Batterbone MTG Card
2021-06-18 - Number 221
2021-08-26 - Number 735
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact — Equipment |
| Abilities | Equip,Living weapon |
Text of card
Living weapon (When this Equipment enters the battlefield, create a 0/0 black Phyrexian Germ creature token, then attach this to it.) Equipped creature gets +1/+1 and has vigilance and lifelink. Equip
Cards like Batterbone
Batterbone is a unique card that finds its niche within the equipment arsenal of Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the qualities of Bonesplitter – another equipment card that boosts a creature’s attack at a low cost. Both are great for aggressive strategies, but Batterbone adds resilience to the mix, equipping itself automatically when the equipped creature dies.
Comparatively, we have the Short Sword, which also grants a power boost for one mana, though without the self-reanimating feature of Batterbone. For those seeking a balance between power enhancement and staying power in combat, Batterbone is a superior option. Then there’s Vulshok Morningstar, offering a bigger boost to both power and toughness, but at a higher cost and without the inherent recursion provided by Batterbone.
Assessing these equipment cards in the context of MTG, Batterbone’s self-recurring ability provides an edge, especially in decks that emphasize creature longevity and repeated combat phases. The balance between cost, power increase, and resilience makes Batterbone a compelling choice for players looking to maintain a strong board presence.
Cards similar to Batterbone by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When equipped, Batterbone can be an engine of consistent value, essentially allowing the creature it equips to become a recurring threat that must be answered repeatedly. This can often lead to a favorable exchange of cards, as opponents may need to use multiple resources to deal with a single Batterbone-equipped creature.
Resource Acceleration: As Batterbone offers the potential for the equipped creature to not only benefit from increased power and toughness but also provides vigilance and lifelink, it enables you to maintain a strong presence on the battlefield without exhausting resources, effectively accelerating your in-game progression while preserving the creatures for both offense and defense.
Instant Speed: The ability to equip Batterbone at instant speed gives you the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing game conditions. This can surprise opponents during combat or at the end of their turn, optimizing the timing and effectiveness of your maneuvers and making it more challenging for them to predict and counter your strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside to Batterbone is its potential requirement to discard a card to unleash some of its capabilities. This can be a setback if your hand is already running low on cards, leaving you with fewer options for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Batterbone’s mana cost includes white, which means it’s not as flexible as a colorless artifact would be. If you’re running a multi-colored deck, this could narrow down the situations where it can be effectively utilized.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the higher side for equipment that offers a similar level of boost, Batterbone might not always be the most cost-efficient choice. Players often weigh the trade-off between mana cost and the benefits received, and there may be alternatives that provide a better balance for a deck’s strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Batterbone fits into a wide spectrum of decks due to its ability to equip any creature with a welcome power and toughness boost. It can slide into aggro decks to make creatures more formidable or into control decks that need to defend against early aggression.
Combo Potential: Being an equipment card, Batterbone can be part of combos with creatures that have synergistic abilities triggered by equipping, thus enabling intricate play sequences that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where quick and resilient threats are key, Batterbone provides a recurring advantage. The card can easily find its place, potentially altering the battlefield dynamics, given its persistent threat after being equipped.
How to beat
Batterbone presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, offering versatility as an equipment card with its quick attach feature during combat. Given that it turns any creature into a more resilient threat, understanding how to dismantle this advantage is critical.
To effectively neutralize Batterbone’s impact, consider using instant-speed removal spells to disrupt the attachment process, removing the equipped creature from play before its enhanced power and toughness become a factor. Artifact removal can also be a strategic tool, targeting Batterbone directly and preventing any further use. Cards like Disenchant or Nature’s Claim are efficient answers readily available in most formats. Another tactical approach involves deploying counterspells or hand disruption to prevent Batterbone from being played in the first place, preserving your hold on the game’s tempo.
Dealing swiftly with either the artifact itself or the creatures it aims to empower can tilt the scales back in your favor. By staying one step ahead of your opponent’s strategy, you reaffirm control over the duel, even when facing a card as adaptable as Batterbone.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Batterbone MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 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 Batterbone and other MTG cards:
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- 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 Batterbone Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Nicholas Gregory.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 221 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 735 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Batterbone has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.