Dogpile MTG Card

Dogpile allows simultaneous threat removal, providing card advantage in group combats. Its instant speed offers surprise plays, making it a versatile combat trick. Despite mana and discard requirements, Dogpile can be a game-changer.

Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)
2005-10-07 - Number 120

Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
2024-01-12 - Number 108

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Dogpile deals damage to target creature or player equal to the number of attacking creatures you control.

There is no shelter from this storm, its rain of fists, or the thunderous cackles of bloodlust.

Cards like Dogpile

In the dynamic realm of Magic: The Gathering, Dogpile is an intriguing card that finds its parallels in the suite of red damage spells. Its unique aspect lies in the damage output being contingent on the number of attacking creatures, a trait not commonly found in direct damage spells. This mechanic mirrors that of the card Mob Justice, which also calculates the damage based on the number of creatures you control. However, Dogpile requires the creatures to be engaged in combat to leverage its full potential.

Another analogous card is Dynacharge, offering a boost to each attacking creature, thereby contributing to the overall damage dealt in a turn. Although Dynacharge doesn’t deal direct damage, its Overload cost creates an opportunity for widespread impact similar to Dogpile’s wide-reaching effect in a well-filled battlefield. Then there’s Volley of Boulders, dealing damage divided as you choose among any number of targets, which provides the flexibility that Dogpile lacks in dictating the recipients of the damage.

In essence, Dogpile’s efficacy is highly dependent on an aggressive strategy with numerous attackers. Despite the constraints of battlefield presence, it can turn the tide in a fervent assault, marking its niche among the red spells that cater to a swarm-based offense.

Cards similar to Dogpile by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dogpile provides a powerful dynamic in group battles, offering potential multiple creature takedowns. It effectively handles numerous threats at once, tipping the scales in your favor and setting the stage for future plays.

Resource Acceleration: By potentially removing multiple blockers, Dogpile opens up the battlefield for subsequent swift attacks, speeding up your ability to threaten an opponent’s life total or remove major threats to your own strategy.

Instant Speed: The flexible casting timing of Dogpile allows players to strategically navigate combat phases, utilizing it as both a preventative tool or as a surprise attack enhancer. This versatility transforms it into a tactical asset within any match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Dogpile necessitates discarding another card to activate specific abilities or to be cast, a setback for players who might be running low on hand resources. This condition can be particularly difficult in fast-paced games where maintaining a hand advantage is critical.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a blend of colored mana which can sometimes hinder its inclusion in multicolored decks. Players might find themselves unable to cast Dogpile when they need it due to mana-base constraints, making it less versatile than options with a more generic mana cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that may be considered steep for its in-game effect, Dogpile competes with other cards at similar mana values that could potentially provide more impact or versatility for the same investment, thus making it a less appealing choice in some deck-building scenarios.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dogpile is incredibly adaptable, fitting comfortably into decks that are aggressive and focus on swarming the battlefield with creatures. Its ability to scale with the number of creatures you have makes it useful in different game stages.

Combo Potential: This card flourishes in creature-heavy decks, allowing you to amplify its effect. It can serve as a potent finisher in combination with cards that increase creature count or provide buffs, enhancing your offensive power dramatically.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based decks are common, Dogpile can serve as a key tool to turn the tide in your favor, potentially dealing a significant amount of damage relative to the creatures you control.

How to beat

The Dogpile card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its capability to exponentially increase damage based on the number of attacking creatures. To effectively navigate and counter this heavy-hitter, players should consider strategies that either minimize the number of creatures able to attack or utilize effects that negate the damage caused by spells.

One effective tactic is control-based play, focusing on cards that can restrict the opponent’s creatures from attacking or remove them from play altogether. Sweepers like Wrath of God or control spells such as Pacifism can be pivotal in keeping the creatures at bay. Another angle is to include instant spells that prevent damage for a turn, like Deflecting Palm, to turn the tables when an opponent casts Dogpile.

Moreover, incorporating life-gain strategies or playing with cards that have damage prevention abilities can help sustain a player’s life total, offsetting the impact of Dogpile’s attack. Cards with lifelink or those that create a high volume of blockers, such as Raise the Alarm, can also deter an opponent from leveraging Dogpile’s full potential. Through smart deck-building and responsive play, overcoming the onslaught of Dogpile is entirely within reach.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dogpile MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Ravnica Remastered, 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 Dogpile and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dogpile Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2005-10-07	Ravnica: City of Guilds	RAV		120	2003	Normal	Black	Jeff Miracola
2	2024-01-12	Ravnica Remastered	RVR		108	2015	Normal	Black	Maxime Minard

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dogpile has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal