Awaken the Bear MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 129
2021-08-26 - Number 542
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +3/+3 and gains trample until end of turn.
When Temur warriors enter the battle trance known as "awakening the bear," they lose all sense of enemy or friend, seeing only threats to the wilderness.
Cards like Awaken the Bear
Awaken the Bear is a card that offers MTG players an instant boost in power and toughness through its +3/+3 modifier. It’s akin to Giant Growth, a classic spell that has been enhancing creatures in the game for years, also providing a +3/+3 bump. Where Awaken the Bear steps up is with the addition of trample, allowing the buffed creature to potentially push through extra damage even when blocked.
Another comparable spell is Titanic Growth, which gives creatures a heftier increase in power and toughness of +4/+4. This can be crucial in overpowering larger threats. However, unlike Awaken the Bear, it does not grant trample, which can make all the difference in tight combat situations. Similarly, Vines of Vastwood offers a potential +4/+4 if kicked, along with the added benefit of hexproof to protect from targeted spells or abilities for the turn.
Comparing these options, Awaken the Bear holds its own by combining a respectable stat boost with the strategic advantage of trample. This makes it an adaptable spell capable of swinging the momentum of battle in favor of the casting player, situating it as a versatile choice for players looking to beef up their creatures in combat.
Cards similar to Awaken the Bear by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Awaken the Bear grants a creature +3/+3 until end of turn, potentially allowing it to overcome a blocker or survive combat, indirectly leading to card advantage by maintaining your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t provide a direct resource acceleration, the prowess of bolstering a creature temporarily could enable quicker elimination of an opponent’s threats, indirectly speeding up your game plan.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Awaken the Bear at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility to your strategy. It can be used as a surprise element during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, making it a versatile combat trick that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Awaken the Bear necessitates discarding another card to activate its ability. This can deplete your hand, leaving you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you are already behind in card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The spell demands an exact mana combination to cast, which can restrict its inclusion to decks that can consistently produce the needed green mana, potentially excluding it from more versatile or color-fluid builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though the power boost Awaken the Bear confers is significant, its mana cost is substantial when compared to other cards with similar effects. Players might opt for more cost-effective alternatives to maximize their mana usage each turn.
Reasons to Include Awaken the Bear in Your Collection
Versatility: Awaken the Bear is a flexible option, perfect for enhancing creatures in a pinch or surprising an opponent during combat. The instant speed allows for dynamic play, adapting to numerous battlefield scenarios.
Combo Potential: This card can slot into strategies that capitalize on creature strength. Whether it’s for powering up a trampler to push through massive damage or growing a creature before applying other buffs, the possibilities are manifold.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that appreciates quick and powerful responses, Awaken the Bear can shift the tide of a match. It’s especially useful in environments where creature combat is prominent and the ability to overwhelm blockers is crucial.
How to beat
Awaken the Bear is a card that can turn the tides of combat in your opponent’s favor with its instant speed and the ability to give a creature +3/+3 and trample until the end of the turn. Understanding its potential to create game-changing combat outcomes is essential when playing against it. One efficient way to neutralize this threat is by keeping removal spells handy. These can be used in response to the casting of Awaken the Bear to ensure the targeted creature doesn’t benefit from the buff and trample effect.
Counterspells are also a superb strategy to cope with this trick. By countering Awaken the Bear itself, you can avoid the sudden surge in power that could otherwise overwhelm your defenses. Additionally, having creatures with reach or those that can block multiple creatures can mitigate the damage done by a beefed-up attacker. Lastly, playing cards that limit the ability of your opponent to attack or that can remove attacking creatures before the damage step can help you maintain control of the battlefield and prevent the surprise onslaught Awaken the Bear could enable.
Being aware of when your opponent has enough mana to play the card and preparing for that moment can also prevent the surprising turn of events that this card is capable of delivering. Remaining vigilant and employing these strategies can help ensure that Awaken the Bear doesn’t catch you off guard.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Awaken the Bear MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Awaken the Bear and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Awaken the Bear Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 129 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 542 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Awaken the Bear has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |