Avatar of Discord MTG Card


Avatar of Discord enables consistent deck performance through strategic card discarding, enhancing draw quality. Early game board presence adds tempo, though demanding specific mana types can be restrictive. Despite discard costs, Avatar suits sacrifice-focused, graveyard-based, and aggressive strategies exceptionally well.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Avatar
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 3

Text of card

({BR} can be paid with either or .) Flying When Avatar of Discord comes into play, sacrifice it unless you discard two cards.

Such is the power of Rakdos that even his shadow takes on a cruel life of its own.


Cards like Avatar of Discord

The Avatar of Discord card offers a distinct blend of cost and effect to players in Magic: The Gathering. This card resembles other creatures that also offer a substantial presence on the board in exchange for a price. Notably, it can be related to the Demonlord Belzenlok, which similarly demands a sacrifice of resources but provides a potentially game-ending effect. The key difference lies in the Avatar’s requirement to discard two cards as a summoning condition, whereas Belzenlok draws cards, which could result in a substantial net gain in resources instead.

In the realm of Rakdos, we can’t overlook Blightning. Although not a creature, Blightning inflicts damage and forces card discard upon the opponent, contributing to both board presence and opponent resource depletion. Avatar of Discord’s self-discard contrasts with Blightning’s targeting opponent, marking distinct strategic uses. Another similar card on the aggressive front is Rakdos Pit Dragon, which also embodies the Rakdos spirit of high power balanced with specific requirements, although the Pit Dragon leans towards mana investment over card disadvantage.

Choosing Avatar of Discord works well for players seeking early and impactful board presence who can mitigate or benefit from the card disadvantage it imposes. This card strikingly represents its guild’s high-risk, high-reward philosophy in MTG.

Demonlord Belzenlok - MTG Card versions
Blightning - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Pit Dragon - MTG Card versions
Demonlord Belzenlok - MTG Card versions
Blightning - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Pit Dragon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Avatar of Discord by color, type and mana cost

Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
Pyre Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vicious Kavu - MTG Card versions
Lava Zombie - MTG Card versions
Sarcatog - MTG Card versions
Anathemancer - MTG Card versions
Vial Smasher the Fierce - MTG Card versions
Cryptborn Horror - MTG Card versions
Lyzolda, the Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Augermage - MTG Card versions
Sedge Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ashenmoor Gouger - MTG Card versions
Pestilent Kathari - MTG Card versions
Shambling Remains - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions
Ragemonger - MTG Card versions
Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
Pyre Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vicious Kavu - MTG Card versions
Lava Zombie - MTG Card versions
Sarcatog - MTG Card versions
Anathemancer - MTG Card versions
Vial Smasher the Fierce - MTG Card versions
Cryptborn Horror - MTG Card versions
Lyzolda, the Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Augermage - MTG Card versions
Sedge Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ashenmoor Gouger - MTG Card versions
Pestilent Kathari - MTG Card versions
Shambling Remains - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions
Ragemonger - MTG Card versions
Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Avatar of Discord presents a unique approach to card advantage. While it asks for a pair of cards to be discarded, it can strategically thin a deck leading towards more consistency in drawing key cards while in play.

Resource Acceleration: This flying creature doesn’t directly accelerate resources but its early presence on the battlefield, for a simple cost of sacrificing two cards, can apply pressure on the opponent, making it a valuable asset in maintaining the tempo.

Instant Speed: Although Avatar of Discord is not an instant itself, its enter-the-battlefield ability of discarding two cards can be tactically timed upon casting, allowing a player to react to an opponent’s graveyard strategies or to simply mitigate excess cards in hand for strategic planning.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Avatar of Discord demands a heavy toll for its allegiance in the form of discarding two cards upon entry. This can be a steep price, especially when your hand is already dwindling or if it includes key pieces of your strategy that you’re not ready to lose.

Specific Mana Cost: To summon this creature to the battlefield requires a precise blend of mana types — one black, one red, and one of any assortment. This can be challenging in multicolored decks, or those that aren’t fine-tuned for such specific demands. Additionally, the narrow mana requirement makes it less flexible, especially in formats where mana acceleration or fixing is less consistent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of three for a 5/3 flying creature, the initial look might seem like a bargain. However, when compared to other creatures in the game, its cost-to-power efficiency is offset by the discard requirement. There are creatures with similar or lower mana costs that don’t have such a high penalty or provide more impactful abilities without any additional requirements.


Reasons to Include Avatar of Discord in Your Collection

Versatility: Avatar of Discord offers a powerful option for decks focused on sacrificing creatures for value or leveraging the graveyard. As a flyer, it can also serve as an evasive threat in aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics like madness or reanimation, enabling players to set up their hand for powerful plays. Its discard effect could be a strategic asset in combo decks.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive plays are crucial, Avatar of Discord can apply pressure early in the game. Its ability to hit the board quickly makes it relevant in fast-paced matches.


How to beat

Avatar of Discord is a powerful creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, due to its early board presence and challenging stats. Facing this formidable foe requires strategic play and a clear understanding of its weaknesses. To efficiently handle Avatar of Discord, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its hefty power and toughness. Instant-speed removals such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can exile it before the opponent gets a chance to capitalize on their early creature advantage.

Additionally, keeping in mind that Avatar of Discord requires its owner to discard two cards as a penalty for its Evoke cost, controlling the timing of your removal spells can leave your opponent down three cards in total. Cards like Unsummon can be particularly advantageous, forcing your opponent to either replay Avatar of Discord at a hefty cost or drop it altogether. Effective sideboarding with cards that provide grave hate can also nullify the advantage gained from any graveyard synergies Avatar of Discord might be leveraging. This multi-angle approach can assure a swift counter to this formidable adversary.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Avatar of Discord MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dissension, 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 Avatar of Discord and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Avatar of Discord Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by rk post.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 320312003NormalBlackrk post
22006-05-05DissensionDIS 1402003NormalBlackrk post
32006-05-05Dissension PromosPDIS 140★2003NormalBlackrk post
42010-06-18ArchenemyARC 792003NormalBlackrk post
52019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 612015NormalBlackrk post

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Avatar of Discord has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal