Bloodrage Brawler MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 121
2020-07-17 - Number 296
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Minotaur Warrior |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Bloodrage Brawler enters the battlefield, discard a card.
To Hazoret, those who fight for her are her beloved children.
Cards like Bloodrage Brawler
Bloodrage Brawler provides a solid example of risk and reward in Magic: The Gathering, as this creature offers considerable power for its casting cost. When comparing it to other two-mana creatures such as Keldon Marauders, the Brawler stands out with its base stats. Although Keldon Marauders can deal direct damage upon entering and leaving the battlefield, Bloodrage Brawler comes with a heftier 4/3 stat line, immediately imposing a larger threat on the board.
Another comparison is with Burning-Tree Emissary, which also costs two mana but focuses on granting additional mana for further plays. While it doesn’t pack the same punch with a 2/2 body, it compensates by freeing up resources. Moreover, Gathan Raiders, an oft-overlooked card, mirrors Bloodrage Brawler’s discard mechanic but does not match the Brawler’s immediate impact without being hellbent.
Considering these perspectives, Bloodrage Brawler sits in a unique position in the realm of two-drop creatures. It demands a high upfront cost in discarding a card but makes up for it by providing a formidable presence early in the game. This power dynamic positions Bloodrage Brawler as a game-changer for aggressive decks looking for a strong, early board state.
Cards similar to Bloodrage Brawler by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Bloodrage Brawler. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Bloodrage Brawler doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it does help filter your hand by discarding a card that may no longer be relevant, providing you with an opportunity to utilize your resources more efficiently.
Resource Acceleration: As a 4/3 creature for just two mana, Bloodrage Brawler offers significant board presence early in the game, effectively accelerating your offensive resources without a hefty investment.
Instant Speed: Although Bloodrage Brawler is a creature played at sorcery speed, its impact on the game can disrupt your opponent’s strategy at critical moments, by forcing you to discard and alter your hand, therefore inadvertently setting up graveyard synergies that can be exploited at instant speed later on.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Bloodrage Brawler demands a card to be discarded upon entry. This can deplete your hand and hinder your overall strategy, especially if you’re not prepared to capitalize on the discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Bloodrage Brawler’s casting cost requires one colorless and one red mana, making it less flexible for multi-colored decks that might not consistently have the red mana source available early in the game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its robust stats as a 4/3 creature, the two-mana cost can be a bit steep for a card that potentially disrupts your hand advantage. There are instances when lower-cost creatures or spells can provide greater utility and board presence without such a significant drawback.
Reasons to Include Bloodrage Brawler in Your Collection
Versatility: Bloodrage Brawler’s solid stats as a 4/3 creature for a mere two mana make it a powerful addition to fast-paced aggressive decks. It seamlessly slots into various red-based strategies, demanding an immediate answer from opponents.
Combo Potential: Although requiring you to discard a card upon entering the battlefield, this downside can be turned into an advantage with strategies that capitalize on graveyard interactions or madness mechanics, making it a valuable piece in a synergistic puzzle.
Meta-Relevance: In environments that favor quick, decisive games, Bloodrage Brawler’s significant early presence can put pressure on the opponent, shaping the battlefield in your favor and potentially dictating the pace of the match.
How to beat
Bloodrage Brawler presents an early threat in the game with its formidable power for a low mana cost. While deploying a 4/3 creature on turn two is undoubtedly a strong play, its downside can be exploited. The Brawler forces a card discard upon entering the battlefield, which can be a steep price for the aggressive start. To turn the tables on a Bloodrage Brawler, consider using cheap removal spells that can deal with it before too much damage is done, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile.
Another strategy is to minimize its impact by holding onto control elements like counterspells. Cards like Essence Scatter are perfectly suited to stop the Brawler in its tracks. In hindsight, trading one-for-one with removal is cost-efficient here. Additionally, you can make the discard disadvantage more pronounced by using hand disruption spells on your opponent, ensuring they lose their best pieces along with the forced discard. Managing your own hand to weather the early aggression can lead to a favorable board state in the mid to the late game where the Brawler’s effectiveness diminishes.
Remember, while Bloodrage Brawler can give your opponent an early edge, every card has its weakness, and with the right strategy, you can regain control and eventually overpower an opponent reliant on such an aggressive creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bloodrage Brawler MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet 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 Bloodrage Brawler 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 Bloodrage Brawler Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Lars Grant-West.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodrage Brawler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bloodrage Brawler card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | You can cast Bloodrage Brawler even if you have no other cards in your hand. If you have no cards in hand as its ability resolves, nothing happens. |