Terror of the Peaks MTG Card


Terror of the Peaks excels by converting creature plays into direct damage against opponents or their creatures. It serves as a deterrent, conserving resources and impacting opponents’ strategies with its instant speed ability. Notwithstanding its higher mana cost, its versatility and combo potential make it a formidable inclusion in any collection.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Dragon
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying Spells your opponents cast that target Terror of the Peaks cost an additional 3 life to cast. Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, Terror of the Peaks deals damage equal to that creature's power to any target.


Cards like Terror of the Peaks

Terror of the Peaks breathes new life into the roster of dragon-themed cards in Magic: The Gathering. This powerhouse is reminiscent of cards like Warstorm Surge, as both deal damage to any target when a creature enters the battlefield. Yet, Terror of the Peaks offers a more versatile package by embodying this effect on a formidable creature itself. Warstorm Surge, in contrast, is an enchantment that lacks board presence.

Mirror comparisons can be drawn with Dragon Tempest, another card that shares the damage-dealing ability tied to flying creatures entering play. Although Dragon Tempest might affect multiple opponents and can scale with numerous dragons, Terror of the Peaks stands out by inflicting its damage without requiring a tribal synergy, offering broader deck-building flexibility.

From a strategic standpoint, comparing these cards elevates Terror of the Peaks as a veritable threat, combining immediate board impact with damage output. Its unique capability of dishing out punishment to opponents as creatures are cast gives it a distinct edge over similar effects in the MTG universe, carving its rightful niche within the pantheon of impactful red creatures.

Warstorm Surge - MTG Card versions
Dragon Tempest - MTG Card versions
Warstorm Surge - MTG Card versions
Dragon Tempest - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Terror of the Peaks by color, type and mana cost

Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Ravaging Horde - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Thundering Giant - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Savage Firecat - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DredgeDredge VintageDredgeVintage Preliminary 2023-12-19
Gruul ComboGruul Combo GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange ModernRakdos MidrangeModern League 2024-03-23
Four-color ZooFour-color Zoo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024
Gruul RampGruul Ramp GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 06 2024
Gruul MidrangeGruul Midrange GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Temur ComboTemur Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Gruul DragonsGruul Dragons PioneerGruul MidrangeDreamHack Atlanta 2023 - Sun. 11AM Pioneer 5k Open 8-Slot RCQ
Gruul VehiclesGruul Vehicles PioneerGruul MidrangeSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Terror of the Peaks provides a significant tactical edge by delivering direct damage to any target whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control. This can quickly decimate an opponent’s life total or clear the board of threats, effectively generating card advantage as you leverage one card to affect multiple elements of the game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly a resource acceleration tool, Terror of the Peaks can lead to a pseudo-acceleration effect. By dissuading opponents from removing your creatures thanks to its damage-dealing ability, it effectively saves resources that would otherwise be spent on protecting your board presence or rebuilding it after a wipe.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Terror of the Peaks triggers at instant speed. This means its ability can act as a deterrent against opponents’ actions during their turn, as any creatures entering the battlefield on your side can instantly wreak havoc on their plans, regardless of the phase or step.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Terror of the Peaks does not have a discard requirement itself, it can put you in a precarious position if you’re trying to play other cards that help you draw, as they may require a discard which leaves you with fewer options to defend the dragon.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Terror of the Peaks requires three generic and two red mana, which makes it a card that demands a significant commitment to red mana. This cost may restrict the card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably produce the necessary red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, Terror of the Peaks sits at a higher end on the mana curve. Its powerful effects come with a cost that may be too steep in faster-paced games where lower-cost creatures can overrun the battlefield before you’re able to cast it.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Terror of the Peaks offers a flexible role within various deck archetypes. This dragon not only serves as a formidable flying threat but also punishes opponents for summoning creatures, making it a great fit for decks that aim to control the board while applying pressure.

Combo Potential: Terror of the Peaks shines when combined with creature-based strategies, particularly those involving creature tokens or enter the battlefield effects. Each creature’s arrival can turn into direct damage, potentially swinging games in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: As a card that reacts to the evolving game state within different metas, Terror of the Peaks has proven to be a staple in formats where creatures play a key role. Its ability to interfere with opponents’ plans and act as a game-ending threat keeps it relevant in a diverse range of matchups.


How to Beat

Overcoming the Terror of the Peaks in an MTG match can be as daunting as the creature itself. This powerful dragon poses a significant threat, thanks not only to its ability to deal damage whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, but also its flying and power to punish opponents for targeting it. The most straightforward strategy to deal with Terror of the Peaks is by preventing it from landing on the battlefield in the first place. Spell-based counters like Negate or Essence Scatter allow you to intercept it before the threat can take flight.

If the dragon has already roosted, then enchantments such as Pacifism can render it harmless without triggering its damaging effect. Removal spells that don’t target, like Wrath of God, can clear the board without consequences. Additionally, exiling the creature sidesteps the damage entirely. Cards like Skyclave Apparition that can exile without triggering its retaliation ability are essential. In the face of this mountainous menace, sharp gameplay and clever deck construction will ensure your victory in the skies.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unleashing the power of Terror of the Peaks in your MTG deck adds a fierce advantage that can shift the course of any match. Whether you are looking to incorporate this majestic dragon into a high-impact red deck or synergize with a plethora of creature-based strategies, the damage-dealing potential it offers is a game-changer. Its presence alone can dictate the flow of play, making it a must-have for competitors and collectors alike. If you aspire to harness the raw might of this winged behemoth or seek to refine your deck-building skills further, remember that knowledge is just as critical as the cards in your hand. Dive deeper into the MTG realm, refine your strategies, and make each match a testament to your growing prowess on the battlefield. For insights and advanced tactics, continue this journey with us and soar above the competition.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Terror of the Peaks MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Core Set 2021, 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 Terror of the Peaks and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Terror of the Peaks Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2024-04-20. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 819762015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
22020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 1642015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
32020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 3692015NormalBlackAndrey Kuzinskiy
42024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder JunctionOTJ 3372015NormalBlackJoshua Raphael
52024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder JunctionOTJ 1492015NormalBlackJoshua Raphael
62024-04-20Outlaws of Thunder Junction PromosPOTJ 149p2015NormalBlackJoshua Raphael
72024-04-20Outlaws of Thunder Junction PromosPOTJ 149s2015NormalBlackJoshua Raphael

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Terror of the Peaks has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-06-23 The amount of damage Terror of the Peaks deals is the entering creature's power as the triggered ability resolves. If that creature leaves the battlefield before the ability resolves, use its power as it last existed on the battlefield.