making every creature a potential threat and expediting your path to victory.

Instant Speed: While Ao, the Dawn Sky itself may not operate at instant speed, its impact on the board is immediate and noteworthy from the moment it soars into play. Its presence alone prompts a strategy adjustment, demanding immediate attention and often forcing opponents to answer or fall behind quickly. This enables you to operate on a curve that keeps the pressure on, often at a pace that can be challenging for opponents to match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ao, the Dawn Sky necessitates discarding another legendary creature as part of its casting cost, which might not always be feasible, especially in decks without a high density of legendary creatures to spare.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes white and blue mana, this card requires a commitment to both colors, potentially restricting its inclusion to only certain two-color or multi-color decks that can reliably produce both types of mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at six mana to cast, Ao, the Dawn Sky competes with other high-impact cards in the same mana range. Players may find the cost restrictive, particularly in faster-paced games where lower-cost spells can lead to quicker board presence and advantages.


Reasons to Include Ao, the Dawn Sky in Your Collection

Versatility: Ao, the Dawn Sky offers an adaptable playstyle since it can play a pivotal role in both aggressive and control decks alike. Its ability to manipulate life totals can be particularly impactful in games where staying ahead or catching up in life is crucial.

Combo Potential: Possessing the ability to resurrect creatures from the graveyard, Ao opens up a realm of possibilities for powerful combinations. This can synergize with strategies that are centered around sacrificing creatures for value, further enhancing their potential impact on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In a competitive environment that regularly changes, Ao, the Dawn Sky has the makings of a meta staple. Its inherent versatility makes it a strong contender against various deck types, ensuring that it can adapt and remain relevant as strategies evolve.


How to beat

Ao, the Dawn Sky is an intriguing addition to the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering players a unique blend of life gain and creature revival. Understanding the nuances of this card is key to formulating a strategy against it. This dragon’s ability to bring back creatures with flying from the graveyard gives opponents significant strategic advantage in the late game, so early disruption is essential. Address the threat Ao, the Dawn Sky poses by using graveyard exile effects or denial strategies that can counter its abilities, such as Tormod’s Crypt or Rest in Peace. Cards that can prevent death triggers, like Leyline of the Void, can also be pivotal in halting its recursive power.

Additionally, focusing on removing creatures from the opponent’s battlefield to limit the choices Ao, the Dawn Sky has for targets can cripple its impact. Keep the skies clear with board wipes or targeted removals, prioritizing creatures with flying. Spells such as Wrath of God or Doom Blade are valuable in your arsenal. Aggressive playstyles may also reduce the effectiveness of Ao’s ability to stabilize the board, pushing the game to a close before it has a chance to tip the scales. Focus on these strategies and you’ll have a fighting chance against the mighty dragon of the dawn sky in your next Magic: The Gathering duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ao, the Dawn Sky MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Ao, the Dawn Sky and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ao, the Dawn Sky Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979012015NormalBlackIshikawa Kenta
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979032015NormalBlackChris Rahn
32022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 462015Art seriesBorderless
42022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 22015NormalBlackChris Rahn
52022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 2s2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
62022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4062015NormalBorderlessIshikawa Kenta
72022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 252015Art seriesBorderless
82022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 2p2015NormalBlackChris Rahn
92022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4332015NormalBlackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ao, the Dawn Sky has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.