Burning-Tree Bloodscale MTG Card


Burning-Tree Bloodscale offers card advantage by potentially removing multiple threats with its abilities. This card accelerates resources in damage-centric decks, possibly leading to a faster victory. It lacks instant speed, but synergizes with flash cards to maintain game momentum.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Viashino Berserker
Abilities Bloodthirst
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Bloodthirst 1 (If an opponent was dealt damage this turn, this creature enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it.) : Target creature can't block Burning-Tree Bloodscale this turn. : Target creature blocks Burning-Tree Bloodscale this turn if able.


Cards like Burning-Tree Bloodscale

In the diversified realm of Magic: The Gathering, Burning-Tree Bloodscale offers enchanting prowess. This creature bears likeness to other hard-hitting cards such as Flametongue Kavu, with its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield. Despite both cards delivering a punch to opponents’ creatures, the Bloodscale is distinct in its multi-colored nature and the potential for greater damage output tied to the Gruul guild’s bloodthirst mechanic.

Exploring the spectrum further, we encounter the similarly bloodthirsty Scorched Rusalka, a creature that also takes advantage of damaged opponents for an enhanced entrance. Although smaller in stature, this Rusalka can be a strategic early play, providing recurring creature control in contrast to the one-time effect offered by Burning-Tree Bloodscale. Ghor-Clan Rampager is another card from the Gruul clan worth mentioning. It doesn’t provide direct damage like the Bloodscale, yet it brings a significant power boost and the versatility of the bloodrush ability, impacting the battlefield the moment it’s played.

In essence, while assessing creatures that share a kinship with Burning-Tree Bloodscale, we see it standing tall with its unique blend of damage potential and allegiance to the Gruul’s bloodthirst trait, marking its territory in Magic: The Gathering as a considerable force on the battlefield.

Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Scorched Rusalka - MTG Card versions
Ghor-Clan Rampager - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Scorched Rusalka - MTG Card versions
Ghor-Clan Rampager - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Burning-Tree Bloodscale by color, type and mana cost

Tuknir Deathlock - MTG Card versions
Jungle Patrol - MTG Card versions
Yavimaya Kavu - MTG Card versions
Voracious Cobra - MTG Card versions
Sparkcaster - MTG Card versions
Chishiro, the Shattered Blade - MTG Card versions
Hans Eriksson - MTG Card versions
Bloodbraid Elf - MTG Card versions
Goblin Clearcutter - MTG Card versions
Giant Solifuge - MTG Card versions
Gruul Scrapper - MTG Card versions
Rumbling Slum - MTG Card versions
Yule Ooze - MTG Card versions
Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Thorn-Thrash Viashino - MTG Card versions
Hellkite Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Rhox Brute - MTG Card versions
Spellbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - MTG Card versions
Polis Crusher - MTG Card versions
Tuknir Deathlock - MTG Card versions
Jungle Patrol - MTG Card versions
Yavimaya Kavu - MTG Card versions
Voracious Cobra - MTG Card versions
Sparkcaster - MTG Card versions
Chishiro, the Shattered Blade - MTG Card versions
Hans Eriksson - MTG Card versions
Bloodbraid Elf - MTG Card versions
Goblin Clearcutter - MTG Card versions
Giant Solifuge - MTG Card versions
Gruul Scrapper - MTG Card versions
Rumbling Slum - MTG Card versions
Yule Ooze - MTG Card versions
Rosheen Meanderer - MTG Card versions
Thorn-Thrash Viashino - MTG Card versions
Hellkite Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Rhox Brute - MTG Card versions
Spellbreaker Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - MTG Card versions
Polis Crusher - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Burning-Tree Bloodscale card can be a substantial source of card advantage. With abilities that can potentially remove multiple threats from the board or damage several creatures at once, it provides a valuable opportunity to swing the tempo in your favor while maintaining a strong board presence.

Resource Acceleration: The card’s synergy with decks that focus on creature and damage-based strategies can lead to a faster accumulation of resources. By accelerating the damage output and benefiting from effects that trigger upon dealing damage or destroying creatures, players can leverage these interactions for a considerable advantage over their opponents.

Instant Speed: While the Burning-Tree Bloodscale card does not operate at instant speed, its interactions with cards that have flash or effects that can trigger during either player’s turn can enhance its utility. This adaptability allows players to stay reactive and make pivotal plays even outside their own turns, keeping opponents on their toes and creating unexpected lines of play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Burning-Tree Bloodscale requires players to discard a card to activate certain abilities. This can deplete your hand quickly, leaving you at a disadvantage, especially if the game drags on and resources become scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: With its cost leaning on red and green mana, this card demands a very specific mana base, which can be rather inflexible. Players without a dedicated Gruul deck may find it challenging to accommodate the Bloodscale without compromising their mana stability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, Burning-Tree Bloodscale’s impact on the board might not align with its casting cost. Other creatures or spells in the same cost bracket might offer more immediate board presence or have lower cost alternatives with similar effects.


Reasons to Include Burning-Tree Bloodscale in Your Collection

Versatility: Burning-Tree Bloodscale offers a multifaceted approach to gameplay, able to slot into various deck archetypes that value aggressive creatures. Its combination of power, trample, and potential for damage increment makes it a suitable choice for players who enjoy a proactive strategy.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergistic environments, where other cards enable you to multiply its impact for an explosive play. It meshes well with boosts to power and toughness or effects that capitalize on creatures dealing combat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based tactics are prevalent, Burning-Tree Bloodscale can be a robust contender. Its relevance grows in games that rely on quick and decisive creature combat, making it a noteworthy addition for players aiming to stay competitive.


How to beat

The Burning-Tree Bloodscale is an intriguing creature card that presents distinct challenges on the battlefield. Its capacity to grow stronger with each attack ensures it becomes a fearsome adversary over the course of a game. To counteract the relentless nature of this card, precision timing is essential. Implementing removal spells before the Bloodscale can amass counters and become an even bigger threat is key. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push offer efficient solutions to dispatch it early on.

Another strategy to overcome this creature lies in preventing combat damage. Enchantments such as Ghostly Prison can deter attacks by imposing an additional cost, thereby controlling the pace of aggro strategies that Burning-Tree Bloodscale thrives under. Alternatively, creatures with deathtouch serve as an excellent deterrent and can eliminate the Bloodscale regardless of how many counters it has accrued. In essence, the strategy revolves around either neutralizing the Burning-Tree Bloodscale swiftly or establishing a battlefield where its advantage is significantly reduced or negated.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burning-Tree Bloodscale MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Guildpact, 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 Burning-Tree Bloodscale and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Burning-Tree Bloodscale Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2006-02-03. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL I302003NormalWhiteKev Walker
22006-02-03GuildpactGPT 1042003NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Burning-Tree Bloodscale has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2006-02-01 If both abilities are used on the same creature, it can’t block Burning-Tree Bloodscale.