Ore Gorger MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Spirit
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	3
Toughness	1
Number	182
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	rk post

Key Takeaways

Ore Gorger offers card advantage and can significantly shift a game’s balance when used effectively.
Its resource acceleration aligns with mana-hungry decks, allowing earlier casting of high-impact spells.
Lexibility is key, as playing Ore Gorger at instant speed adapts to battlefield changes and surprises opponents.

Text of card

Whenever you play a Spirit or Arcane spell, you may destroy target nonbasic land.

"We've stumbled upon a network of caves not on our maps. We can only hope it is safe to spend the night." —Lost Battalion, message to General Takeno

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When it comes to gaining the upper hand in a match, a card like Ore Gorger gives players a significant edge. By removing key pieces from the opponent’s board while deploying your own threats, you can easily shift the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Ore Gorger’s ability to potentially unlock more mana resources for a player’s use stands out as an efficient way to outpace an opponent. It aligns perfectly with decks that thrive on having an abundance of mana to cast high-impact spells earlier than expected.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of playing Ore Gorger at instant speed cannot be overstated. This allows strategic players to adapt to the evolving battlefield, wait out an opponent’s moves, and then deploy this powerful card at the most opportune moment, often at the end of the opponent’s turn for maximum surprise and board impact.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ore Gorger’s ability to disrupt opponents comes at the cost of having to discard a card, a process that could put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re already short on card options.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a very specific mana combination to cast, which might not seamlessly fit into all deck types, potentially causing consistency issues for multi-color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given the five mana needed to play Ore Gorger, its impact on the game can be considered delayed compared to other cards with lower mana requirements that provide immediate value upon hitting the board.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ore Gorger provides flexibility in a variety of builds, catering to players who appreciate tools that adapt to different game states. Its ability to disrupt mana bases makes it a valuable addition to decks that aim to limit opponent options.

Combo Potential: For enthusiasts who like to explore synergies, Ore Gorger can become a combo enabler. Its artifact creature type allows it to interact with a range of cards that recognize or amplify artifacts and creatures alike.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta landscape that ever shifts, a card like Ore Gorger can gain prominence in a meta-game that favors decks reliant on mana acceleration or a hefty number of nonbasic lands, placing it as a strategic piece in the ever-evolving puzzle of competitive play.

How to beat

Ore Gorger’s might within the MTG pantheon is undeniable. It’s a formidable force on the battlefield, bending the rules of resource management to its owner’s advantage. This leviathan can devour lands, shaking the very foundation of an opponent’s strategy. Like its kin in the land destruction category, Ore Gorger creates a pressing predicament for players, disrupting their mana flow and putting a tight grip on the game’s tempo.

How then can one navigate this quagmire and emerge victorious against the might of the Ore Gorger? It’s a dance of precision, timing, and counters. The key lies in maintaining a diverse set of mana sources and having a backup plan when traditional lands fall victim to this behemoth. Cards that generate mana without relying on lands or that can protect or rapidly reestablish a land base become invaluable in this clash. Incorporating instant-speed removal or bounce spells to handle Ore Gorger before it can assert its dominance can also turn the tides. Anticipation, adaptability, and a keen awareness of the game state are critical when facing off against this powerhouse.

Victory against Ore Gorger is not out of reach. It demands a strategy that’s as cunning and robust as the creature itself. In the dynamic world of MTG, flexibility and foresight often prove to be the most potent weapons in any player’s arsenal.

Cards like Ore Gorger

Ore Gorger is an intriguing card within Magic: The Gathering’s vast assortment of creature spells. It bears a resemblance to other red creatures such as Embermaw Hellion, which also emphasizes dealing extra damage to opponents. What sets Ore Gorger apart is its ability to potentially alter the mana resources of the game by converting damage dealt into a form of ramp, mirroring the land destruction effect. Embermaw Hellion, in contrast, lacks this utility but amplifies the damage of other red sources.

Another similar card is the Pilgrim of the Fires. Both are sizable artifacts creatures, yet Ore Gorger offers a unique advantage with its potential ramp effect. Pilgrim of the Fires, while having first strike and trample, does not interact with land or mana in any way. Destructive Force is also worthy of mention. Although not a creature, it embodies the land destruction theme by decimating both players’ lands and life totals, resonating with Ore Gorger’s land-impacting flavor.

In essence, while each card carries its own benefits within specific strategies, Ore Gorger’s ability to meld creature-based damage with mana manipulation makes it a particularly versatile choice for decks that seek to disrupt opponents while gaining an advantage in resource dynamics.

Pilgrim of the Fires - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ore Gorger by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ore Gorger MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Ore Gorger and other MTG cards: