Dwarven Berserker MTG Card

Its ability to ramp up mana and act at instant speed makes it a dynamic force in quick-paced matches. While beneficial for red mana decks, its specific cost and discard requirement can limit versatility. The Berserker’s potential in the meta and ability to become unblockable recommend it for aggressive strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Dwarf Berserker
Released	1997-06-09
Set symbol
Set name	Weatherlight
Set code	WTH
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	97
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Douglas Shuler

Text of card

If Dwarven Berserker is blocked, it gets +3/+0 and gains trample until end of turn.

"I may be small, but I can kick *your* butt."

Cards like Dwarven Berserker

The Dwarven Berserker is an intriguing inclusion in any MTG deck that favors aggressive strategies. Within the category of red creature cards, it stands in line with cards like Raging Goblin. This particular card offers an immediate attack advantage due to its haste, allowing for quick hits, yet the Berserker introduces an exciting twist – the threshold for unblockability.

Another card to consider is the Goblin Guide, a powerhouse in red aggro decks. While the Guide boasts a speed advantage with haste, our Berserker, once powered up, can bypass blockers entirely, a trait the Goblin Guide lacks. It’s a trade-off between unrelenting pressure and a potential game-changing unblocked attack.

Lastly, the comparison with Aether Chaser presents a different facet. Both have strengths in the early game, but the Chaser lends energy counters alongside first-strike capability, contrasting with the Berserker’s later game impact through unblockability. The choice hinges on desired board tactics and game progression stages.

Choices like these hinge on preferred strategy, and while the Dwarven Berserker might not feature the immediacy of haste, its unblockability under the right conditions can be a formidable asset in any MTG deck.

Cards similar to Dwarven Berserker by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Resource Acceleration: Dwarven Berserker has the potential to significantly boost your mana resources. This can be crucial in matches where speed is of the essence, giving you the upper hand by allowing faster deployment of your strategies and threats on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed cannot be overstated. It gives players the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, potentially countering crucial plays or making unexpected moves that can swing the game in their favor.

Card Advantage: While the Dwarven Berserker may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, its aggressive presence on the board can force opponents to use more resources to handle it, indirectly leading to card advantage by attrition.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Dwarven Berserker card requires a player to part with another card in their hand, which can be particularly detrimental during the late game when maintaining card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailored primarily for red mana decks, the Dwarven Berserker’s mana cost may not fit smoothly in multicolored decks, potentially restricting its playability across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be deemed steep by some players, the Dwarven Berserker could be overshadowed by lower-cost creatures or spells that offer similar or better immediate impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include Dwarven Berserker in Your Collection

Versatility: The Dwarven Berserker offers adaptability in decks that capitalize on aggressive play styles, particularly red-based aggro or midrange decks looking for a swift and impactful early game presence.

Combo Potential: Its potential to work with cards that benefit from attacking creatures or damage triggers can amplify its impact, making it a key player in explosive turns and synergistic strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Within the right meta, especially one where early board presence can dictate the pace of the game, the Dwarven Berserker’s quick and forceful entrance onto the battlefield makes it a significant asset.

How to beat

Dwarven Berserker presents a challenge with its trample ability, especially when it’s pumped with spells or effects to increase its power. Despite its aggression, there are strategies to contain this fierce creature from Magic: The Gathering. Cards with deathtouch, such as Typhoid Rats or Foulmire Knight, can negate the threat, as they can destroy any creature they touch, regardless of its power. Additionally, creatures with high toughness can block and survive the assault, minimizing the trample damage. Another tactic involves the use of instant-speed removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile, which can remove the Berserker from the battlefield before it even gets a chance to attack.

Control decks can also handle the Dwarven Berserker by preventing it from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Counterspells like Cancel or Essence Scatter can effectively neutralize the threat at the cost of minimal mana investment. For those playing a longer game, board wipes such as Wrath of God clear not only the Berserker but also any additional creatures your opponent may have deployed, resetting the board state and giving you a fresh start.

Ultimately, while Dwarven Berserker can pose an early game threat, there are various ways to mitigate its impact and maintain control over the game, ensuring that its rampage is swiftly halted.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dwarven Berserker MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Dwarven Berserker and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dwarven Berserker has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal