Cloud CrusaderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Masters of the Sky and Steel

Cloud Crusader possesses two powerful static abilities: Flying and First strike. Flying ensures that it can only be blocked by creatures with Flying or Reach, allowing it to bypass ground-based defenses. First strike allows it to deal combat damage in a special combat step before creatures without First strike, often destroying attackers or blockers before they can even touch the Crusader.

Step-by-Step Combat Resolution

When Cloud Crusader enters combat, the game checks for blockers; if the opponent has no creatures with Flying or Reach, the Crusader remains unblocked. During the first combat damage step, Cloud Crusader deals its 2 damage. If the creature it is battling is still on the battlefield after this step, and that creature does not have First strike or Double strike, it will deal its damage during the second combat damage step.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Players often forget that First strike only applies if the creature is still in combat during the damage step. Additionally, while Cloud Crusader has the Knight and Human types, it does not have any triggered abilities. This is important to remember when looking for synergies with cards that modify how abilities trigger.

When to Deploy the Crusader

Deploy Cloud Crusader when you need to stabilize the board against small ground creatures or when you need a consistent source of chip damage. Its 3 toughness combined with First strike makes it particularly difficult for opponents to attack into with 1 or 2-toughness creatures, effectively creating a 'no-fly zone' for their utility units.

Interaction examples

Airborne Evasion

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Cloud Crusader and your opponent only controls a Solemn Simulacrum, they cannot block. Solemn Simulacrum lacks Flying or Reach, so Cloud Crusader flies right over the Golem to deal damage directly to the player.

The First Strike Advantage

Solemn Simulacrum

If Cloud Crusader somehow blocks a Solemn Simulacrum, the First strike ability kicks in. Cloud Crusader deals 2 damage during the first combat damage step, which is enough to destroy the 2/2 Solemn Simulacrum. The Golem is moved to the graveyard and its death trigger occurs, but it never deals its own damage to the Crusader.

Type Synergies and Limitations

Roaming Throne

If you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Human' or 'Knight', it will share a type with Cloud Crusader. However, because Cloud Crusader only has static abilities (Flying and First strike) and no triggered abilities (starting with 'When', 'Whenever', or 'At'), Roaming Throne's ability will not cause any part of Cloud Crusader to happen twice.