Roalesk, Apex Hybrid MTG Card


Roalesk boosts battlefield resources, escalating power through counters and proliferate upon death. Requires a solid board presence and precise mana for maximized potential. It stands out with versatility in adapting to various MTG game states and archetypes.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Mutant
Abilities Flying,Proliferate,Trample
Power 4
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying, trample When Roalesk, Apex Hybrid enters the battlefield, put two +1/+1 counters on another target creature you control. When Roalesk dies, proliferate, then proliferate again. (Choose any number of permanents and/or players, then give each another counter of each kind already there. Then do it again.)


Cards like Roalesk, Apex Hybrid

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Roalesk Apex Hybrid stands out as a dynamic force among legendary creatures. This card echoes the strengths of other multitasking creatures such as Prime Speaker Zegana, with both heavily investing in the +1/+1 counter mechanic. However, Roalesk brings its unique twist by leaving behind a legacy of power when it dies, distributing its counters among other creatures you control.

Concurrently, we look at Hydroid Krasis, which similarly banks on counters and card advantage. Still, it differs as it provides life gain and card draw upon casting, whereas Roalesk focuses on empowering other creatures post-mortem. Another close kin is Exemplar of Strength, which also plays with counter placement, but it lacks Roalesk’s ability to proliferate, an ability that can dramatically widen the gap in board presence.

Comparing Roalesk to its counterparts, it shines with its ability to bolster your entire battlefield, making it a potent play in decks centered around +1/+1 counters. Through its unique proliferate feature upon death, it doesn’t just parallel its kin in the MTG universe but often surpasses them in potential impact. Roalesk Apex Hybrid thus holds a valued spot in its niche, capable of swinging board states heavily into a player’s favor.

Prime Speaker Zegana - MTG Card versions
Hydroid Krasis - MTG Card versions
Exemplar of Strength - MTG Card versions
Prime Speaker Zegana - MTG Card versions
Hydroid Krasis - MTG Card versions
Exemplar of Strength - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Roalesk, Apex Hybrid by color, type and mana cost

Moritte of the Frost - MTG Card versions
Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty - MTG Card versions
Prophet of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary - MTG Card versions
Murkfiend Liege - MTG Card versions
Overbeing of Myth - MTG Card versions
Sages of the Anima - MTG Card versions
Species Gorger - MTG Card versions
Fleetfeather Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - MTG Card versions
Galloping Lizrog - MTG Card versions
Bioessence Hydra - MTG Card versions
Keruga, the Macrosage - MTG Card versions
A-Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Wavesifter - MTG Card versions
Gale, Primeval Conduit - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Scout - MTG Card versions
Ambassador Blorpityblorpboop - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, the Toymaker - MTG Card versions
Moritte of the Frost - MTG Card versions
Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty - MTG Card versions
Prophet of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary - MTG Card versions
Murkfiend Liege - MTG Card versions
Overbeing of Myth - MTG Card versions
Sages of the Anima - MTG Card versions
Species Gorger - MTG Card versions
Fleetfeather Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Tatyova, Benthic Druid - MTG Card versions
Galloping Lizrog - MTG Card versions
Bioessence Hydra - MTG Card versions
Keruga, the Macrosage - MTG Card versions
A-Tanazir Quandrix - MTG Card versions
Wavesifter - MTG Card versions
Gale, Primeval Conduit - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Scout - MTG Card versions
Ambassador Blorpityblorpboop - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, the Toymaker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Roalesk Apex Hybrid stands out for its ability to multiply your resources on the battlefield. Upon entering play, it beefs up your board presence with two +1/+1 counters on another creature you control, effectively broadening your threat range. When Roalesk meets its end, it fuels further advantage by proliferating, potentially doubling the +1/+1 counters already in play. This ability not only enhances your creature’s power but also can be a game-changer by escalating the abilities of planeswalkers or other permanents with counters.

Resource Acceleration: This legendary creature may not directly produce mana or tokens, but it accelerates your deck’s capabilities by enhancing the potency of your other permanents. The proliferate trigger upon death ensures that any investment in +1/+1 counters, energy counters, or loyalty counters on your planeswalkers yields increased returns, setting up more robust plays in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: While Roalesk itself is not an instant, its death trigger can be leveraged at instant speed. This means if Roalesk is destroyed during an opponent’s turn, you can immediately capitalize on the proliferate effect, surprising your opponent with enhanced creatures or bolstered planeswalkers, thus subtly changing the pace and power dynamic of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the context of Roalesk, Apex Hybrid, while there is no direct discard requirement, the card’s potential is maximized when other permanents are on the field to utilize its proliferate ability. Without a solid board presence, its impact can be lessened significantly.

