Raging River MTG Card


Raging River creates complex blocking decisions, offering a unique advantage on the battlefield. While not at instant speed, its persistent effect provides an ongoing combat edge. Its red mana cost may limit its use in certain decks but adds exclusive flavor.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

When you attack, non-flying defending creatures must be divided as opponent wishes between the left and right sides of the River. You then choose on which side of the River to place each attacking creature, and attacking creatures can only be blocked by flying creatures or those on the same side of the River.


Cards like Raging River

Raging River stands out as a unique enchantment in MTG with few cards offering similar divisive board impact. While there isn’t a direct equivalent to Raging River’s ability to split defending creatures into left and right banks, other cards manipulate combat in ways that can be just as strategic. For instance, Invasion Plans forces each creature to block if able and alters the way blockers are assigned, which can disrupt an opponent’s normal defensive setup.

Another enchantment that presents a noteworthy comparison is Mystic Barrier. It limits the direction of attacks each turn, rendering half of the battlefield inoperable for assaults. It’s a card that, much like Raging River, can be used to control and predict enemy movements during combat phases. Yet another is Bedlam, rendering creatures unable to block, which indirectly influences combat choices much like Raging River dictates attack decisions by forcing a divide among the creatures.

While none of these enchantments mirror the exact mechanism of Raging River, they each offer a unique tactical advantage. Understanding the comparable strengths these cards bring to the table can help players design decks that are crafty in combat manipulation and battlefield control.

Invasion Plans - MTG Card versions
Mystic Barrier - MTG Card versions
Bedlam - MTG Card versions
Invasion Plans - MTG Card versions
Mystic Barrier - MTG Card versions
Bedlam - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Raging River by color, type and mana cost

Power Surge - MTG Card versions
Smoke - MTG Card versions
Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Goblin Kites - MTG Card versions
The Brute - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reflexes - MTG Card versions
Consuming Ferocity - MTG Card versions
Agility - MTG Card versions
Errantry - MTG Card versions
Heat of Battle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Festival - MTG Card versions
Scald - MTG Card versions
Cave Sense - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Surge - MTG Card versions
Maniacal Rage - MTG Card versions
Battle Strain - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Underworld Breach - MTG Card versions
Lightning Rift - MTG Card versions
Fractured Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Power Surge - MTG Card versions
Smoke - MTG Card versions
Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Goblin Kites - MTG Card versions
The Brute - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reflexes - MTG Card versions
Consuming Ferocity - MTG Card versions
Agility - MTG Card versions
Errantry - MTG Card versions
Heat of Battle - MTG Card versions
Goblin Festival - MTG Card versions
Scald - MTG Card versions
Cave Sense - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Surge - MTG Card versions
Maniacal Rage - MTG Card versions
Battle Strain - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Underworld Breach - MTG Card versions
Lightning Rift - MTG Card versions
Fractured Loyalty - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Raging River leads to strategic depth in gameplay, compelling the opponent to make complex decisions about blockers. By affecting the board state and potentially reducing the number of blockers available, it can indirectly lead to card advantage by outmaneuvering the opponent’s defenses and helping you maintain pressure.

Resource Acceleration: While Raging River itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to influence combat can lead to quicker damage to your opponent, potentially hastening the game’s conclusion in your favor. This strategic acceleration can be as valuable as traditional mana acceleration in the right deck.

Instant Speed: Although Raging River isn’t instant speed, its effect persists across multiple turns—which, in many scenarios, can be more beneficial than a single-turn instant. Its continuous influence on the game’s flow is akin to an ongoing strategic advantage each time combat arises.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Raging River doesn’t require discarding as a cost, understanding card interactions is essential. Cards that synergize with it may have discard requirements, posing a challenge when hand resources are scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: Raging River demands a specific mana alignment with its red color requirement, potentially restricting its inclusion in multicolored or non-red centric decks that might struggle to produce the necessary mana combination.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost sitting at two red and two generic mana, Raging River could be considered expensive for its unique effect. This can be a significant drawback, particularly when other cards with a lower mana cost might provide more immediate board impact or card advantage.


Reasons to Include Raging River in Your Collection

Versatility: Raging River adds a unique strategic layer to games, easily fitting into decks that aim to disrupt opponent’s blockers and swing combat in your favor.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with strategies that manipulate attack phases or benefit from divided defenses, unlocking creative avenues for victory.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with tightly-packed board states, Raging River can significantly tilt the battlefield to your advantage, making it a compelling addition to collections with a focus on tactical combat dynamics.


How to beat

Raging River is a classic from Magic the Gathering, setting the stage for strategic combat interactions. When facing this card, the trick lies in understanding its unique combat rules. It essentially divides the battlefield into two streams, and creatures can only block others from the same stream. To effectively counter this, versatility in your creature deployment is key. Utilize flyers or creatures with reach that are less impacted by terrestrial restrictions. Prioritize removal spells to eliminate the card before its effect can dominate the board.

Additionally, consider including cards that allow you to manipulate combat such as Silent Arbiter, or spells that grant your creatures the ability to block additional attackers. Playing cards that neutralize the effects of Raging River, such as Teferi’s Protection, can also provide a shield to navigate around its influence for a turn. Adaptability and precise timing are your allies against the tides of Raging River. In essence, by carefully planning your strategies and maintaining control over the battlefield’s dynamic, you can nullify the card’s potential impact and secure your victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Raging River MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Raging River and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Raging River Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Sandra Everingham.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1681993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1691993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1691993NormalWhiteSandra Everingham
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1691993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1691993NormalBlackSandra Everingham
62022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4611997NormalBlackSandra Everingham
72022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1642015NormalBlackSandra Everingham

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Raging River has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2008-05-01 If a creature enters the battlefield (or something becomes a creature) after the ability resolves, that creature will not be able to block any creature that was attacking at the time the ability resolved.
2008-05-01 If a creature is put onto the battlefield attacking after the ability resolves, it can be blocked by any creature that could normally block it (including others creatures that entered the battlefield after the ability resolved).