Sun-Crested Pterodon is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Flying This creature has vigilance as long as you control another Dinosaur.
Complete guide
Sun-Crested Pterodon is a formidable airborne threat that thrives when accompanied by its prehistoric kin. While it always provides a reliable flying blocker or attacker, its true potential is unlocked through the synergy of a Dinosaur-themed deck. Understanding the timing of its vigilance ability is key to mastering this creature's role on the battlefield.
Unlocking Vigilance
Sun-Crested Pterodon features a static ability that grants it vigilance as long as you control another Dinosaur. This check is continuous; the moment another Dinosaur enters the battlefield under your control, the Pterodon gains vigilance. Conversely, if your other Dinosaurs leave the battlefield, the Pterodon immediately loses the ability.
The Importance of Timing
Vigilance only matters at the specific moment you declare attackers. To attack without tapping, Sun-Crested Pterodon must already have vigilance when the 'Declare Attackers' step begins. If it gains vigilance after it has already been tapped to attack, it remains tapped. Likewise, if it loses vigilance after it was legally declared as an attacker without tapping, it does not suddenly become tapped.
Common Misconceptions
Players often wonder if the 'other Dinosaur' must also have flying or be able to attack. This is not the case; any creature with the Dinosaur subtype counts, even if it is tapped or has summoning sickness. Additionally, because the vigilance is a static ability and not a triggered one, it does not use the stack and cannot be responded to separately from the creature entering or leaving the battlefield.
Interaction examples
Roaming ThroneIf you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Dinosaur' as it enters the battlefield, it becomes a Dinosaur in addition to its other types. Because you now control another Dinosaur, Sun-Crested Pterodon immediately gains vigilance. You can now declare the Pterodon as an attacker during your combat phase without tapping it, leaving it available to block during your opponent's next turn.
Solemn SimulacrumWhile Solemn Simulacrum helps you accelerate your mana to cast high-cost creatures, it is a Golem and not a Dinosaur. Even if Solemn Simulacrum is on the battlefield, Sun-Crested Pterodon will not have vigilance unless you control a different creature with the Dinosaur type. In this scenario, the Pterodon must tap to attack as usual.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Sun-Crested Pterodon
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Gaining vigilance any time after the moment you choose to attack with Sun-Crested Pterodon won't cause it to become untapped, and losing vigilance after that time won't cause it to become tapped.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Sun-Crested Pterodon
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.