Cave People MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 60
1995-04-01 - Number 181
1995-04-01 - Number 181
1995-08-01 - Number 78
1997-03-24 - Number 215
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
If declared as an attacker, Cave People get +1/-2 until end of turn. o1o Ro R, oc T: Target creature gains mountainwalk until end of turn.
Cards like Cave People
Cave People is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that brings its own unique flavor to the red deck creatures. This card bears similarities to other creature cards that offer deck utility beyond their combat abilities. For instance, cards like Norin the Wary offer interesting interactions with the game state while not necessarily being powerful attackers themselves. Norin, although elusive and hard to pin down, doesn’t provide the same level of direct utility that Cave People does with its ability to boost other creatures.
Likewise, Zo-Zu the Punisher can be seen as another counterpart from the red spells. Zo-Zu’s ability to deal damage to opponents when lands enter the battlefield under their control adds a strategic layer to gameplay. However, unlike Zo-Zu, Cave People comes equipped with the potential to guide your other creatures to greater power, through tactical empowerment rather than passive damage. Additionally, Cave People’s ability to tutor for Mountain cards directly intermingles with land mechanics, further diversifying its use cases.
Comparing Cave People to these and other creature cards, it’s clear that while it may not excel in raw power, it compensates with its synergy and utility, making it a card that can tactically enhance gameplay for MTG players focusing on creature-based red decks.
Cards similar to Cave People by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cave People may not directly allow you to draw cards, but its ability to potentially turn any Mountain you control into a card draw engine is like a boon for decks strapped on card draws. With Cave People on the battlefield, your late game top-decked Mountains suddenly become a source of utility, enabling you to dig deeper into your deck for solutions.
Resource Acceleration: This quirky red creature can act as a form of resource acceleration. By pumping mana into its ability, you effectively convert lands into potential damage — getting more utility out of your lands which is crucial in a game where lands typically just produce mana.
Instant Speed: While Cave People itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to give target creature first strike until end of turn can be activated at instant speed. This allows you to adjust your tactics on the fly, potentially turning the tide of combat in your favor at a moment’s notice and catching an opponent unprepared during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When playing Cave People, you face the challenge of discarding another card to utilize its ability. This can potentially set you back, especially when you’re already dealing with a limited hand and need every card to maintain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Cave People requires a precise blend of mana to cast, including red mana. This specificity can pose restrictions for deck-building, making it less versatile for players who want a broader range of options in their strategies and who may struggle to always have the required mana at their disposal.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating mana efficiency, Cave People comes at a higher price point considering its utility and impact on the game. There are creatures and spells that come into play with a lesser mana investment and provide similar or greater benefits, making them potentially more appealing choices for deck inclusion.
Reasons to Include Cave People in Your Collection
Versatility: Cave People offers a unique addition to decks that are keen on creature control and need a reliable early-game board presence. Its ability to boost other red creatures also makes it a flexible choice for tribal and aggressive strategies.
Combo Potential: Pairing Cave People with cards that grant creatures trample or with damage amplifiers can lead to devastating combat phases, making it an intriguing option for players looking to explore new synergies and interactions within their decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are prevalent, the targeted pump ability of Cave People becomes increasingly significant, allowing you to maintain board dominance while navigating through creature-based match-ups.
How to beat
The Cave People card presents an interesting dynamic in Magic: The Gathering, where understanding the terrain of combat is crucial. This red creature offers a boost to fellow red creatures, making the first strike a pivotal part of their strategy. To counteract the advantages Cave People provides, consider incorporating cards that can bypass or nullify combat, like those with flying or “cannot be blocked” abilities to limit the effectiveness of first strike.
Targeted removal spells are another efficient solution. Cards that can pick off Cave People before a combat phase ensure that your opponent loses the combat trick up their sleeve. Also, look for ways to manipulate the combat phase to your benefit. Strategies that play around the first strike mechanic, such as using instant-speed removal or combat tricks after blockers are declared but before damage is assigned, can turn the tides. Keep in mind to be mindful of board states and remain adaptable.
Ultimately, overcoming a card like Cave People hinges on smart card choices and tactical play. Considering the array of control elements and premeditated strategies in your deck building, the impact that Cave People might have can be effectively minimized or neutralized.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cave People MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Fourth Edition, 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 Cave People 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 Cave People Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 1997-03-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 60 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 181 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 181 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 78 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 5 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 215 | 1997 | Normal | White | Steve Luke |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cave People has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |