Pierce Strider MTG Card


Dealing 3 damage on entry, Pierce Strider shifts life totals, giving players an immediate impact on the game. Its colorless nature and flexibility make Pierce Strider versatile, fitting easily into a variety of decks. While powerful, Pierce Strider’s effect can be countered by instant removals or life-gain strategies.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Phyrexian Construct
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

When Pierce Strider enters the battlefield, target opponent loses 3 life.

"Pain isn't a negative stimulus. Pain is a sign of your imperfection." —Sheoldred, Whispering One


Cards like Pierce Strider

Pierce Strider is a unique creature card in the realm of MTG with the ability to deal direct damage upon entering the battlefield. It shares a functional similarity with cards like Flametongue Kavu that also provide a direct impact on the game when played. However, Pierce Strider has the added advantage of dealing damage directly to the opponent, offering a strategic edge in reducing your opponent’s life total irrespective of the board state.

Another comparable card is Gray Merchant of Asphodel, also known for its ability to affect life totals upon entering the battlefield. While Gray Merchant has the potential to affect life totals more significantly due to its devotion mechanic, Pierce Strider’s effect does not rely on board presence or a particular color devotion, making it versatile across various deck types. Moreover, Pierce Strider’s colorless nature makes it an easy addition to any deck without worrying about mana constraints.

In the broader context of MTG, Pierce Strider fits into strategies that focus on ‘enter the battlefield’ effects and life total manipulation. While not the most powerful option available, its direct approach and versatility make it worthy of consideration for decks built around these mechanics.

Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Gray Merchant of Asphodel - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Gray Merchant of Asphodel - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pierce Strider by color, type and mana cost

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Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
Coercive Portal - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Pierce Strider entering the battlefield, it deals direct life loss to an opponent, setting up for an advantage not just in life totals but also potentially disrupting opponent strategies dependent on maintaining a high life count.

Resource Acceleration: In decks that thrive on artifacts, Pierce Strider can act as an enabler, triggering effects of cards that benefit from artifacts entering the battlefield or being in the graveyard, hence accelerating your resource development organically.

Instant Speed: While Pierce Strider itself might not be an instant, its entry effect is similar to an instant speed spell, impacting the board immediately upon landing. Its effect can be maximized by playing via flicker or bounce spells at instant speed, catching opponents by surprise and squeezing out more value during crucial moments of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pierce Strider does not demand a discard when coming into play, but it does present a trade-off in the form of a one-way life swing. This can be less impactful in scenarios where you need to manage multiple threats or when life totals are less of a concern compared to board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes generic and colorless mana, Pierce Strider is somewhat flexible in deck placement. However, its specific requirement of three generic mana and one colorless mana can still restrict its inclusion to decks that are optimized for such costs or possess sufficient mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its four mana cost, Pierce Strider’s battlefield effect might not quite measure up against other options. MTG has numerous creatures and cards at the same or lower mana value that could potentially offer more significant benefits upon entering the battlefield, execute removal, or provide card advantage.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pierce Strider offers a straightforward but flexible role in multiple deck types. As a colorless creature, it can easily slot into any deck without worrying about mana colors. Its enter-the-battlefield effect deals direct damage, making it useful for chipping away at an opponent’s life total.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that capitalize on enter-the-battlefield triggers. Pairing Pierce Strider with flicker or bounce effects allows you to repeatedly exploit its damage-dealing ability for a steady stream of life point deductions.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where life totals can hinge on tight margins or in games that drag into longer battles, Pierce Strider’s consistent damage output can be a game-changer. It’s especially potent in formats that see players utilizing life points as a resource more liberally.


How to Beat

Pierce Strider is a unique artifact creature in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, offering a straightforward ability that can influence the tide of a match. With its notable entrance to the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to an opponent, potentially swaying life totals significantly. Despite this impact, overcoming Pierce Strider’s effect is achievable with a few strategic measures.

Counterspells are your first line of defense, stopping Pierce Strider before it even gets a chance to deploy its damage-dealing ability. Also, instant-speed removal cards will let you dispatch of Pierce Strider before your opponent can capitalize on any additional synergies or recurring abilities that may utilize the Strider in later turns.

For ongoing synergy denial, grave-hate cards mitigate the threat of Pierce Strider being reanimated or otherwise utilized from the graveyard, ensuring its effect remains a one-time inconvenience. Incorporating life-gain strategies can further mitigate the impact of Pierce Strider’s entrance, diminishing the effectiveness of its singular burst of damage and keeping you in a healthy life total range.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pierce Strider MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Pierce Strider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pierce Strider Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 390172003NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
22011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 1232003NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
32018-06-08BattlebondBBD 2442015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
42022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 7902015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pierce Strider has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal