Wrecking Ogre MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Ogre Warrior
Abilities	Bloodrush,Double strike
Released	2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Gatecrash
Set code	GTC
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	112
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Nils Hamm

Key Takeaways

Double Strike ability turns creatures into significant threats, altering combat dynamics favorably.
Instant speed Bloodrush can be a game-changer, surprising opponents with sudden damage boosts.
Mana and card resources must be managed to maximize Wrecking Ogre’s effectiveness on the battlefield.

Text of card

Double strike Bloodrush — , Discard Wrecking Ogre: Target attacking creature gets +3/+3 and gains double strike until end of turn.

If no opponent can be found, ogres of the Bolrac Clan will often pick fights with buildings.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Wrecking Ogre doesn’t directly grant card draw, but its Double Strike ability can help you eliminate opposing creatures while maintaining board presence, effectively keeping your hand fuller while depleting your opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: This ogre doesn’t produce mana or Treasure tokens, but its formidable presence can accelerate the game’s pace in your favor, pressuring opponents and potentially reducing the need for further resource investment on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: Wrecking Ogre’s Bloodrush ability can be activated at instant speed, surprising opponents during combat by potentially doubling the damage dealt, which can swiftly change the tide of a game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Wrecking Ogre does not have a discard requirement, but it is crucial for players to maintain card advantage, and any card without inherent card draw or card replacement can potentially lead to a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Wrecking Ogre demands a specific mana alignment with a casting cost that includes three red mana symbols, which could prove to be restrictive in multicolored decks that do not predominantly use red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Wrecking Ogre competes with other high-impact creatures and spells in your deck. Given that it occupies the five mana slot, it is important to assess whether its contribution to the board state justifies its inclusion over other options with similar or lower costs.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Wrecking Ogre offers a dynamic choice for any red deck. With its impactful double strike ability, it can turn any unit into a formidable threat, making it a versatile choice for players looking to amplify their offensive capabilities.

Combo Potential: When paired with creatures that have power-boosting abilities or those that deal damage upon dealing combat damage to a player, Wrecking Ogre’s Bloodrush ability can unlock devastating turn of events, amplifying the potential for game-ending swings.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based combat determines the winner, having Wrecking Ogre as a surprise finisher can tip the scales in your favor, especially in a meta that’s light on instant speed removal or expects less aggressive red strategies.

How to beat

The Wrecking Ogre emerges as a formidable creature in the MTG realm, particularly due to its potent double strike ability when unleashed with its bloodrush feature. Confronting such a powerhouse, players must strategize effectively to maintain control of the game. Ensuring adequate board presence with creatures capable of withstanding the Ogre’s onslaught is critical, as is holding instant-speed removal spells in reserve to neutralize the threat before it overwhelms your defenses.

Furthermore, counterspells play a pivotal role in mitigating the Ogre’s impact. By disrupting the Ogre’s entry onto the battlefield or its bloodrush activation, players can preserve their position and prevent significant life total loss. Taking preemptive measures, such as employing creatures with lifelink or implementing enchantments that restrict combat damage, can also provide a cushion against this heavy hitter, transforming a dire situation into a manageable encounter.

Ultimately, triumph against Wrecking Ogre in MTG demands anticipation, resource management, and timely execution of control strategies. It’s about creating a robust line of defense and tactically dismantling your opponent’s offensive moves. A balanced approach that incorporates forethought and swift action can turn the tide, ensuring your victory even when facing this devastating card.

Cards like Wrecking Ogre

Wrecking Ogre is an intriguing creature card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, offering a massive boost during combat phases. When compared to similar cards, such as Rubblehulk, it showcases a distinct advantage with its double strike ability. Where Rubblehulk increases its power and toughness based on the number of lands you control, Wrecking Ogre takes a different route. The Ogre’s bloodrush ability allows for a surprise tactic, potentially turning the tide of battle by doubling damage out of nowhere.

Another comparable monster is Hamletback Goliath, which also grows in strength with each creature that comes into play. However, Wrecking Ogre’s ability to double damage gives it a notably different strategic use, as it can be applied instantly rather than needing to wait for a build-up of power over several turns. Wrecking Ogre’s immediate impact on the game is something few creatures can emulate.

Evaluating the unique traits of Wrecking Ogre in MTG, it’s clear that its combination of double strike and the element of surprise via the bloodrush ability positions it as a formidable card in the hands of an adept player, complimenting aggressive strategies especially well.

Cards similar to Wrecking Ogre by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wrecking Ogre MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Wrecking Ogre and other MTG cards: