Barbed Batterfist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip,For Mirrodin! |
| Released | 2023-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
| Set code | ONE |
| Number | 121 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Randy Gallegos |
Text of card
For Mirrodin (When this Equipment enters the battlefield, create a 2/2 red Rebel creature token, then attach this to it.) Equipped creature gets +1/-1. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)
"Finally, a safe way to punch the rotters in the face."
Cards like Barbed Batterfist
In the vast arsenal of equipment in Magic: The Gathering, Barbed Batterfist introduces itself as a reliable addition for players seeking sturdy gear for their creatures. It shares common ground with cards like Fireshrieker, which also grants a form of double strike to the equipped creature. However, the Barbed Batterfist’s unique selling point is its ability to give a creature +2/+2 while also allowing the player to roll a d4 when the creature becomes blocked or is blocking. This effect can potentially double the damage output, a feature that Fireshrieker mirrors with its double strike offering.
On another note, we see comparisons with the classic Bonesplitter, an equipment that simply boosts a creature’s power by +2 at a lower equip cost. While Bonesplitter is more straightforward, it lacks the dynamic combat mechanics that come into play with the Barbed Batterfist. This is much like comparing the raw power enhancement of Bonesplitter with the utility and potential damage escalation offered by Barbed Batterfist during combat scenarios.
Ultimately, while analyzing the utility and benefits of various equipment cards, Barbed Batterfist stands out for those who favor the combination of power boosts and unpredictable combat outcomes. This combination of features positions it as a formidable tool in creature-based strategies within the game.
Cards similar to Barbed Batterfist by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Barbed Batterfist. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Boros Synthesizer | Pauper | Boros Synthesizer | Pauper League 2024-04-22 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Barbed Batterfist has a unique mechanic that places an equipment token into play, effectively providing you with an additional resource on the battlefield. This can help turn the tide by offering a power boost to your creatures without dipping into your hand, therefore retaining more cards there over time.
Resource Acceleration: When using the Barbed Batterfist, you facilitate your combat strategies by accelerating the presence of equipment on the field. This can be pivotal for decks that thrive on synergies between creatures and artifacts, allowing you to equip faster and swing in for damage sooner than expected.
Instant Speed: One of the standout features of this card is its ability to be activated at instant speed. This flexibility means you can adapt to the flow of the game, responding to your opponent’s moves effectively, or surprising them with a sudden increase in your creature’s capabilities during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Barbed Batterfist comes with the necessity of discarding another card from your hand to unleash some of its capabilities. In the heat of the game, depleting your hand could potentially put you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact requires a mix of generic and red mana to cast. While this seems flexible, it can actually be restrictive. Decks that do not run red mana sources will find it impossible to use, limiting the card’s applicability across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a total of four mana to play, Barbed Batterfist may be on the higher end of the mana spectrum when weighed against other equipments or creatures that could offer a more immediate impact on the battlefield. This can slow down your tempo and potentially give your opponent an opportunity to gain the upper hand.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Barbed Batterfist is a card that can seamlessly adapt to a variety of deck builds, thanks in part to its ability to equip creatures with minimal cost, giving an edge in both aggressive and control strategies.
Combo Potential: With its artifact nature, Barbed Batterfist is an excellent piece for triggering synergies with cards that interact with artifacts, enabling powerful combos and enhancing game play.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment that focuses on equipment and creature-based tactics, Barbed Batterfist proves to be particularly effective, providing players with a reliable way to boost their creature’s combat capabilities.
How to beat
Barbed Batterfist presents players with a unique challenge in the current MTG meta. Primarily, dealing with this artifact creature involves understanding its vulnerability during the untap phase of your turn. Disabling its adaptability to change between equipment and creature is key to keeping the advantage. The card’s strength allows it to become a menace if left unchecked, especially with its capability to gain trample, which can significantly pressure your life total.
Responding with instant-speed removal when the Barbed Batterfist is being transformed from equipment to creature or vice versa is an effective strategy. Use of cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile will efficiently dispose of it before it becomes too big a threat. Additionally, artifact hate, featured in cards like Abrade or Shattering Spree, can disrupt your opponent’s plans while the Batterfist is in its non-creature form, effectively preserving your board state from an impending trample attack. Recognize the pivotal turns and react swiftly, utilizing your removal options to maintain control of the game.
Engaging an opponent who uses Barbed Batterfist demands strategic planning and pinpoint timing to prevent them from gaining the upper hand. Keep your answers ready, and you’ll rise victorious in the battle of wits and resources.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Barbed Batterfist MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Barbed Batterfist 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Barbed Batterfist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Barbed Batterfist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-04 | If the Rebel is destroyed, the Equipment stays on the battlefield. Similarly, you may pay its equip cost to move it from the Rebel token to another creature you control. |
| 2023-02-04 | If the ability causes two Rebel tokens to be created (due to an effect such as that of Mondrak, Glory Dominus), the Equipment becomes attached to only one of them. |
| 2023-02-04 | The Rebel enters the battlefield as a 2/2 creature, then the Equipment becomes attached to it. Abilities that trigger when a creature enters the battlefield see that a 2/2 creature entered the battlefield. |