Erithizon MTG Card


Erithizon bolsters card presence, helping players sustain in-game momentum optimally. Instant speed plays offer players reactive decision-making capabilities to control the game. Resource acceleration enables casting of high-cost spells, outpacing opponent strategies.
Erithizon - Mercadian Masques
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Beast
Released1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set nameMercadian Masques
Set codeMMQ
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number244
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byScott M. Fischer

Text of card

Whenever Erithizon attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature of defending player's choice.

Unlike scorpions, the erithizon isn't immune to its own weaponry.


Cards like Erithizon

Erithizon enters the arena of creature cards in MTG with a unique blend of abilities. It draws parallels to the likes of Obstinate Baloth, given their similar roles as formidable green creatures. Like Erithizon, Obstinate Baloth offers a substantial life gain, which can be pivotal in stabilizing against aggressive strategies. Nonetheless, Erithizon steps up with its capability to fetch land cards directly into the battlefield, sharpening its edge in ramp decks.

Further comparisons lead us to the Courser of Kruphix, a creature that also plays with the top of the library and influences land play. While Courser doesn’t put lands onto the battlefield like Erithizon, its constant life gain with land drops and valuable deck filtering holds its own in a long game. Thragtusk is another creature that echoes Erithizon’s sustainability in a match. Thragtusk assures a life boost and leaves behind a token when it exits, making it a resilient threat. Erithizon, on the flip side, forges an immediate impact by potentially accelerating mana growth.

In essence, Erithizon fits snugly into MTG’s ecosystem of green creatures that focus on life gain and ramping capabilities. Its distinctive ability to place lands onto the field elevates it among its peers, endowing green decks with a compelling option for maintaining tempo and amassing resources.

Obstinate Baloth - MTG Card versions
Courser of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Thragtusk - MTG Card versions
Obstinate Baloth - MTG Card versions
Courser of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Thragtusk - MTG Card versions

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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
Rootwater Alligator - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Saber Ants - 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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Erithizon card shines when it comes to offering players a valuable edge in maintaining card presence on the board. This effectively ensures a player is less likely to run out of options during crucial turns, sustaining momentum throughout the game.

Resource Acceleration: As a card that impacts the board immediately upon playing, Erithizon helps to ramp up your resources significantly. This acceleration is key to outpacing opponents, especially when building towards casting high-cost, game-changing spells.

Instant Speed: Erithizon’s ability to be played at instant speed provides players with extraordinary flexibility. The strategical depth it adds by allowing decisions to be made reactively can easily turn the tide of a match, as it adapts to the ever-changing state of game play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Erithizon card necessitates discarding as part of its casting cost. This could potentially set you back if your hand is already sparse or the discarded card is crucial for your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Erithizon demands a distinct combination of mana colors to play. This could lead to difficulties in seamlessly integrating it into a deck that doesn’t consistently generate the required mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, Erithizon might put you at a tempo disadvantage, especially if the battlefield is evolving rapidly and you need to respond with lower-cost spells.


Reasons to Include Erithizon in Your Collection

Versatility: Erithizon is a dynamic card that can seamlessly integrate into numerous deck archetypes. Its flexibility shines in decks looking to exploit its size, making it a fit for builds focused on green stompy tactics or ramp strategies.

Combo Potential: This creature also has a natural synergy with decks that capitalize on bounce or flicker mechanics, as recurring Erithizon for repeated board impact creates powerful interactions and opportunities for overwhelming the opposition.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG landscape evolves, so does the importance of adaptable creatures that can hold their ground. With a sturdy presence on the board and potential to influence late-game outcomes, Erithizon remains a relevant choice in various meta scenarios, particularly against slower, control-oriented decks where it can assert its dominance.


How to beat

Erithizon is a unique creature card that demands strategic planning to overcome in MTG. It boasts formidable power, but careful management of removal spells can effectively counter it. Consider holding back on using your removal spells on smaller threats and instead reserve them for when Erithizon hits the field. This tactic ensures you’re prepared for high-impact cards like Erithizon. It’s also essential to maneuver around its abilities by watching out for opportunities when it becomes vulnerable, such as when it activates its abilities. Spot removal spells, board wipes, and counter spells when Erithizon is cast can be crucial to maintaining control of the game. Additionally, minimizing the card’s effect by reducing the number of creatures it can target or sacrifice would be a savvy move. Unleashing your removal options timely and judiciously will be key to victoriously navigating past this challenging adversary.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Erithizon MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Erithizon and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Erithizon has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Erithizon’s controller controls the triggered ability, but their opponent chooses the target.