Forbidden Friendship MTG Card


Creates immediate board presence by summoning two creature tokens with just one card. Enhances decks that utilize creatures as resources for acceleration and synergy. A versatile card, fitting into diverse archetypes and supporting tribal strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Create a 1/1 red Dinosaur creature token with haste and a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token.

The two looked at each other, and neither fled. "I see," the soldier murmured. "We're both just fighting for survival out here, aren't we?"


Cards like Forbidden Friendship

Forbidden Friendship nestles itself comfortably among the array of creature-generating spells within Magic: The Gathering. This card is best recognized for creating not just one, but two creature tokens. One parallel can be drawn with Dragon Fodder—both spells generate a pair of 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens at a similarly low mana cost. Nevertheless, Forbidden Friendship distinguishes itself by also summoning a 1/1 white Human Soldier creature token, offering a multifaceted army in a single cast.

Another ally in this category is Krenko’s Command, echoing the Goblin token creation of Forbidden Friendship and Dragon Fodder. It’s just as efficient in mana cost, keeping your plays quick and your board presence growing. However, the versatility of Forbidden Friendship with an additional Human token gives it an edge in decks that capitalize on creature type diversity.

Therefore, Forbidden Friendship shines in its ability to simultaneously expand the board with diverse token types, standing out amid its counterparts. Its unique token duo facilitates synergies across different strategies, making it a valuable pick for players looking to make the most out of every card.

Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions
Dragon Fodder - MTG Card versions
Krenko's Command - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Forbidden Friendship. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros TokensBoros Tokens PioneerBoros ConvokePeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Mardu TokensMardu Tokens GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Boros ConvokeBoros Convoke PioneerBoros ConvokeSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro PioneerMono-Red AggroSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023
Atarka RedAtarka Red PioneerGruul AggroUOL LCI Pioneer League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Forbidden Friendship excels in providing immediate board presence by creating not one, but two creature tokens. This dual-token generation can tip the scales in terms of card advantage as you get multiple entities from a single card, potentially swaying the momentum of the match in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Though primarily known for its creature tokens, this card can be pivotal in decks that benefit from having many creatures on the field. In a strategy where creatures can be sacrificed or tapped for benefits, Forbidden Friendship acts as a resource accelerator, contributing to synergies that power up your game plan.

Instant Speed: While Forbidden Friendship is a sorcery, its impact on the game is akin to that of an instant speed spell, in that it can immediately alter the state of the board. Dropping multiple creatures at once, especially before your combat phase, can catch an opponent off guard, much like an instant’s surprise factor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Forbidden Friendship doesn’t necessitate discarding, which is actually a plus, allowing you to extend your battlefield presence without sacrificing hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a mix of red and colorless mana, which could potentially restrict its inclusion to decks that support red mana production or those that are adept at mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Forbidden Friendship has a low mana cost at just two mana, it’s important to assess its value in a deck against other two-mana spells that might provide greater impact, such as removals, counters, or more powerful creatures.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Forbidden Friendship fits seamlessly into a variety of deck archetypes, particularly those that need an early board presence. The ability to quickly deploy two creatures can set the stage for more expansive plays.

Combo Potential: Offering both a Dinosaur and a Human token, this card synergizes wonderfully with strategies that capitalize on creature types. It’s an ideal enabler for tribal synergies within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where lean, efficient strategies thrive, having access to two bodies for the cost of one card keeps you ahead on board state, making it a strategic inclusion against numerous decks in the current meta.


How to beat

Forbidden Friendship brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield in MTG. Renowned for its ability to produce both a Dinosaur and a Human token with just one card, it allows players to swiftly expand their board presence. Going up against this card requires a strategy that limits token generation benefits.

One effective approach is to utilize cards that prevent token generation, such as Tocatli Honor Guard, which renders the card much less effective by not allowing the tokens to come into play. Another method is using board wipes like Sweltering Suns, allowing you to reset the board and negate the advantage provided by Forbidden Friendship’s token creation.

Spot removal cards, such as Fatal Push or Shock, can also be utilized to immediately address the tokens created. However, the efficiency of this approach largely depends on the state of the game and current resources. Lastly, engaging in strategic trades and anticipating your opponent’s actions can conserve resources and keep the board in your favor, regardless of the tokens they generate.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Forbidden Friendship can significantly improve your gameplay in MTG. The value of generating two tokens from a single, low-cost card cannot be overstated. The versatility and synergy it offers make it an effective tool in creature-based decks, exploiting tribal themes, or even as a speed bump against aggressive opponents. Compare its potential with other token generators to fully appreciate its dual-token dynamic. Will it find a home in your deck? Consider its pros and cons, weigh against your strategy, and visit BurnMana for deeper insights that could tilt your next game in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Forbidden Friendship MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Forbidden Friendship and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Forbidden Friendship Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by Jakub Kasper.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 1192015NormalBlackJakub Kasper
22020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 3672015NormalBlackJakub Kasper

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Forbidden Friendship has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal