Deeproot Champion MTG Card
2017-09-29 - Number 185p
2017-09-29 - Number 185
2017-09-29 - Number 185
2017-09-29 - Number 185s
2020-09-26 - Number XLN-185
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Shaman |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Deeproot Champion.
"No good will come from what you seek. Turn back now or suffer an ignoble death far from your home."
Cards like Deeproot Champion
Deeproot Champion, a merfolk wizard from the Ixalan set, carves its niche within the lush world of creature spells in MTG. Resembling the mechanics of renowned creatures like Quirion Dryad, the Deeproot Champion gains a +1/+1 counter every time a noncreature spell is cast. Notably, Quirion Dryad shares this trait, but Deeproot Champion’s exclusive focus on noncreature spells gives it a clear pathway to power up in decks packed with instants and sorceries.
Managorger Hydra is another comparable beast, albeit with a broader scope. It grows with any spell cast—by any player—which makes it a potentially faster-growing threat in multiplayer games. Yet, the Deeproot Champion requires a more strategic deck-build around it, pushing players towards a spell-slinging gameplay style. Lastly, Vinelasher Kudzu, which also thrives in land-rich environments, is worth mentioning. It boasts a similar growth mechanic, however, it is dependent on land drops rather than spell casts, leading to a different deck synergy.
Ultimately, Deeproot Champion stands out in its niche for players who enjoy weaving a tapestry of spells to empower their creatures, ensuring that each noncreature spell creates not just an immediate impact on the game but also a lasting one through the growth of their champion.
Cards similar to Deeproot Champion by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Deeproot Champion. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Temur Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | |
| Temur Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024 | |
 | Bant Bogles | Modern | $5K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:00 pm |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Deeproot Champion has unique potential for continuous growth, making it a valuable card that can become a dominating board presence. As you cast noncreature spells, it accumulates +1/+1 counters, effectively increasing your offensive resources with each spell play.
Resource Acceleration: Deeproot Champion encourages a strategy built around a multitude of low-cost spells, thus enabling faster and more efficient deck cycling. This synergy allows for accelerated resource advantage as the deck thins, drawing you closer to your key spells and tactics.
Instant Speed: The nature of Deeproot Champion’s ability to capitalize on instant speed spells is a major tactical pro. It can be beefed up at the last moment during an opponent’s turn, making it a flexible threat that adapts to the evolving game state. Playing spells at instant speed ensures that the champion grows unexpectedly, catching adversaries off guard and bolstering your battlefield position in the blink of an eye.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The effervescence of the Deeproot Champion’s growth can be hindered, as it lacks a built-in mechanism for self-protection. If faced with a discard effect, its potential becomes stunted, reducing its ability to capitalize on spell casting.
Specific Mana Cost: This leafy combatant demands a solitary allegiance to green mana. For multicolored decks craving flexibility, the Champion’s monochromatic thirst can be constraining, potentially upsetting the carefully balanced mana base intended for a variety of spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In a game where early momentum can dictate the tide of victory, the Champion’s cost is a substantial investment. Other creatures at the same threshold may offer immediate board impact or come equipped with abilities that provide value upon entry, overshadowing our Champion’s latent prowess.
Reasons to Include Deeproot Champion in Your Collection
Versatility: Deeproot Champion works seamlessly across various deck builds, particularly favorable in strategies that heavily rely on casting noncreature spells. Its ability to grow in power and toughness with each spell cast makes it adaptable to changing board states.
Combo Potential: As a card that thrives on spell-slinging, Deeproot Champion can be a key performer in combo decks. Its prowess-like ability allows it to become a significant threat in conjunction with cheap cantrips or protection spells like Dive Down.
Meta-Relevance: In environments that support or revolve around Merfolk synergy or tempo play styles, Deeproot Champion’s incremental growth can dominate the field. Given the right supporting cards and strategic play, its relevance within certain metagames can outclass other creatures of similar cost.
How to beat
Deeproot Champion is a unique creature card that thrives in a deck loaded with non-creature spells. Gaining a +1/+1 counter with every spell cast, the Champion can quickly spiral out of control if left unchecked. The key to overcoming this Merfolk Shaman lies in timely removal. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch it before it morphs into a formidable threat.
Managing your own spells is also crucial when facing Deeproot Champion. Postpone non-critical spells until after you’ve dealt with the Champion to limit its growth. Board wipes, especially those that don’t target like Supreme Verdict, can be particularly effective. Additionally, keeping a wary eye on spell counters and employing them only when necessary, guarantees the Champion remains manageable.
Effective strategies include employing instant-speed interactions to surprise the opponent during their turn. Keep counter-magic at the ready, or use end-of-turn effects to diminish their resources. In essence, dealing with Deeproot Champion requires a blend of foresight, restraint, and decisive action to prevent it from commanding the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deeproot Champion MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan Promos and Ixalan Promos, 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 Deeproot Champion 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 Deeproot Champion Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2017-09-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan Promos | PXLN | 185p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 2 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan Promos | PXLN | 185 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alex Konstad | |
| 3 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 185 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 4 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan Promos | PXLN | 185s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | XLN-185 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Raymond Swanland |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deeproot Champion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deeproot Champion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-29 | Deeproot Champion’s ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. |