Battlewand Oak MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 197
2020-09-26 - Number LRW-197
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Treefolk Warrior |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever a Forest comes into play under your control, Battlewand Oak gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Whenever you play a Treefolk spell, Battlewand Oak gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
Cards like Battlewand Oak
Battlewand Oak finds its niche among MTG cards that grow stronger as you play. Comparable to other creature cards like Dauntless Dourbark, which also gains power and toughness with each forest or Treefolk you control, Battlewand Oak can quickly become formidable. Nevertheless, it’s the synergy with forest land cards playing that sets him apart. Playing a forest doesn’t just increase Battlewand Oak’s size, but also has the potential to provide life gain, something Dauntless Dourbark does not offer.
Meanwhile, Leaf-Crowned Elder stands as another Treefolk-related card, but it emphasizes card advantage by potentially casting Treefolk or Shaman cards for free. Though it does not directly buff itself like Battlewand Oak, the Elder’s ability can pivot a game’s course dramatically. Then there’s Dungrove Elder, which gains strength for every forest you control, and its hexproof ability ensures it remains a stalwart defender against targeted spells, differing from the Battlewand Oak which lacks such protection.
Considering the mechanics and interactions, Battlewand Oak showcases a well-balanced combination of creature growth and life gain, making it a viable choice for decks leveraging forest lands and Treefolk synergies within MTG gameplay dynamics.
Cards similar to Battlewand Oak by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Battlewand Oak has a synergy with forests and treefolk spells which can result in significant card benefit. Every time you play a treefolk spell or a forest enters the battlefield, this card gets stronger. This interaction feeds into the deck’s card economy, making each card played potentially more impactful over the course of a game.
Resource Acceleration: While the Battlewand Oak itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it benefits from land drops and can be an integral part of a growth strategy within a deck focused on land-based resource acceleration. The more forests and treefolk you play, the greater the return on your initial investment in casting the oak.
Instant Speed: Although Battlewand Oak does not function at instant speed, its continuous effect on the field works well with instant speed spells in your deck. It means you can respond to your opponent’s moves while effectively increasing the oak’s power, using the forest land you play or the treefolk you can summon at the end of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Battlewand Oak asks for constant leaf fall to flex its muscles. This means that to trigger its ability, you’re often parting with cards which can be unwelcome when you’re holding a hand full of potentially game-changing spells.
Specific Mana Cost: The creature’s affinity is strictly tied to forests, requiring green mana that could narrow its integration into multi-colored decks. This specificity sometimes clashes with the deck’s mana-base strategy, especially in fast-paced matches where every mana counts.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To reach its full potential, a considerable mana investment in both casting and triggering the oak’s abilities is required. For four mana, its initial impact on the game might not be as immediate or as dominant as other cards available to players at that cost threshold.
Reasons to Include Battlewand Oak in Your Collection
Versatility: Battlewand Oak is an adaptable card, seamlessly fitting into various deck archetypes that highlight creatures. As it grows with Forests and Treefolk spells, it’s a natural inclusion for decks focused on these types.
Combo Potential: This card can be a key player in combination with effects that proliferate or allow for the casting of numerous spells in a turn, potentially making it a formidable force on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Battlewand Oak can offer significant value. Its potential to become a considerable threat as the game progresses makes it a fitting choice for those looking to hold their ground in creature-heavy metas.
How to beat
Battlewand Oak may seem like a formidable force in Magic: The Gathering, thriving in decks abundant with Forests and Treefolk. Its ability to grow not just from your spells but also whenever a Treefolk enters the battlefield can quickly turn it into a significant threat. However, it is not without weaknesses. To tackle this leafy giant effectively, focus on removal spells that bypass its power level, such as Path to Exile, which can exile it irrespective of its size.
Control decks have the advantage here, utilizing counter spells to prevent Battlewand Oak from hitting the board in the first place. Spot removal and board wipes are also efficient ways to manage the Oak before it reaches towering heights. When playing against a deck featuring Battlewand Oak, always be wary of the potential for explosive growth and plan your removal accordingly. It’s essential to keep the battlefield clear of Treefolk synergies that could feed into the oak’s strength. Targeted land destruction or enchantments that restrict the ability to cast creature spells can be effective preemptive measures as well.
By understanding the conditions Battlewand Oak needs to flourish and keeping a tight control on the board state, you can negate the advantage it provides to your opponent’s green-themed decks. Having the right answers at the right time is the key to turning this mighty oak into kindling.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Battlewand Oak MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and The List, 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 Battlewand Oak 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
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Printings
The Battlewand Oak Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2007-10-12. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Battlewand Oak has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |