Regal Leosaur MTG Card


Regal Leosaur offers potential card advantage without losing hand resources via the mutate mechanic. When mutated, it accelerates your game plan, amplifying board presence without extra mana. Instant-speed mutate can surprise opponents with sudden power boosts during their turn.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dinosaur Cat
Abilities Mutate
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Mutate {R/W}{R/W} (If you cast this spell for its mutate cost, put it over or under target non-Human creature you own. They mutate into the creature on top plus all abilities from under it.) Whenever this creature mutates, other creatures you control get +2/+1 until end of turn.


Cards like Regal Leosaur

Regal Leosaur is an intriguing asset within the realm of creature spells in MTG. Quite comparable to other creatures that offer a boost to their kin upon entering the battlefield, such as Always Watching which gives non-token creatures you control +1/+1 and vigilance. Nevertheless, Regal Leosaur differs in that it provides a temporary buff, specifically when mutated, granting all other creatures you control +2/+1 until end of turn.

Looking at other similar mechanics, Winota, Joiner of Forces stands out. Though it doesn’t provide an immediate buff to creatures, Winota has the potential to generate significant advantage by cheating creatures onto the battlefield. Comparatively, Regal Leosaur’s expense is minimized as it has both initial impact when mutated and serves as an efficient creature early in the game.

Then there’s Marauding Raptor, another dino-centric spell impacting your creature’s strength. Unlike the boost from Regal Leosaur, Marauding Raptor reduces the casting cost of your dinosaur spells and can inadvertently increase its own power through the damaging of non-dinosaur creatures. The decision hinges on the composition and strategy of your deck—whether a burst of power or ongoing utility aligns with your game plan.

In evaluating creature-based combat enhancers in MTG, Regal Leosaur emerges as a competent option, especially for decks capitalizing on the mutate mechanic and rapid, explosive plays.

Always Watching - MTG Card versions
Winota, Joiner of Forces - MTG Card versions
Marauding Raptor - MTG Card versions
Always Watching - MTG Card versions
Winota, Joiner of Forces - MTG Card versions
Marauding Raptor - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro PioneerBoros Convoke#05 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
Boros ConvokeBoros Convoke PioneerBoros Convoke21Champions Cup Final Season 2 Round 1
All Other DecklistsAll Other Decklists PioneerPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
DecklistDecklist PioneerBoros ConvokeNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Regal Leosaur itself doesn’t directly draw cards, when played as part of the mutate mechanic, it can potentially offer card advantage. This advantage comes from the ability to turn any non-Human creature into a bigger threat while keeping the other abilities intact, resulting in a more powerful board presence without losing hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: The Regal Leosaur’s mutate cost can be seen as a form of resource acceleration in a deck built to optimize mutate synergies. By mutating onto a creature with an existing presence on the board, you accelerate your game plan and enhance your creatures without spending additional mana to cast another creature spell from your hand.

Instant Speed: While the Regal Leosaur itself is not an instant, playing it with mutate allows you to exploit timing tricks similar to casting spells at instant speed. For instance, you could mutate onto a creature during your opponent’s turn if you have a card like Vedalken Orrery on the battlefield, surprising your opponent with a sudden boost in power and toughness.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Regal Leosaur doesn’t have a discard cost, it does require players to have another creature to mutate onto, which can be disadvantageous if the battlefield is clear.

Specific Mana Cost: The Leosaur’s specific mana cost (one red and one white) can create limitations as it necessitates a boros (red-white) mana base to cast, potentially restricting it to only certain types of decks that can accommodate such color requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite the versatility and boost it gives to the team, its mutate cost is relatively high. Starting at three mana—including one red and one white—there are alternate creatures and buffs in the same mana range that might provide more immediate or flexible benefits on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Regal Leosaur’s ability to slot into a multitude of decks is undeniable. As a creature that bolsters a wide array of dinosaur synergies or any deck leaning on the mutate mechanic, this card brings a level of flexibility that can enhance various archetypes within the game.

Combo Potential: When considering its mutate trigger, Regal Leosaur shines by potentially offering a significant power boost to your mutated creature. It easily becomes a linchpin in more aggressive strategies seeking to maximize combat damage, as well as a key piece in explosive turns that can change the flow of the game.

Meta-Relevance: Even within the ever-shifting sands of the meta, a card that can quickly escalate the power of your creatures remains relevant, particularly in faster-paced games where early dominance is crucial. Having Regal Leosaur in your arsenal means having the ability to adapt and apply pressure in an environment where creature-based strategies prevail.


How to beat Regal Leosaur

Regal Leosaur shines in Magic: The Gathering decks focusing on synergy and creature enhancements. This dinosaur charges onto the battlefield promoting bold, assertive play. Its Mutate ability can bolster your team significantly, turning the tide of battle with just one swing. Yet, despite its strengths, mastering strategies to overpower it is crucial for any adept player.

Control methods are effective — focusing on removal spells that can disrupt the Mutate stack, such as “Heartless Act” or “Dire Tactics,” can ensure the Leosaur’s impact remains minimal. Additionally, “Essence Scatter” serves as a robust countermeasure, stopping the creature in its tracks before the Mutate ability even triggers. Balancing offense and defense, timing your spells to interrupt your opponent’s momentum, and maintaining board control are key components. With the right planning, even a creature as commanding as Regal Leosaur can be tamed, maintaining your stronghold within the game.

Understanding the mechanics behind Regal Leosaur and the decks it thrives in enables players to craft tailored rebuttals. It’s a testament to the depth and complexity of Magic: The Gathering, where even the most potent cards have their Achilles’ heel, ready to be exploited by the well-prepared.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the tactical depths of Magic: The Gathering with cards like Regal Leosaur, a dynamic choice for MTG enthusiasts who revel in creature-focused strategies and the mutate mechanic. As you’ve seen, whether it’s maximizing card advantage, resource acceleration, or mastering the timing of your plays, this card can be an asset. For decks capable of accommodating its color and mana demands, the payoff in combat is considerable. If you’re aspiring to gain an edge in creature-based matches or looking to inject versatility into your game, further exploration of the Leosaur’s potential is essential. Learn more about optimizing your deck with Regal Leosaur and ensure your next battle reaps the rewards of strategic deck building. Join us now to expand your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Regal Leosaur MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Regal Leosaur and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Regal Leosaur Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 809672015MutateBlackTomasz Jedruszek
22020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 2022015MutateBlackIlse Gort
32020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 3052015MutateBlackTomasz Jedruszek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Regal Leosaur has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-04-17 Regal Leosaur’s last ability affects only other creatures you control at the time it resolves. Creatures you begin to control later in the turn won’t get +2/+1.