Deeproot Waters MTG Card


Boosts Merfolk decks with a regular supply of hexproof tokens, enhancing board presence. Token utility expands resources, enabling bigger plays without additional costs. Limited to blue decks and may require a higher initial mana investment.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever you cast a Merfolk spell, create a 1/1 blue Merfolk creature token with hexproof. (A creature with hexproof can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)

A visit to the Deeproot Tree and its ancient spring replenishes a merfolk's connection to nature.


Cards like Deeproot Waters

Deeproot Waters carries unique significance in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as it enhances Merfolk tribal decks. It’s akin to cards such as Call to the Kindred and Descendants’ Path which also favor tribal synergies. Deeproot Waters distinctively generates Merfolk tokens whenever you cast a Merfolk spell, repeatedly empowering your board presence with no additional mana cost after casting.

Likewise, Lullmage Mentor can also reinforce a Merfolk strategy, but it centers around controlling the opponent by countering spells to create tokens. On the other end, Bident of Thassa promotes an aggressive approach, rewarding you with card draw upon dealing combat damage with your creatures. While not producing tokens itself, it creates an advantage that synergizes well with the tokens generated by Deeproot Waters.

In sum, Deeproot Waters holds a strong appeal for MTG players aiming to build around a Merfolk theme. Its consistent and cost-effective ability to populate the board can be a game-changer when compared to other tribal support cards, particularly in a dedicated Merfolk deck.

Call to the Kindred - MTG Card versions
Descendants' Path - MTG Card versions
Lullmage Mentor - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions
Call to the Kindred - MTG Card versions
Descendants' Path - MTG Card versions
Lullmage Mentor - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deeproot Waters by color, type and mana cost

Feedback - MTG Card versions
In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Gaseous Form - MTG Card versions
Relic Bind - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Realm - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Veiled Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
High Seas - MTG Card versions
Feedback - MTG Card versions
In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Gaseous Form - MTG Card versions
Relic Bind - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Realm - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Veiled Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
High Seas - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deeproot Waters specializes in creating additional creatures, specifically Merfolk tokens. Each time you cast a Merfolk spell, the enchantment triggers, providing you with an extra creature on the battlefield. This continual token generation can significantly outpace your opponent in terms of board presence, giving you the upper hand in card advantage without spending additional resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although Deeproot Waters doesn’t directly produce mana or Treasure tokens, the Merfolk tokens it generates can be leveraged in numerous ways to accelerate your resources. They can synergize with other cards that convert creature presence into mana or use those tokens to fuel convoke costs, allowing for smoother and more potent plays as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: While Deeproot Waters itself is an enchantment that doesn’t have instant speed, it creates tokens that can unexpectedly bolster your defense or serve as a surprise during combat on your turn. Additionally, the ability to generate tokens works with Merfolk spells that might have flash, permitting instant-speed interactions and strategic depth during gameplay that keeps opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deeproot Waters doesn’t directly require a discard but it does necessitate a dedicated deck build around Merfolk, potentially forcing you to discard non-tribal cards during deck construction.

Specific Mana Cost: With a blue mana cost, Deeproot Waters is restricted to blue or blue-inclusive decks, which limits its versatility across the diverse MTG archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, this enchantment may seem costly given that it only generates a 1/1 Merfolk token with hexproof whenever you cast a Merfolk spell. Other cards at similar costs could provide more immediate board presence or impact.


Reasons to Include Deeproot Waters in Your Collection

Versatility: Deeproot Waters offers a dynamic addition to Merfolk and token decks alike. Its ability to create a 1/1 blue Merfolk creature token with each Merfolk you cast gives players constant value and board presence.

Combo Potential: This enchantment is a keystone in combos and synergies within Merfolk-based strategies. It boosts the impact of every Merfolk played, potentially overwhelming opponents with a rapidly expanding army of tokens.

Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts, cards that can consistently produce multiple creatures stay relevant. In a creature-centric game, Deeproot Waters keeps you ahead by populating the board, making it a worthwhile addition, especially if Merfolk or token strategies are prominent.


How to Beat

Deeproot Waters presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering, as it spurs a wave of Merfolk token generation. Dealing with this enchantment head-on requires strategic play. The key to dismantling the Deeproot Waters strategy lies in disrupting the ability to create token creatures. Spot removal is often ineffective due to the continuous stream of tokens it produces; instead, a more effective method is to target the enchantment itself.

Focusing on enchantment removal is essential when playing against Deeproot Waters. Cards that can efficiently remove enchantments like Disenchant, Naturalize, or Mortify will stop the tide of Merfolk tokens and can swing the momentum in your favor. Another potent countermeasure is to apply board clear spells that can wipe out multiple creatures at once, negating the advantage gained from the tokens, which strategies like board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can provide.

Ultimately, the prowess of Deeproot Waters in a Merfolk-centric deck cannot be underestimated, yet with the right tools and a preemptive approach, you can navigate around the swells and steer toward victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the waves of MTG takes more than just knowing your cards; it’s about understanding the synergy they create. Deeproot Waters is more than an enchantment; it’s a cornerstone for Merfolk tribal decks, bringing persistent value with every cast. If your strategy involves a sea of tokens and leveraging tribal synergies, this card is your ally. Recognizing its potential and limitations is crucial in making it a formidable force in your collection. Dive deeper into the depths of strategic play with us and learn how to harness the power of Deeproot Waters in your deck to ensure a high tide of victories in your next clash.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deeproot Waters MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Waters and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Deeproot Waters Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Zezhou Chen.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-09-29IxalanXLN 512015NormalBlackZezhou Chen
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1522015NormalBlackZezhou Chen

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deeproot Waters has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deeproot Waters 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 The ability of Deeproot Waters resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger.
2018-01-19 If an effect refers to a "
-ubtype] spell" or "
-ubtype] card," it refers only to a spell or card that has that subtype. For example, March of the Drowned is a card that benefits Pirates and features Pirates in its illustration, but it isn't a Pirate card.