Sonorous Howlbonder MTG Card


Howlbonder demands multiple blockers, affecting opponent’s tactical plays and resource management. Works best with mana acceleration, allowing rapid deployment of threats to pressure opponents. Howlbonder’s Menace ability provides unique combo opportunities and persistent offensive pressure.
Sonorous Howlbonder - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Warrior
Abilities Menace
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number230
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byKimonas Theodossiou

Text of card

Menace Each creature you control with menace can't be blocked except by three or more creatures.

The call of the wild is rarely a solo.


Cards like Sonorous Howlbonder

Sonorous Howlbonder is an intriguing creature card that reaffirms its place in decks seeking to excel in combat, much like its cousin, Rampart Smasher. Both cards carry the capacity to make blocking more challenging for the opponent. However, Sonorous Howlbonder requires additional creatures to attack to trigger its ability to necessitate higher mana from blockers. What sets Sonorous Howlbonder apart is its synergy in decks with keyword counters, as it sports the Menace ability, which further complicates defensive strategies for the opponent.

Looking towards Frenzied Saddlebrute, another card that affects combat, we see a distinct difference. Frenzied Saddlebrute grants haste but doesn’t impact blocking the same way. Sonorous Howlbonder does not give haste but creates a prolonged effect that can cause issues for your opponent during each combat phase. Menace, the key feature of Sonorous Howlbonder, is what ups the ante, providing a degree of persistent offensive pressure that justifies its place in the right deck.

In analyzing counterparts and weighing benefits, Sonorous Howlbonder emerges as a compelling choice for MTG players focused on strategies that leverage Menace and aim to corner opponents where standard blocking tactics falter.

Rampart Smasher - MTG Card versions
Frenzied Saddlebrute - MTG Card versions
Rampart Smasher - MTG Card versions
Frenzied Saddlebrute - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sonorous Howlbonder requires multiple blockers, effectively incentivizing your opponent to deplete their hand, while you continue to build up your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Sonorous Howlbonder synergizes well with cards that boost your mana pool, giving you the ability to deploy more threats swiftly and put pressure on your opponents.

Instant Speed: Though not at instant speed itself, Sonorous Howlbonder pairs effectively with instant speed spells, allowing you to maintain a strategic advantage by choosing when to commit to the board versus holding back for reactive plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sonorous Howlbonder requires you to discard a card if you want to trigger its companion ability. This can be challenging, especially when your hand is already depleted and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: To cast Sonorous Howlbonder, you need to expend one red mana along with two other generic mana. This specific color requirement may not always align with the mana base of all deck types, potentially restricting its inclusion to red-themed or multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Sonorous Howlbonder could be considered costly given its ability and stats. Players often seek a greater impact or more utility from a card at this cost threshold, which could leave Sonorous Howlbonder outmatched by others in the competitive scene.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sonorous Howlbonder is a unique card that can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of Red and/or Green decks. Its ability to push through damage by requiring more blockers has uses in aggressive creature-based strategies.

Combo Potential: As a part of a deck designed around the Menace mechanic, Sonorous Howlbonder can strengthen your board presence. It pairs well with other creatures that have or grant Menace, maximizing board control.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where board stalls are common, Sonorous Howlbonder can break through defensive lines. Its relevance increases against decks that rely on utility creatures to block and control the pace of the game.


How to beat

Sonorous Howlbonder enters the world of Magic: The Gathering as a card with a unique ability to increase the cost of blocking for opposing creatures. When facing this creature, it’s essential to adjust your strategy accordingly. Utilize removal spells effectively, such as Murder or Shock, to get rid of it without tripping over its blocking tax. Time your spells when your opponent’s mana is low, making it more challenging for them to counter your moves. Also, consider board-clearing magic like Wrath of God to bypass its ability altogether. Cards with exile effects, like Path to Exile, can also provide a clean solution, sidestepping the increased blocking cost issue entirely.

Pilots of creature-heavy decks should look for ways to maneuver around Howlbonder’s increased blocking cost. Employing fliers or creatures with unblockable abilities can help maintain pressure on your opponent. Adapt your tactics by deploying creatures that can perform well even without entering the combat phase. The key is to anticipate and mitigate its impact on the battlefield to ensure your path to victory remains clear.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sonorous Howlbonder MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Sonorous Howlbonder and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sonorous Howlbonder has restrictions

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