Elder Land Wurm MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 11
1995-04-01 - Number 24
1995-04-01 - Number 24
1995-08-01 - Number 9
2007-09-10 - Number 11
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Dragon Wurm |
| Abilities | Defender,Trample |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Trample Wurm cannot attack until it has been assigned as a blocker.
Sometimes it's best to let sleeping dragons lie.
Cards like Elder Land Wurm
Elder Land Wurm is a notable creature card in Magic: The Gathering with its unique ability to transform into an indestructible wall when blocking. Its closest kin in terms of gameplay might be cards like Daru Spiritualist, which also gain strength from being targeted. Both are white creatures but Elder Land Wurm stands out with its dramatic shift in combat dynamics. Daru Spiritualist, however, is more about synergizing with other cards to exploit its ability.
Looking at dragons, we have cards like Dragon Egg, which shares the theme of transforming under certain conditions. While Dragon Egg brings forth a flying dragon upon its demise, the Elder Land Wurm adds defensive value while survive blocking. A more recent addition is Resolute Watchdog, offering a one-time indestructible effect to another creature, a different approach to durability compared to Elder Land Wurm’s self-contained protection.
Analyzing protective creature cards reveals Elder Land Wurm to possess a blend of proactive and defensive abilities, offering a unique angle in player strategies. Its command over both the offense and defense phases makes it a multifaceted card within Magic: The Gathering’s vast repertoire of creatures.
Cards similar to Elder Land Wurm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elder Land Wurm provides a strategic benefit on the battlefield by deterring attacks. Once it becomes tapped, it morphs into a strategically advantageous defensive position, effectively becoming a wall which can repeatedly shield you from harm while you build up your resources.
Resource Acceleration: In decks that utilize tap and untap mechanics, Elder Land Wurm can be employed to accelerate your game plan. By using various cards that tap your creatures, you can transform the Wurm swiftly, and with untap synergies, you get a reusable defensive tool that can manage the pacing of the game.
Instant Speed: Although Elder Land Wurm itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with spells and abilities that can instantly tap or untap your creatures. This pairing creates unforeseen obstacles for your opponent during combat, making the Wurm a surprise element in the strategic ebb and flow of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Elder Land Wurm demands a significant setup before unleashing its potential. You must discard other cards to transform this creature, a critical drawback when your hand is running low, or you’re clinging to key cards for later strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires a very specific investment of mana colors, emphasizing white mana. This restricts its inclusion to mainly white or two-color decks, potentially excluding it from various multicolored and mono decks where this creature could flourish if not for its stringent casting requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a casting cost that is steep compared to other creatures of its caliber, Elder Land Wurm can be a liability in fast-paced games where efficiency is king. With numerous alternatives available, its relatively high mana cost can deter players from slotting it into competitive decks, especially when faster options might turn the tide of battle more effectively.
Reasons to Include Elder Land Wurm in Your Collection
Versatility: Elder Land Wurm serves multiple roles within various deck archetypes. As a creature, it can act as a formidable blocker with its first strike ability, deterring early game aggression. Additionally, its transformation into a Land upon dying offers a unique form of resilience against removal spells.
Combo Potential: This powerful dragon has synergy with decks that manipulate the graveyard. Through specific interactions, you can potentially return it from the graveyard to the battlefield or hand, exploiting its transformation ability to establish a strong board presence over time.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state dominated by creature-centric strategies, Elder Land Wurm can play a crucial role. Its presence on the battlefield can influence opponents’ combat decisions, making it a valuable asset in decks designed to counter aggressive metas.
How to beat
Elder Land Wurm in MTG presents a challenging foe with its unique defensive capabilities, particularly its transformation into an impenetrable wall upon its first assignment as a blocker. This card fundamentally alters the battlefield, demanding adaptation and clever strategies from opponents. To overcome this grand creature, the most straightforward approach would be to avoid it altogether. Engaging it in combat may not be wise unless you can muster a force overwhelming enough to overpower it in a single blow.
Another effective strategy could be the utilization of removal spells that circumvent the wurm’s transformation ability. Direct damage spells, such as Lightning Bolt or Doom Blade, can efficiently dispatch the wurm before it has the chance to block and become an indestructible fortress. Alternatively, spells that negate the wurm’s abilities, including those that remove it from combat or strip it of its keywords, can also prove invaluable in bypassing its defenses.
Ultimately, facing Elder Land Wurm requires a careful balance of aggression and control. Capitalizing on opportunities to remove it before it becomes a blocker and capitalizing on moments when it cannot hinder your assault is key to victory. Players must remain vigilant and resourceful, as this creature demands respect on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elder Land Wurm MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Elder Land Wurm 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Elder Land Wurm Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Quinton Hoover.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 11 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 24 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 24 | 1993 | Normal | White | Quinton Hoover | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 9 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 5 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 11 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elder Land Wurm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elder Land Wurm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Another effect can give Elder Land Wurm defender after it has lost it. Blocking again will cause it to lose that instance of defender too. |