Druid's Familiar MTG Card


Provides card advantage and overwhelms foes by boosting multiple creatures in synergy-rich decks. Its specific mana requirements and high cost may compete with other game stage spells. Flexible and meta-relevant, Druid’s Familiar can be pivotal in creature-based strategies.
Druid's Familiar - Avacyn Restored
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Bear
Abilities Soulbond
Released2012-05-04
Set symbol
Set nameAvacyn Restored
Set codeAVR
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number175
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAdam Paquette

Text of card

Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters the battlefield. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.) As long as Druid's Familiar is paired with another creature, each of those creatures gets +2/+2.


Cards like Druid's Familiar

Druid’s Familiar stands out in MTG as a solid partner for creatures aiming for battlefield dominance. Its soulbond ability, which grants both the familiar and another creature +2/+2 as long as they remain paired, echoes similar mechanics found in cards like Wolfir Silverheart. Wolfir Silverheart also utilizes soulbond, but offers a staggering +4/+4 bonus which catapults its paired ally to even greater heights.

Comparatively, Trusted Forcemage offers a more modest soulbond boost of +1/+1, a gentle nudge to creature strength that is both accessible and versatile in a broader range of deck builds. Another noteworthy comparison is the Silverblade Paladin, providing not only a +2/+2 soulbond increase but also the coveted double strike ability, turning any ordinary creature into a lethal threat the moment it steps onto the battlefield.

While evaluating Druid’s Familiar in the ecosystem of MTG soulbond creatures, it becomes apparent that its balance of cost, effect, and the strategic advantage of a consistent power boost makes it a valuable card, particularly in limited formats or within decks focused on creature synergy and growth.

Wolfir Silverheart - MTG Card versions
Trusted Forcemage - MTG Card versions
Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions
Wolfir Silverheart - MTG Card versions
Trusted Forcemage - MTG Card versions
Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions

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Scarwood Bandits - MTG Card versions
Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Alligator - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Viridian Lorebearers - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Druid’s Familiar can be a linchpin in decks that benefit from having a multitude of creatures on the battlefield. Pairing this creature with others that capitalize on synergies and enter-the-battlefield effects can lead to substantial value over time.

Resource Acceleration: Featuring the Soulbond mechanic, Druid’s Familiar can pair with another creature to give both a buff, effectively accelerating your board presence. This can be crucial for overwhelming opponents and establishing control early in the game.

Instant Speed: While Druid’s Familiar itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability to instantly increase another creature’s power and toughness when paired can catch opponents off guard during combat, leading to favorable trades or unexpected lethality.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Druid’s Familiar asks for a card to be discarded, which can drain your hand, especially when you’re trying to maintain card advantage over an opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires both forest and island mana, which can sometimes make it challenging to cast, particularly if you are running a multicolored deck without ample mana-fixing solutions.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the ability it offers, Druid’s Familiar can be considered resource-intensive. As a four-mana creature, it might compete with other impactful four-mana spells that could be more suited to the stage of the game when Druid’s Familiar becomes playable.


Reasons to Include Druid’s Familiar in Your Collection

Versatility: Druid’s Familiar adds considerable value to a wide array of decks, particularly those hinging on creature synergies. Its ability to bond with another creature enhances not just one, but two creatures’ prowess, making it a dynamic addition to any board state.

Combo Potential: In decks that thrive on +1/+1 counters or that activate abilities based on creature power, Druid’s Familiar shines. This card can be a linchpin in combos, significantly raising the strength of another creature, thereby unlocking powerful and potentially game-winning interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to bolster creatures, Druid’s Familiar holds its own in environments where creature-based strategies prevail. As matches become a contest of board presence, having a Druid’s Familiar to swing the power balance in your favor could prove pivotal.


How to Beat

Druid’s Familiar stands out in the diverse world of creature cards, bringing a compelling dynamic to the table with its Soulbond mechanic. This special ability allows it to pair with another creature as soon as either enters the battlefield, giving both a substantial power boost. To tilt the odds in your favor against Druid’s Familiar, control tactics are key. Removing the creature it’s bonded with before the Soulbond takes effect can drastically reduce its impact on the game.

Targeted removal spells are highly effective in this scenario. Consider using instant-speed spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile to disrupt the pairing before the bond grants the bonus. Against a Druid’s Familiar, it’s also wise to hold removal spells for key moments when your opponent tries to form a powerful combination. Board wipes can be another strategic option, resetting the playing field and removing bonded pairs along with any other threats that have accumulated.

Ultimately, staying one step ahead of the Soulbond mechanic is essential. By prioritizing strategic removal and timing your spells correctly, you’ll be able to dismantle the synergy that Druid’s Familiar relies on to be a formidable force on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Druid’s Familiar’s unique Soulbond ability, players have the potential to turn the tides of a game in their favor by establishing sudden and robust creature duos. Its interaction with other cards creates an engaging gameplay dynamic that can be exploited for significant advantage. Understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and strategic applications are crucial for utilizing this card effectively. If you wish for deeper insights on how to integrate Druid’s Familiar into your decks and effectively counter it on the battlefield, we’ve got you covered. Elevate your strategies and enhance your collection by tapping into our comprehensive resources. Start mastering the nuances of MTG and discover how to leverage Druid’s Familiar to its fullest potential with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Druid's Familiar MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored, 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 Druid's Familiar and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Druid's Familiar has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Druid's Familiar card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2012-05-01 If Druid’s Familiar becomes unpaired, it will immediately lose the +2/+2 bonus. If this causes it to have damage marked on it equal to it or greater than its new toughness, it will be destroyed. The same is true for the creature it was paired with.