Red Dragon MTG Card


Red Dragons offer card advantage, mana acceleration, and instant speed plays for dynamic MTG strategies. Challenges include high mana costs and color-specific requirements, presenting potential deck-building constraints. They assert dominance in aerial combat and provide meta-relevant, combo-enabling gameplay to diverse MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying Fire Breath — When Red Dragon enters the battlefield, it deals 4 damage to each opponent.


Cards like Red Dragon

Red Dragon stands tall as an exciting presence in the pantheon of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, especially among its draconic brethren. A creature of considerable power, it shares the flying trait with other dragons like Shivan Dragon, a classic selection capable of adjusting its power at a moment’s notice. Yet, Red Dragon distinguishes itself with its unique ability to inflict direct damage to your opponent upon entering the battlefield.

Another comparable card is the Furnace Whelp, which, like Red Dragon, benefits from the ability to fly and can increase its power. However, Red Dragon’s automatic damage upon arrival gives it an upper hand, as it provides immediate impact compared to Furnace Whelp’s mana investment for power boosting. Meanwhile, Dragon Egg presents a different angle—it may share the initial fragility, but upon its destruction, you receive a flying dragon token with firebreathing capabilities, hinting at a deferred but potential threat.

To conclude, Red Dragon makes a compelling case for inclusion in MTG decks favoring instantaneous effects and powerful flying creatures. Its capacity for immediate damage coupled with considerable airborne strength shapes it as a noteworthy choice in its class.

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furnace Whelp - MTG Card versions
Dragon Egg - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Furnace Whelp - MTG Card versions
Dragon Egg - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Red Dragon by color, type and mana cost

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Gang of Devils - MTG Card versions
Chaos Imps - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Chartooth Cougar - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Gang of Devils - MTG Card versions
Chaos Imps - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: If the Red Dragon card includes a mechanic to draw cards or otherwise replenish your hand, this provides a valuable opportunity to maintain a superior card presence on the battlefield, thus tipping the scales in your favor during a match.

Resource Acceleration: The Red Dragon may offer a special ability that accelerates your mana resources, possibly through an interaction with lands or through the creation of artifact tokens that can be converted into additional mana, allowing you to unleash formidable spells and creatures ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: In the event that the Red Dragon possesses an ability that can be executed at instant speed, this grants a strategic advantage whereby you can react to your opponent’s moves with unforeseen actions or ambush unsuspecting adversaries at the end of their turn, keeping them constantly on the defensive.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some Red Dragon cards require discarding one or more cards from your hand, which can deplete your available options, especially if your strategy relies on a full grip of cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Red Dragons typically necessitate a significant amount of red mana, making them less flexible in multicolored decks and can lead to color fixing complications during crucial turns.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Red Dragons often come with a lofty mana cost that reflects their power level and abilities, but this can slow down your game plan compared to playing lower cost creatures that allow for more immediate board presence and impact.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Red Dragon cards are known for their flexibility across various MTG playstyles. Their formidable presence is not just a threat on the battlefield but can also turn the tides in a game that focuses on aerial dominance and direct damage.

Combo Potential: These fiery beasts often come with abilities that synergize with other cards, such as those increasing damage, speeding up mana generation, or providing additional attack phases. Their potential to create game-winning combos is a powerful reason to include them in your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In the ever-shifting landscape of MTG, Red Dragon cards maintain relevance. Their ability to quickly deal damage or remove threats is particularly effective against decks that are unprepared for high-powered fliers or that lack sufficient removal options.


How to beat

The awe-inspiring presence of Red Dragon cards in Magic: The Gathering can make or break a game, but they aren’t unbeatable. These formidable cards usually come with high power, flying ability, and additional detrimental effects that can target multiple opponents or creatures. To overcome a Red Dragon, consider using spells that can neutralize creatures without targeting them directly, such as board wipes which are effective regardless of a dragon’s size or abilities.

Control strategies work well, employing counter spells to prevent dragons from hitting the battlefield in the first place, or instant removals for those that slip through at the right moment. Including cards that restrict mana generation will also impede your opponent’s ability to cast these costly creatures. Enchantment-based removals, which can bypass certain protection abilities, also provide a solid defense. Equally, prioritizing your life total and having a stash of life gain can give you enough buffer to withstand a dragon’s fiery onslaught.

Ultimately, securing victory against a Red Dragon requires a mix of strategy, patience, and the right cards in your deck. Staying ahead of your opponent’s plays, managing your resources wisely, and maintaining board control will ensure these mythic beasts don’t scorch your path to triumph.


BurnMana Recommendations

The allure of Red Dragon cards in MTG is undeniable, combining raw power with the strategic depth that can define the outcome of a duel. If you have an affinity for commanding these majestic creatures or are simply looking to enhance your collection with their formidable prowess, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is just the beginning. As you embark on your journey to master the game, consider the broader context in which these dragons thrive and the nuanced approaches required to wield them effectively. Dive deeper into the realm of MTG with us and discover how to optimize your deck, pinpoint the perfect moment to unleash your Red Dragon, and ensure your gameplay soars to new heights. Let’s continue to explore and conquer the skies of MTG together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Red Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Red Dragon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Red Dragon Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 927542015NormalBlackRudy Siswanto
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 2942015NormalBorderlessRudy Siswanto
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1602015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
42022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 1882015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Red Dragon has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal