Dungrove Elder MTG Card
2006-01-02 - Number 80
2011-07-15 - Number 171
2019-11-07 - Number 1187
2002-06-24 - Number 41650
2020-09-26 - Number M12-171
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Treefolk |
| Abilities | Hexproof |
| Power | * |
| Toughness | * |
Text of card
Hexproof (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.) Dungrove Elder's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Forests you control.
Cards like Dungrove Elder
Dungrove Elder stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a robust and scalable threat for any deck that leverages forests. It bears resemblance to other creatures that grow in power based on certain conditions such as Tarmogoyf, which also adjusts its might based on the types of cards in all graveyards. Where Dungrove Elder shines, however, is in its inherent hexproof ability, offering protection from targeted spells and abilities—a trait Tarmogoyf lacks.
Another card worth mentioning is Vinelasher Kudzu, which like Dungrove Elder, thrives in land-rich decks. With every landfall, Vinelasher Kudzu gains a +1/+1 counter, incrementally increasing its threat level. Yet it does not offer hexproof, making it more vulnerable than Dungrove Elder. We also have Leatherback Baloth, a creature with immense power and toughness for its mana cost. While it doesn’t grow over time like Dungrove Elder, this sizable creature provides immediate board presence while being just as resilient to mana-based strategies.
Evaluating these considerations, Dungrove Elder presents itself as a uniquely defensive yet formidable card for its synergy with forests and resistance to opponent’s targeted removal in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Dungrove Elder by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dungrove Elder’s power and toughness are equal to the number of Forests you control, potentially providing a formidable presence on the battlefield. This advantage grows as you play more Forests, giving you a steadily increasing threat that doesn’t require additional card investment.
Resource Acceleration: Dungrove Elder thrives in a deck with a heavy Forest count, effectively turning each Forest into an additional power and toughness point for the creature. This transforms your mana base into a resource that not only accelerates your mana but also amplifies your offensive capabilities.
Instant Speed: While Dungrove Elder itself is not an instant, its inherent hexproof ability allows it to resist removal that would typically be played at instant speed by your opponents. This enables you to maintain a robust board presence, forcing your adversary to think twice before attempting to deal with your threats on their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Dungrove Elder doesn’t require you to discard, it’s important to recognize that its value is tied directly to the number of Forests you control. This can be a drawback if your deck doesn’t prioritize ramping or you face land destruction tactics, indirectly resulting in a weakened board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Dungrove Elder’s cost is entirely green mana, which means it fits solely into Green or Green-focused multicolor decks. This can limit its versatility, and if you’re not running a deck that’s heavy on Forests, it’s less likely that Dungrove Elder will reach its full potential.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Dungrove Elder’s mana cost isn’t exorbitant, it does cost three green mana, which might be considered high for a creature that initially comes out as a 1/1. In MTG, there are other three-mana creatures with immediate impact abilities or higher base stats, which may offer more immediate value or better synergy with diverse strategies.
Reasons to Include Dungrove Elder in Your Collection
Versatility: Dungrove Elder’s power and toughness are equal to the number of Forests you control, making it a strong addition to any green ramp or mono-green deck. Its hexproof ability also ensures it remains resilient against targeted removal spells, aiding in its adaptability on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: Its synergy with cards that increase Forest counts, such as “Rampant Growth” or “Cultivate,” can quickly turn Dungrove Elder into a formidable threat. Furthermore, its hexproof trait makes it a reliable recipient for auras and buffs from other cards, inviting numerous combo possibilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where heavy removal is common, Dungrove Elder stands out as a steadfast creature that can sustain your offensive game plan. For green-based deck builders seeking a persistent creature capable of surviving the hostile environment of modern MTG play, Dungrove Elder is a worthy inclusion.
How to beat
Dungrove Elder presents an intriguing challenge within MTG, boasting hexproof and a power and toughness equal to the number of Forests you control. Its resilience against targeted removal makes it a formidable opponent. If you’re facing this spell, adjusting your strategy is key. Since Dungrove Elder’s power grows with Forests, reducing your opponent’s land count could contain the threat. Land destruction or land bouncing spells can help manage the Elder’s growth.
Another tactic involves using board wipes to circumvent Dungrove Elder’s hexproof. Spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the board, including the Elder, without needing to target it directly. Also, utilizing cards with global effects that reduce creature stats or prevent creatures from attacking or blocking can level the playing field without having to target the Elder specifically.
Being prepared with these strategies in your deck can make all the difference. So when building your deck, keep in mind the types of threats you might encounter and include versatile answers that can handle a variety of situations, including the stealthy Dungrove Elder. Adaptation and preparation are the keys to maintaining the upper hand in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dungrove Elder MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and DCI 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 Dungrove Elder 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
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Printings
The Dungrove Elder Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-01-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 41650 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou | ||
| 2 | 2006-01-02 | DCI Promos | PDCI | 80 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou | |
| 3 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 171 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1187 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | M12-171 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dungrove Elder has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dungrove Elder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-09-22 | Dungrove Elder’s ability sets its power and toughness in all zones, not just the battlefield. |
| 2011-09-22 | Dungrove Elder’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of lands you control with the land type Forest, not necessarily lands named Forest. |
| 2011-09-22 | Dungrove Elder’s power and toughness will change as the number of Forests you control changes. |