Chromanticore MTG Card


Chromanticore provides card advantage by combining several effects into one creature, optimizing resources. It enables resource acceleration, fulfilling multiple roles without exhausting additional cards and mana. Demands opponents to use instant-speed removal, dictating the game’s tempo and exerting pressure.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeEnchantment Creature — Manticore
Abilities Bestow,First strike,Flying,Lifelink,Trample, Vigilance
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Bestow (If you cast this card for its bestow cost, it's an Aura spell with enchant creature. It becomes a creature again if it's not attached to a creature.) Flying, first strike, vigilance, trample, lifelink Enchanted creature gets +4/+4 and has flying, first strike, vigilance, trample, and lifelink.


Cards like Chromanticore

Chromanticore stands as a unique multicolor creature in Magic: The Gathering with its all-encompassing nature and versatility. Its comparability lies with other five-color creatures such as Maelstrom Archangel or Fusion Elemental. Maelstrom Archangel shares the five-color aspect, but it grants the ability to cast a spell for free upon dealing combat damage, distinguishing itself by contributing to your board position without additional mana investment.

Conversely, Fusion Elemental is a straightforward powerhouse, offering a simple 8/8 body with no abilities but for an easier to meet mana cost. It lacks Chromanticore’s depth, which offers a suite of abilities including flying, first strike, vigilance, trample, and lifelink, potentially swinging games with its comprehensive set of features. Another peer is Child of Alara, which promises a board-wiping effect upon its death, contrasting with Chromanticore’s strategy which leans towards enhancing your battlefield presence and persisting through a variety of combat scenarios.

In assessing the value and tactical adaptability, Chromanticore holds a prominent position in the multi-colored creature spectrum of Magic: The Gathering. Its amalgam of abilities caters to a multifaceted game plan, making it a formidable choice for those seeking to capitalize on every combat angle.

Maelstrom Archangel - MTG Card versions
Fusion Elemental - MTG Card versions
Child of Alara - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Archangel - MTG Card versions
Fusion Elemental - MTG Card versions
Child of Alara - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Chromanticore by color, type and mana cost

Esika, God of the Tree // The Prismatic Bridge - MTG Card versions
Sanctum of All - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Realm - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Nexus - MTG Card versions
Prism Array - MTG Card versions
Wizard from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Esika, God of the Tree // The Prismatic Bridge - MTG Card versions
Sanctum of All - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Realm - MTG Card versions
Maelstrom Nexus - MTG Card versions
Prism Array - MTG Card versions
Wizard from Beyond - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Five-color MidrangeFive-color Midrange Modern$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold)
Grixis SoulflayerGrixis Soulflayer PioneerSoulflayerUOL MKM Pioneer League
SoulflayerSoulflayer PioneerSoulflayerPioneer League 2024-02-03

Card Pros

Delving into the advantages of the Chromanticore card in your deck, it’s evident that this mystical beast offers a multifaceted boon to players looking to amplify their game. Here are some ways it can give you the upper hand:

Card Advantage: With a myriad of abilities, this card provides substantial value. Its entrance on the battlefield equates to gaining multiple card effects all condensed into one powerful entity, ensuring that you remain ahead in terms of resources and options.

Resource Acceleration: Chromanticore’s array of abilities offers a level of resource acceleration as you get a creature that can serve multiple roles. This advantage means you don’t need to commit separate cards for various effects, which could conserve your mana and other resources for critical plays.

Instant Speed: Although Chromanticore itself does not operate at instant speed, it can create a dominant board presence that requires immediate answers from your opponents. In response, this often compels them to use their instant-speed removal or counterspells, effectively dictating the tempo of the game and forcing your opponent to act under pressure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Chromanticore demands a permanent to be sacrificed if you wish to bestow it, potentially setting you back if you’re already trailing in board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost requires one of each color, posing a challenge in constructing a stable five-color mana base to play it reliably.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five specific mana types, Chromanticore is a significant investment, especially compared to other options that might provide immediate impact on the game at a lower cost threshold.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chromanticore offers a wide range of applications across multiple decks with its five-color identity. Its ability to provide flying, first strike, vigilance, trample, and lifelink can significantly bolster creature-based strategies.

Combo Potential: As an enchantment creature, it has synergies with effects that care about either card type. You can exploit this by using Chromanticore for various combo enablers, such as those found in enchantment-heavy or voltron-style decks.

Meta-Relevance: With the dynamic shifts in player decks, a card like Chromanticore can adapt to numerous situations. Its diverse keyword abilities can be relevant against an array of decks, making it a powerful inclusion, especially in commander and casual playgroups.


How to Beat

Chromanticore can be a challenging creature to tackle in Magic: The Gathering given its array of colored mana requirements and bestow mechanic. To effectively counter this card, consider using spells that bypass its bestow ability, such as board wipes or exile-based removal. Supreme Verdict and Merciless Eviction stand out as reliable ways to clear the board, regardless of Chromanticore’s bestowed status. Another potent option is Path to Exile, which can directly remove Chromanticore from play, nullifying both its impact as a creature and an aura.

In terms of creature-based strategies, reach or flyer creatures like Archon of Absolution provide a defensive measure against Chromanticore’s aerial offense. Resource denial through land destruction or mana disruption can also be effective in delaying or preventing your opponent from casting Chromanticore altogether. Stone Rain and Blood Moon target your opponent’s mana base, making it more difficult for them to assemble the diverse mana needed. Regardless of your approach, quick actions and strategic planning are key to overcoming the might of Chromanticore in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into your MTG experience with a card like Chromanticore. Its suite of abilities embodies the heart of multi-color deck magic, allowing it to adapt to various scenarios and enhance your tactical play. While its enchantment creature type opens up numerous combo possibilities, understanding its potential drawbacks can optimize your deckbuilding strategy. Fine-tuning your mana base and considering the balance between Chromanticore’s cost and benefits are essential. Embrace the challenge and discover unconventional ways to triumph using this fascinating card. Ready to master its power in your matches? Join our community to learn more and add Chromanticore’s might to your arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chromanticore MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods and The List, 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 Chromanticore and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Chromanticore Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2014-02-07 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Min Yum.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-02-07Born of the GodsBNG 1442003NormalBlackMin Yum
22020-09-26The ListPLST BNG-1442003NormalBlackMin Yum
32022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1462015NormalBlackMin Yum

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chromanticore has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-09-15 Auras attached to a creature don't become tapped when the creature becomes tapped. Except in some rare cases, an Aura with bestow remains untapped when it becomes unattached and becomes a creature.
2013-09-15 If a permanent with bestow enters the battlefield by any method other than being cast, it will be an enchantment creature. You can't choose to pay the bestow cost and have it become an Aura.
2013-09-15 On the stack, a spell with bestow is either a creature spell or an Aura spell. It's never both, although it's an enchantment spell in either case.
2013-09-15 Unlike other Aura spells, an Aura spell with bestow isn't countered if its target is illegal as it begins to resolve. Rather, the effect making it an Aura spell ends, it loses enchant creature, it returns to being an enchantment creature spell, and it resolves and enters the battlefield as an enchantment creature.
2013-09-15 Unlike other Auras, an Aura with bestow isn't put into its owner's graveyard if it becomes unattached. Rather, the effect making it an Aura ends, it loses enchant creature, and it remains on the battlefield as an enchantment creature. It can attack (and its abilities can be activated, if it has any) on the turn it becomes unattached if it's been under your control continuously, even as an Aura, since your most recent turn began.
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.