Battleground Geist MTG Card
2011-09-30 - Number 45
2020-07-17 - Number 139
2023-03-21 - Number 13
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Flying Other Spirit creatures you control get +1/+0.
Not content to nudge vases and chill drawing rooms, some geists muster spectral armies to claw at the hearts of the living.
Cards like Battleground Geist
Battleground Geist elevates your spirit-themed deck in Magic: The Gathering. It’s similar to cards like Dungeon Geists which, although it doesn’t provide an anthem effect, locks down an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield which can be game-changing. Battleground Geist, however, grants a straightforward boost to your flying creatures, enhancing their attack power.
Another card to consider is Favorable Winds, a significant boon for flying-centric strategies. Like Battleground Geist, it amplifies your aerial offensive, but as an enchantment, it is harder for some decks to remove. However, Battleground Geist itself also contributes as a creature which can be used for both defense and offense. Then there’s Thunderclap Wyvern. This card, like Battleground Geist, not only buffs flying creatures but can also flash in unexpectedly, adding a layer of surprise and tactical flexibility that Battleground Geist lacks.
Each of these cards has its place in MTG’s vast array of flying synergies. While Thunderclap Wyvern and Favorable Winds offer specific operational benefits, Battleground Geist stands out for its more robust presence on the board, making it a strong choice in decks that value sturdy flying creatures.
Cards similar to Battleground Geist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Battleground Geist presents a strong presence as it bolsters not only itself but other Spirit creatures you control, effectively improving your overall card potency on the battlefield. This is key in any match where maintaining a dominant board state translates into a significant advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly influencing mana resources, Battleground Geist’s ability to grant additional power to Spirit creatures can rapidly accelerate the threat level you present, indirectly requiring fewer resources to achieve a formidable board presence or to close out a game efficiently.
Instant Speed: Although Battleground Geist is not an instant, its flying trait allows it to operate at an elevated threat level. This aerial ability often means it can evade blockers, potentially dealing combat damage in moments akin to taking instantaneous action, preserving momentum and applying pressure during critical phases of the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For players interested in summoning the Battleground Geist, there’s a significant hurdle to consider: a discard condition. This can be quite restrictive, especially in tense moments of the game where every card in hand is pivotal.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this entity from the spirit realm into play requires a precise combination of mana. Its specific cost necessitates both generic and blue mana, which may not always align with the fluid mana bases of multicolored decks or those seeking to maintain a flexible mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating this card against others in its category, Battleground Geist demands a higher mana investment. For the five mana you invest, there are alternative cards in the MTG universe that could potentially offer more strategic value or board presence at a lower cost, making the Geist a less favored choice among its ethereal peers.
Reasons to Include Battleground Geist in Your Collection
Versatility: Battleground Geist stands out as a versatile inclusion to any spirit or flying-centered strategy. Its ability to grant other spirit creatures you control +1/+0 means it provides a consistent boost to your offensive capabilities across multiple deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: Given its spirit synergy, Battleground Geist can be a linchpin in combos that capitalize on buffed flying creatures or those that benefit from tribal connections. Its synergy with other cards can lead to powerful plays and unexpected wins.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flyers are prevalent or if spirits are a cornerstone of the competitive scene, Battleground Geist could become a key player. Its power boost to other spirits could turn the tide in aerial combat-heavy metas, making it a card worth considering for your collection.
How to beat
Battleground Geist stands out as a formidable flying threat in Magic: The Gathering, especially for its ability to bolster other Spirits. If you’re facing this spectral power, consider strategies to keep the skies clear. It’s crucial to remember that Battleground Geist is not just a standalone problem but also amplifies the potential of other Spirits on the board.
Removal spells like Murder or Doom Blade can target and eliminate the Geist before it becomes an overwhelming force. Enchantment-based removal, such as Pacifism, can neutralize it without sending it to the graveyard, mitigating any recursion strategies. Additionally, countering it with spells like Cancel can prevent it from entering the battlefield in the first place.
When constructing your deck, including multiple methods of dealing with flying creatures can prepare you for threats like Battleground Geist. Cards with reach or those that can deal damage to flying opponents are essential additions. Focus on maintaining control, and don’t let the Geist set the pace. By keeping these tactics in mind, you can turn the tide of battle against Battleground Geist and its spectral cohorts.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Battleground Geist MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Jumpstart, 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 Battleground Geist 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 Battleground Geist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Clint Cearley.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 45 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Clint Cearley | |
| 2 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Clint Cearley | |
| 3 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows of the Past | SIS | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Clint Cearley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Battleground Geist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |