Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer — Magic: The Gathering card

Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

{R}
Legendary Creature — Monkey Pirate

Whenever Ragavan deals combat damage to a player, create a Treasure token and exile the top card of that player's library. Until end of turn, you may cast that card.

Dash {1}{R} (You may cast this spell for its dash cost. If you do, it gains haste, and it's returned from the battlefield to its owner's hand at the beginning of the next end step.)

Power/Toughness: 2/1

Set Modern Horizons 2
Rarity Mythic Rare
Mana Value 1
Artist Simon Dominic
Collector # 138
Scryfall

Why Play Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer

Aggressive red decks prize Ragavan for its incredible value generation when it connects early. A turn-one Ragavan that hits for even two attacks often pays for itself through Treasure tokens while providing card selection from the opponent's deck. The dash ability makes it nearly impossible to answer cleanly, allowing you to pressure planeswalkers or deal damage while avoiding sorcery-speed removal. Deploy Ragavan when you can protect it or when your opponent lacks immediate answers, as the snowball effect from repeated connections can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Format Notes

Ragavan dominated Modern upon release and remains a cornerstone of aggressive strategies, particularly in Burn and tempo decks. Its power level led to bans in Legacy and Historic, where the card proved too oppressive in faster formats with better mana bases and protection spells. In Commander, the legendary status and political nature of stealing cards makes it a popular but less overwhelming inclusion in casual red decks.

Combos & Synergies

Dragon's Rage Channeler pairs excellently with Ragavan, as both creatures pressure opponents early while generating card advantage through different means. Lightning Bolt and other cheap protection spells help ensure Ragavan survives to attack repeatedly, maximizing its value engine. Monastery Swiftspear creates additional pressure alongside Ragavan, forcing opponents to split their removal between multiple threatening one-drops while you accumulate resources.

Learn More

Creature Haste Exile Token Modern Commander Vintage