Specific Mana Cost: Roalesk, Apex Hybrid has a specific mana cost that includes both green and blue mana, which may not seamlessly fit into all deck archetypes. This can present a challenge when building decks that require a more flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a five-mana value (two green, two blue, and one generic), Roalesk comes in at a higher cost compared to other creatures which might offer immediate or more flexible benefits. This can slow down the tempo for players who need to establish or maintain a presence on the board more swiftly.


Reasons to Include Roalesk Apex Hybrid in Your Collection

Versatility: Roalesk Apex Hybrid excels in its flexibility to adapt to different game states. As a creature that provides both a potent battlefield presence and a beneficial death trigger, Roalesk can support a range of archetypes from aggressive to midrange decks.

Combo Potential: With Roalesk’s ability to proliferate twice upon death, this card synergizes well with strategies revolving around +1/+1 counters and planeswalkers. Its death trigger can be exploited with clone effects or graveyard retrieval for ongoing value.

Meta-Relevance: In formats where counter-centric decks or superfriends are viable, Roalesk Apex Hybrid ensures a high impact on the board state. Its place in the current meta can disrupt the common pace of games, providing tactical advantages that are hard to ignore.


How to Beat

Roalesk, Apex Hybrid stands out as a formidable creature in Magic: The Gathering, with its powerful combination of flying, trample, and a potent pair of triggered abilities. These abilities not only grant Roalesk the capacity to proliferate, enhancing your own creatures and permanents with additional counters, but also to leave a lasting impact on the game, even if it’s removed from the battlefield.

To effectively counter Roalesk, strategies should be adapted to handle both its initial threat and its aftereffects upon death. Removal spells that exile, such as Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile, bypass its death-triggered ability, neutralizing its potential to proliferate. Counterspells remain an efficient solution, but timing is critical – nullify Roalesk before it can exploit its enter-the-battlefield trigger. Board wipes like Wrath of God can clear Roalesk without triggering its ability, given that it’s not indestructible at the time. Lastly, employing graveyard manipulation spells like Scavenging Ooze can eliminate Roalesk from the game, ensuring its abilities don’t come into play.

In essence, tackling Roalesk calls for preemptive action or spells that sidestep its death-trigger, ensuring this hybrid creature’s influence is kept to a minimum on your journey to victory in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deepening your MTG gameplay involves strategic card choice and synergy, and Roalesk Apex Hybrid epitomizes the blend of power and board manipulation that can pivot the game in your favor. Whether it’s enhancing your army with more counters or making your planeswalkers formidable adversaries, Roalesk offers multifaceted advantages. Its strengths and weaknesses cater to a specific player strategy, ensuring your deck not only thrives but also overcomes opposing tactics with precise power plays. Elevate your collection and gameplay by incorporating Roalesk Apex Hybrid, and unlock new potential for dominance in your MTG battles. Dive deeper with us for insights on maximizing your decks around this immense creature.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Roalesk, Apex Hybrid MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark and War of the Spark Promos, 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 Roalesk, Apex Hybrid 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 Roalesk, Apex Hybrid Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-05-03War of the SparkWAR 2132015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22019-05-04War of the Spark PromosPWAR 213s2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 3492015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Roalesk, Apex Hybrid has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-05-03 You proliferate twice all while Roalesk's last ability is resolving. Nothing can happen between the two proliferations, and no player may choose to take actions.
2021-03-19 If a permanent has +1/+1 counters and -1/-1 counters on it, they're removed in pairs as a state-based action so that the permanent has only one of those kinds of counters on it.
2021-03-19 Players can respond to a spell or ability whose effect includes proliferating. Once that spell or ability starts to resolve, however, and its controller chooses which permanents and players will get new counters, it's too late for anyone to respond.
2021-03-19 To proliferate, you can choose any permanent that has a counter, including ones controlled by opponents. You can't choose cards in any zone other than the battlefield, even if they have counters on them.
2021-03-19 You don't have to choose every permanent or player that has a counter, only the ones you want to add another counter to. Since “any number” includes zero, you don't have to choose any permanents at all, and you don't have to choose any players at all.