Breakneck Berserker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dwarf Berserker |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 124 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Scott Murphy |
Text of card
Haste
"Go for the knees! The last giant who tried to get past us got rolled back down the mountain in a dozen pieces."
Cards like Breakneck Berserker
Breakneck Berserker is a formidable force in the realm of aggressive creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It finds a kinship with cards like Frenzied Goblin, which also promotes aggressive early game strategies. However, Breakneck Berserker brings a higher power to the table, allowing for more impactful swings early on, as opposed to the Frenzied Goblin’s one-time use ability to prevent a creature from blocking.
Furor of the Bitten is another card that shares the aggressive purpose, being an Aura that grants additional power and incites creatures to attack each turn if able. While Furor of the Bitten is not a creature itself, the parallel lies in the relentless onslaught it encourages, akin to the Berserker’s hastened tempo. Lastly, we consider Ember Hauler, slightly different in functionality, as it offers a combination of aggressive presence and flexible damage output, enabling removal of creatures or direct player damage. Although it lacks haste, the presence of this utility adds a layer of versatility to the mix.
Through analyzing these counterparts, Breakneck Berserker stands out for enabling swift and considerable combat damage, a critical component in decks designed for speed and pressure. Its ability to attack as soon as it hits the battlefield makes it a consistent and reliable choice for players aiming to overwhelm opponents swiftly.
Cards similar to Breakneck Berserker by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Breakneck Berserker. 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 | Historic | Other | MTGA Pauper: Historic Pauper Tournament (6 Jan '24) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Breakneck Berserker is part of strategies that thrive on maintaining board presence. While it doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, having a steadfast creature on the board can deter opponents’ attacks and sustain your dominance on the field.
Resource Acceleration: This fierce creature packs a punch with its power, potentially accelerating your damage output significantly. By delivering a swift hit, Breakneck Berserker can press the advantage and cause opponents to use up their resources more quickly in defense.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Breakneck Berserker can benefit from instant speed buffs and combat tricks to unexpectedly overpower or outmaneuver blockers and attackers. Its haste attribute allows it to swing into action immediately, capitalizing on any temporary boosts given at instant speed for immediate impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As a component of its activation, the Breakneck Berserker demands that players discard a card. This can be particularly challenging in situations where your hand is already depleted or each card holds significant strategic value.
Specific Mana Cost: The Berserker’s casting necessitates a fixed amount of red mana. This specific requirement could potentially restrict deck-building options, making it less versatile for those not dedicated to a red mana strategy or a deck that heavily features red.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the mana investment versus the payoff, the Breakneck Berserker’s cost might seem steep. There are cards within the same mana range that may provide a more impactful presence on the battlefield or offer additional utility for a player’s strategy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Breakneck Berserker slots seamlessly into red aggro decks or those requiring creatures with haste. Its efficient mana cost for a 3/2 body allows for aggressive early board presence.
Combo Potential: The Berserker’s haste enables it to synergize with cards that reward combat damage or creature attacks, making it a valuable piece in strategies aiming to capitalize on such interactions.
Meta-Relevance: Given its role in hastening the pace of the game, Breakneck Berserker holds its own in metas dominated by slower, setup-intensive decks. It pressures life totals early, often demanding immediate answers.
How to beat
Breakneck Berserker is a card known for its aggressive play in Magic: The Gathering, offering hasty attacks the moment it hits the board. However, as with any creature card, there are several strategies to overpower it. First, consider using removal spells that can eliminate Breakneck Berserker before it can declare an attack. Instant-speed removal like “Fatal Push” or “Path to Exile” are excellent choices as they can be used in response to the Berserker’s summoning.
Another approach is to control the battlefield with board wipes. Cards such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation” clear the board of all creatures, including tenacious Berserkers. If you prefer a more direct solution, powerful defensive creatures with high toughness or those with “reach” can be effective blockers, negating the Berserker’s assault.
It’s also wise to disrupt your opponent’s game plan. By using hand disruption spells or counter strategies, you can prevent the Breakneck Berserker from being cast in the first place. Ultimately, while the Berserker is certainly formidable, a well-constructed deck with the right counters can keep it in check, ensuring it doesn’t dominate the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Breakneck Berserker MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 Breakneck Berserker 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Breakneck Berserker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |