Thopter Squadron MTG Card


Generates token creatures for numerical advantage; strategic when timed well at instant speed. Demands creature card discards and specific mana, which may limit its deck compatibility. A card valuable for artifact-centric strategies; retains relevance across changing metagames.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Thopter
Abilities Flying
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Flying Thopter Squadron comes into play with three +1/+1 counters on it. o1, Remove a +1/+1 counter from Thopter Squadron: Put a Thopter token into play. Treat this token as a 1/1 artifact creature with flying. Play this ability as a sorcery. o1, Sacrifice a Thopter: Put a +1/+1 counter on Thopter Squadron. Play this ability as a sorcery.


Cards like Thopter Squadron

Thopter Squadron enriches the pool of versatile creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its mechanical kinship ties closely with the likes of Hangarback Walker and Triskelion. Hangarback Walker also thrives on the modular ability to create flying artifact tokens, though it does so upon death, unlike Thopter Squadron which can generate Thopters at will. Both cards serve as formidable aerial blockers or an armada for offensive strategies.

Triskelion offers a somewhat different utility, providing direct damage as an option to control the battlefield or finish off opponents. Although Thopter Squadron lacks the direct damage capability, its ability to scale its power, toughness and creature creation flexibly offers strategic advantages in long game scenarios.

Evaluating the utility and adaptability of Thopter Squadron against its counterparts, it’s apparent that the card presents a dynamic array of options for pilots of artifact-centric decks seeking to maintain a presence on the board and adapt to the evolving game state.

Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions
Triskelion - MTG Card versions
Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions
Triskelion - MTG Card versions

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Gauntlets of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Ring of Renewal - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Avian - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Steam Beast - MTG Card versions
Urza's Engine - MTG Card versions
Sand Golem - MTG Card versions
Pandora's Box - MTG Card versions
Belbe's Portal - MTG Card versions
Crumbling Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Mind's Eye - MTG Card versions
Horizon Stone - MTG Card versions
The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions
Coat of Arms - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Timesifter - MTG Card versions
Leveler - MTG Card versions
Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Myr Matrix - MTG Card versions
Dross Golem - MTG Card versions
Razormane Masticore - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Welder SurvivalWelder Survival PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thopter Squadron offers a unique form of card advantage by allowing you to create multiple Thopter tokens. This can quickly outnumber your opponent’s creatures, giving you the upper hand on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: By utilizing the tokens, you can enhance your attacking and defending capabilities without the need for additional cards. It’s an efficient way to leverage your resources and gain an edge over your opponent.

Instant Speed: Though Thopter Squadron itself isn’t an instant, its ability to create Thopters can be activated at instant speed. This allows you to wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to make strategic decisions, potentially surprising them with unexpected blockers or attackers.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thopter Squadron necessitates the discard of another creature card to exploit its full potential, effectively narrowing strategic options and possibly depleting valuable hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that specifically requires two colorless and three generic mana, Thopter Squadron can be tricky to play in multicolored decks that may struggle with mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a total of five mana, Thopter Squadron may strain your mana resources, especially when considering the cumulative cost for leveraging its token-generating ability which could otherwise be invested in more impactful board-presence spells.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thopter Squadron holds a spot in decks that capitalize on artifacts or engine components. Its ability to create token flyers provides both offensive and defensive options on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, Thopter Squadron interacts beautifully in combos, particularly with mechanisms that proliferate or double token generation. It’s a linchpin in intricate plays that can turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG landscape ebbs and flows, an adaptable card like Thopter Squadron maintains relevance. Its synergy with popular artifact strategies ensures it sees play across various metagames, asserting its value in a collector’s array.


How to Beat

The Thopter Squadron card presents a unique challenge at the table, combining the ability to produce token creatures with a self-scaling mechanism. To effectively counteract this artifact creature, it’s crucial to understand its strengths and weaknesses. Removing it before its numbers grow too large is key. Creature removal spells, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, are direct and effective. Artifact destruction, via cards like Naturalize or Shatter, can also dismantle the squadron swiftly.

One strategic approach involves disrupting its token-generating capability with cards that either prohibit creating new creatures, like Cursed Totem, or spells that specifically bar artifact activations, such as Stony Silence. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the field regardless of how many tokens have been amassed. Lastly, employing direct player damage can shift the opponent’s priorities, forcing them to defend rather than expand their Thopter fleet. In sum, keeping the pressure on and dealing with the squadron efficiently can ensure it doesn’t spiral out of control.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thopter Squadron MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and Vintage Masters, 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 Thopter Squadron and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thopter Squadron Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Doug Chaffee.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-15ExodusEXO 1401997NormalBlackDoug Chaffee
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2862015NormalBlackDoug Chaffee
32015-05-06Tempest RemasteredTPR 2332015NormalBlackDoug Chaffee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thopter Squadron has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal