Zaxara, the Exemplary MTG Card


Converting mana into hydras provides both board presence and potential card draw. Zaxara’s mana boost complements large spells and multicolor deck flexibility. Playing X cost instants at instant speed disrupts opponents and advances strategy.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Nightmare Hydra
Abilities Deathtouch
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Deathtouch : Add two mana of any one color. Whenever you cast a spell with in its mana cost, create a 0/0 green Hydra creature token, then put X +1/+1 counters on it.


Cards like Zaxara, the Exemplary

Zaxara the Exemplary stands as a unique commander option in MTG, with a special niche in the Hydra tribal and X-spell synergies. It finds a near parallel in Rosheen Meanderer, which also garners attention for its ability to ramp up mana specifically for X spells. While Rosheen Meanderer favors a broader spectrum of color identities, Zaxara’s color identity of blue, black, and green allows for a different kind of deckbuilding flexibility, particularly in employing counterspells and card draw.

Another similar card is Gargos, Vicious Watcher, which reduces the cost of Hydra spells and packs a volatile Vigilance ability. Conversely, Zaxara the Exemplary’s strength lies in creating a 1/1 green Hydra creature token for each X value spent. Here, Gargos appeals to those seeking a more aggressive playstyle, while Zaxara caters to players who enjoy the strategic depth of a combo-oriented game. Nurturing their growth, Kruphix, God of Horizons, shares the spotlight in discussions on color and mana storage, pivotal to fueling costly X spells that Zaxara utilizes to its advantage.

All in all, Zaxara the Exemplary carves a spot for itself among MTG commanders with its unique hybrid of token generation and combo potential rooted in expanding mana reservoirs for X-cost spells.

Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Gargos, Vicious Watcher - MTG Card versions
Kruphix, God of Horizons - MTG Card versions
Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Gargos, Vicious Watcher - MTG Card versions
Kruphix, God of Horizons - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zaxara, the Exemplary shines by providing card advantage through its ability to create a 0/0 green Hydra creature token that enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it for each mana spent. This effectively converts excess mana into potential card draw engines or threats on the board, keeping your hand replenished and your board state aggressive.

Resource Acceleration: As a commander, Zaxara enhances your resource acceleration by adding two mana of any one color to your mana pool whenever you cast a spell with X in its mana cost. This not only fuels your larger spells but also enables multi-colored decks to more easily access the mana they need, when they need it.

Instant Speed: The synergy Zaxara has with instant-speed spells can be a game-changer. With the ability to hold up mana for counter spells and other interactions, you’re able to cast powerful X cost instants on your opponent’s turn, potentially creating large Hydras as blockers or attackers out of nowhere. This flexibility can significantly disrupt your opponents’ strategies and give you the upper hand during critical phases of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Zaxara the Exemplary doesn’t force a discard, its ability to thrive in a game can compel you to prioritize certain cards over others, leading to tough decisions about discards.

Specific Mana Cost: Zaxara the Exemplary demands a very specific mana investment—two black and one green—which can prove challenging in decks that aren’t heavily tuned to those colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three generic and one black/green hybrid mana, Zaxara sits at the higher end of the mana curve for legendary creatures, potentially delaying your game plan when facing more aggressive decks.


Reasons to Include Zaxara the Exemplary in Your Collection

Versatility: Zaxara the Exemplary offers a flexible role in your collection due to its ability to spawn Hydra tokens. Whether you’re running a counters deck or need a reliable mana sink, Zaxara adapts to various deck builds with ease.

Combo Potential: This card excels at enabling explosive plays. Its ability to double up on +1/+1 counters can quickly spiral out of control with the right synergies. Incorporate it into your strategy and watch the combo possibilities unfold.

Meta-Relevance: In a dynamic environment where the value of synergy and resilience is at a premium, Zaxara holds its ground. It can thrive in numerous metas, particularly those favoring long-game strategies where incremental advantage leads to victory.


How to Beat Zaxara, the Exemplary

Zaxara, the Exemplary presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering, becoming a focal point in decks that exploit the X-spell synergy. Its strength lies in the efficiency to create Hydra tokens with power and toughness equal to the amount of mana spent on X-spells. To get ahead of Zaxara, pinpoint timing and smart removal choices are key.

Efficient spell removal can neutralize Zaxara before it can create value. Considering options such as Dire Tactics or Mythos of Nethroi can dismantle Zaxara’s strategy by removing it from the battlefield before tokens can amass. Counterplay requires a balance of aggression and control; using counter spells like Dovin’s Veto during an opponent’s casting can prevent Zaxara from exploiting its powerful ability. Alternatively, employing targeted creature removal after Zaxara triggers but before the Hydra token becomes a threat allows players to minimize the potential board impact.

Beyond these tactics, controlling the pace of the game and maintaining removal resources ensures that Zaxara doesn’t overwhelm with a legion of Hydras. With the correct approach, Zaxara, the Exemplary can be contained, preserving the balance of the match in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the abilities and synergies of Zaxara, the Exemplary provides insight into its formidable presence on the battlefield. Whether it’s utilizing the card advantage from spawned Hydra tokens, accelerating your resources, or playing at instant speed, there’s much to harness from this MTG powerhouse. If you’re considering incorporating Zaxara into your deck or weighing its strengths against its vulnerabilities, it’s clear this card offers intriguing strategic depth for any player. Interested in expanding your arsenal with this versatile commander? Explore the vast strategies and deck-building tips that can elevate your game with Zaxara. Tap into our detailed guides and join a community dedicated to mastering MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zaxara, the Exemplary MTG card by a specific set like Secret Lair Drop and Commander 2020, 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 Zaxara, the Exemplary and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zaxara, the Exemplary Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-12-02 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 13332015NormalBorderlessCatDirty
22020-04-17Commander 2020C20 202015NormalBlackSimon Dominic
32022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1762015NormalBlackSimon Dominic

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zaxara, the Exemplary has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Zaxara, the Exemplary 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 If X is 0, the 0/0 Hydra token will die immediately after the ability's done resolving unless something else is raising its toughness.
2020-04-17 If an effect, such as that of Parallel Lives, causes Zaxara's ability to create multiple Hydra tokens, they each receive X +1/+1 counters.
2020-04-17 If the spell you cast has in its mana cost, the token gets only X counters, not twice X.
2020-04-17 The Hydra token enters the battlefield as a 0/0 creature. Any abilities that modify or trigger on this event apply. After the token is on the battlefield but before any player can take actions, +1/+1 counters are put onto the token.
2020-04-17 The value of X in Zaxara's last ability is the value of X of the spell you cast.