Zodiac Ox MTG Card


Zodiac Ox excels at maintaining momentum with its card-drawing entry effect, crucial for game progress. It supports ramp strategies by tapping for green mana, accelerating the deployment of larger threats. Despite its benefits, the Ox’s discard trigger and specific mana cost can hamper flexibility and speed.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Ox
Abilities Swampwalk
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Swampwalk (If defending player has a swamp in play, Zodiac Ox can't be blocked.)

". . . Cao's abdication changed the face of all; / No mighty battles marked the Southland's fall. . . ."


Cards like Zodiac Ox

Zodiac Ox is an intriguing creature card that invites comparisons with other sturdy defenders in Magic: The Gathering. It stands in line with cards like Yoked Ox, both prizing toughness over power, which makes them excellent at early-game defense. Yet Zodiac Ox has the unique characteristic of being part of a cycle reflecting the Chinese Zodiac, adding a layer of collectibility and thematic appeal.

Another creature that shares a similarity with Zodiac Ox is Giant Ox. This mighty beast also leans heavily on defense but has the added benefit of being able to crew Vehicles using its toughness rather than its power. When putting Zodiac Ox in direct comparison, what it lacks in utility, it certainly makes up for in stability and reliability within its mana cost.

When evaluating the place of Zodiac Ox in the realm of MTG creature cards, especially within decks that favor durable blockers, its straightforwardness and cultural significance are worthy of note. It provides consistent defense while embodying the rich lore that Magic: The Gathering often draws upon, making it more than just a card – it’s a piece of a larger mosaic that appeals to both players and collectors.

Yoked Ox - MTG Card versions
Giant Ox - MTG Card versions
Yoked Ox - MTG Card versions
Giant Ox - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Zodiac Ox by color, type and mana cost

Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions
Anaconda - MTG Card versions
Giant Spider - MTG Card versions
Marsh Viper - MTG Card versions
Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions
Anaconda - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zodiac Ox offers the useful ability to replenish your hand by allowing you to draw a card when it enters the battlefield. This can be a game-changer in maintaining your momentum or coming back from a tight spot.

Resource Acceleration: By tapping for green mana, this formidable creature assists in ramping up your resources, ultimately enabling you to deploy larger threats earlier in the match than your opponent.

Instant Speed: While Zodiac Ox itself may not be an instant, it synergizes well with instant-speed spells by providing a reliable blocker that can free up your mana for reactive plays during the crucial moments of a game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Zodiac Ox is its trigger necessitating the discarding of another card. In gameplay, this means you have to give up a potential resource, which might not always be beneficial, especially when your hand is depleted or each card holds significant strategic value.

Specific Mana Cost: Zodiac Ox comes with a mana cost that must include green mana. This requirement can restrict deck-building options, limiting the card’s inclusion only to decks that can generate green mana, reducing its versatility in multicolored or colorless strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost you pay for the abilities of Zodiac Ox can be seen as steep compared with other creatures that occupy the same or similar mana slots. Considering the current meta, where mana efficiency and speed are key, the high mana cost of Zodiac Ox can be a detriment to its playability in faster, more aggressive decks.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Zodiac Ox plays well in decks that look to capitalize on creature synergies or need robust blockers. Its flexible mana cost means it fits into a variety of deck colors and strategies.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that thrive on creatures entering the battlefield or those that benefit from the Ox type, Zodiac Ox can be a key component in executing powerful combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive decks are prevalent, Zodiac Ox serves as a formidable defense. Its stout statline can help stabilize the board against early threats.


How to beat

Zodiac Ox is part of the intriguing lineup of cards in the high-fantasy world of Magic: The Gathering. As a creature card with substantial toughness, it can be quite the challenge to overcome this bovine behemoth on the battlefield. When facing this powerful Ox, one effective strategy is to prioritize the removal of high-toughness creatures. Cards like Path to Exile and Murderous Rider are excellent for swiftly dispatching Zodiac Ox without having to engage in combat. To ensure success, keep these kinds of removal spells handy in your deck when you anticipate encountering sturdy adversaries like the ox.

Another tactic is exploiting the natural weakness of heavy creatures – their typically high casting cost. By using land destruction or mana disruption effects, you can prevent your opponents from ever bringing Zodiac Ox into play. Land denial strategies, utilizing cards such as Stone Rain or Blood Moon, could hinder your opponent’s ability to cast this daunting creature card. Moreover, watch out for counterspells that can negate Zodiac Ox before it even steps onto the field, maintaining control over the game’s pace and keeping the board clear of formidable blockers.

Overcoming Zodiac Ox calls for thoughtful card selection and playing a step ahead. Incorporating efficient removal, proactive counterspells, and disruptive spells will give you the upper hand, ensuring that the Ox’s strength doesn’t become an immovable obstacle in your quest for victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zodiac Ox MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Magic Online Promos, 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 Zodiac Ox and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zodiac Ox Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 1999-05-01. Illustrated by Ai Desheng.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-05-01Portal Three KingdomsPTK 1611997NormalWhiteAi Desheng
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 350921997NormalBlackAi Desheng

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zodiac Ox has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal