Zurgo and Ojutai MTG Card


Both cards, Zurgo and Ojutai, offer unique strategic advantages like card advantage and resource acceleration in MTG. Specific mana costs and high mana investments could limit deck variability and affect game pace. Zurgo and Ojutai’s potent abilities make them valuable for aggressive and control strategies in various metas.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Orc Dragon
Abilities Flying,Haste
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying, haste Zurgo and Ojutai has hexproof as long as it entered the battlefield this turn. Whenever one or more Dragons you control deal combat damage to a player or battle, look at the top three cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order. You may return one of those Dragons to its owner's hand.


Cards like Zurgo and Ojutai

Zurgo Helmsmasher and Dragonlord Ojutai stand tall among the legendary creatures of MTG. Zurgo, a formidable Orc warrior, brings aggression and resilience to the battlefield, much like other powerhouses such as Alesha, Who Smiles at Death. Alesha may be smaller but shares the ability to command the board by recurring creatures from the graveyard. Both are part of the Mardu clan, yet Zurgo distinguishes himself with an indestructible aura during your turn and the potential to grow stronger with each opponent’s downfall.

On the wings of comparison, Dragonlord Ojutai offers a blend of offense and knowledge, similar yet distinct from creatures like Narset, Enlightened Master. While Narset exiles multiple cards offering a chance of free spells, Ojutai guarantees card advantage through its anticipatory ability upon dealing combat damage. Both belong to the Jeskai way, but Ojutai’s hexproof shield when untapped gives it steady protection, positioning it uniquely within control strategies.

Exploring these legends against their kin, we see Zurgo embodies the essence of warrior-like aggression, while Ojutai champions strategic combat and card advantage. Both command respect and dictate distinct styles of play within MTG, yet their individual strengths and tactical opportunities solidify their iconic status.

Zurgo Helmsmasher - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Ojutai - MTG Card versions
Alesha, Who Smiles at Death - MTG Card versions
Narset, Enlightened Master - MTG Card versions
Zurgo Helmsmasher - MTG Card versions
Dragonlord Ojutai - MTG Card versions
Alesha, Who Smiles at Death - MTG Card versions
Narset, Enlightened Master - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Zurgo and Ojutai by color, type and mana cost

Sage of the Inward Eye - MTG Card versions
The Archimandrite - MTG Card versions
Warden of the Eye - MTG Card versions
Sevinne, the Chronoclasm - MTG Card versions
Elsha of the Infinite - MTG Card versions
Akim, the Soaring Wind - MTG Card versions
Gavi, Nest Warden - MTG Card versions
Éowyn, Shieldmaiden - MTG Card versions
Sage of the Inward Eye - MTG Card versions
The Archimandrite - MTG Card versions
Warden of the Eye - MTG Card versions
Sevinne, the Chronoclasm - MTG Card versions
Elsha of the Infinite - MTG Card versions
Akim, the Soaring Wind - MTG Card versions
Gavi, Nest Warden - MTG Card versions
Éowyn, Shieldmaiden - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
5c Midrange5c Midrange Pioneer5c MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-03-31
Jeskai MidrangeJeskai Midrange StandardJeskai MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Five-color ControlFive-color Control Standard4c Control16 Day3
JESKAI CONTROLJESKAI CONTROL StandardJeskai ControlWPNQ STANDARD GOLDEN STORE TALENTI
WUBRGWUBRG StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 5, 2024
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo Pioneer5c MidrangeSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Five-color MidrangeFive-color Midrange StandardDomain2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zurgo Helmsmasher can be an overwhelming force, potentially eliminating a player’s blocker each turn due to its ability to deal increased damage, while Dragonlord Ojutai grants access to the top three cards of your library whenever it deals combat damage to a player, ensuring a steady flow of options.

Resource Acceleration: Dragonlord Ojutai’s anticipation ability not only speeds up your resource access by potentially uncovering lands or mana-producing spells but also compounds the benefit by presenting several choices to optimize your plays each turn precisely.

Instant Speed: Dragonlord Ojutai’s hexproof ability protects it as long as it’s untapped, which, at instant speed, allows you to make strategic decisions on whether to attack or leave it as a formidable deterrent during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A notable drawback of either Zurgo or Ojutai cards is the potential for a discard mechanic that could set you back when your hand is already sparse. Such conditions can leave you at a strategic disadvantage in crucial moments of gameplay, particularly when every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Cards like Zurgo Helmsmasher and Dragonlord Ojutai come with specific mana requirements which could potentially restrict their inclusion in a variety of MTG decks. For instance, Zurgo’s need for Mardu colors and Ojutai’s Azorius leanings mean they are less flexible and require a more color-committed base, making deck construction a bit more challenging for players.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While both Zurgo and Ojutai offer formidable abilities and impacts on the game, their relative mana costs are on the higher side. In competitive play, this can be a sizeable con as the game often favors lower-cost creatures for a faster and more efficient deck speed, leaving these otherwise powerful cards at risk of being outpaced by less mana-intensive strategies.


Reasons to Include Zurgo and Ojutai in Your Collection

Versatility: Zurgo Helmsmasher excels in aggressive strategies, thriving in Commander as a formidable voltron leader. Ojutai, Soul of Winter, conversely, serves a pivotal role in control-oriented dragon decks, offering an impactful presence in both the skies and in the late game.

Combo Potential: Zurgo can be armed with a myriad of equipment and auras to become an unstoppable force, while Ojutai’s ability to tap down potential blockers can be paired with cards that capitalize on creatures being tapped or unable to block for some punishing combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta heavy with creature-based strategies, Zurgo’s indestructibility during your turn makes him a resilient threat. Ojutai contributes to metas with a focus on longer, control-driven games, where his vigilance and ability to freeze opposing resources can swing games in your favor.


How to beat

Zurgo Helmsmasher and Dragonlord Ojutai are formidable cards that can define the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Facing Zurgo, it’s essential to remember that his indestructibility during your turn makes direct removal spells ineffective. Utilizing board wipes like Damnation or Wrath of God can circumvent his protection, eliminating him along with other threats at a strategic time.

On the other hand, Dragonlord Ojutai brings a different challenge with hexproof while it’s untapped. To tackle Ojutai, one strategy is to force it to tap by compelling your opponent to attack or block, thereby leaving it vulnerable to targeted spells. Additionally, cards that don’t target, such as Supreme Verdict, can destroy Ojutai without having to worry about hexproof.

Addressing these threats requires a blend of timing and using the right answers. Whether it’s through board wipes or luring them into a vulnerable state, the key to overcoming these powerful opponents lies in crafting a plan that recognizes their strengths and exploits their moments of weakness on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the MTG realm and empower your strategic insights with our curated advice. If Zurgo Helmsmasher’s might or Dragonlord Ojutai’s finesse have sparked your interest, there’s a multitude of tactics to explore and optimize your gameplay. Evolving your collection with cards like these broadens your horizons for creating influential and memorable deck experiences. Whether it’s adapting to diverse metas or constructing new, exciting combos, these legendary creatures can significantly boost your game. Nurture your mastery of MTG; visit BurnMana for comprehensive guides, strategy tips, and the best ways to wield these powerful cards on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zurgo and Ojutai MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine 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 Zurgo and Ojutai and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zurgo and Ojutai Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 2582015NormalBlackDaarken
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 258p2015NormalBlackDaarken
32023-04-21March of the Machine Art SeriesAMOM 662015Art seriesBorderless
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 258s2015NormalBlackDaarken
52023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3192015NormalBlackAdrian Smith

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zurgo and Ojutai has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 Because creatures with first strike deal combat damage before creatures without first strike, it’s also possible to have the ability trigger twice in the same combat by your Dragons dealing combat damage to one player at different times. This can also happen if an attacking Dragon you control has double strike.
2023-04-14 The triggered ability will trigger once for each player or battle dealt combat damage by Dragons you control, no matter how many Dragons were involved. For example, if you attack a player with three Dragons and a battle that player protects with two Dragons, and they all connect, the ability will trigger twice.
2023-04-14 You choose whether to return one of the Dragons that dealt combat damage to the player or battle as the triggered ability is resolving. This doesn’t target any of those Dragons.