Phantasmal Dragon
Creature — Dragon Illusion
Flying
When this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it.
- CMC
- 4
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- U
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Set
- The List
- Price
- $0.23
- EDHREC rank
- #18052
Phantasmal Dragon drops a 5/5 flying body for four mana — one of the most efficient stats-per-mana ratios in blue. The catch is real: any spell or ability that targets it triggers a self-sacrifice, so it lives or dies by whether your opponents have interaction.
Best Commanders
Commanders with the highest synergy
Minn, Wily Illusionist
Minn, Wily Illusionist rewards you every time an Illusion you control dies, and Phantasmal Dragon's fragility becomes a feature — opponents targeting it hand you a free token trigger while you've already gotten a turn or two of aerial beats.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | not legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | not legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
In Commander, Phantasmal Dragon earns its slot specifically in Illusion-tribal decks where its death is a resource rather than a setback. Outside of that context, the vulnerability to any targeting effect — spot removal, equip abilities, even friendly buffs — makes it too unreliable for most 100-card tables. In Legacy and Vintage, a 5/5 flyer for four is below the power threshold, and the self-sacrifice clause puts it firmly off the competitive radar. Modern has faster and more resilient threats at the same mana investment, so Phantasmal Dragon doesn't compete there either.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.23 bulk tier
At $0.23, Phantasmal Dragon is deep bulk — no real floor to fall through. It's a safe pickup if Minn, Wily Illusionist is your target, but don't expect any price movement given its narrow application.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.