Greater Werewolf MTG Card

Greater Werewolf excels at resource denial, gradually gaining you the upper hand by dwindling your opponent’s hand. Strategically discarding enemy cards with Greater Werewolf can lead to significant mana resource optimization on your side. The card’s surprising combat potential involves instant-speed spells, keeping opponents on their toes.

Homelands (HML)
1995-10-01 - Number 51

Fifth Edition (5ED)
1997-03-24 - Number 166

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Werewolf
Power	2
Toughness	4

Text of card

At end of combat, put a -0/-2 counter on all creatures blocking or blocked by Greater Werewolf.

"The wolf-things are no mere beasts, but the lieutenants of the Baron." —Taysir

Cards like Greater Werewolf

Greater Werewolf stands as a classic example of creature power enhancement in MTG. It reminds seasoned players of other cards such as Kessig Wolf or Breakneck Rider in the werewolf family. Much like Greater Werewolf, these cards possess the transformative traits that make werewolves formidable; shifting from human to wolf under certain conditions. However, both alternatives offer more than just a bump in power. Kessig Wolf, for instance, brings menace to the table, requiring two creatures to block it, while Breakneck Rider transforms into Neck Breaker, which boosts attacking creatures.

Analogously, Lambholt Pacifist presents a lower-cost creature with a condition to unlock its potential, similar to the power-boosting aspect of the Greater Werewolf. While it starts off more modestly, in the right conditions, it can flip into an aggressive force on the battlefield. Affordability can make a significant difference in gameplay dynamics, favoring a quicker deployment compared to the higher-cost Greater Werewolf.

Considering all these alternatives, Greater Werewolf has its place in MTG lore, where it excels in raw strength, but in today’s strategic deck building, its counterparts may offer additional functionalities and conditions that favor overall tactical adaptability.

Cards similar to Greater Werewolf by color, type and mana cost

Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions

Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Greater Werewolf thrives in decks designed to exploit its ability to dismantle an opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard. This mechanism can gradually construct an advantage in resources, leaving the controller of the Werewolf in a dominant position both in terms of field presence and the number of options in hand.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, Greater Werewolf can serve as an indirect tool for resource acceleration. By removing key pieces from an adversary’s hand, this agile creature ensures your other cards are more likely to resolve and remain on the battlefield. This disruption translates into a more efficient use of the resources you have available.

Instant Speed: While the Greater Werewolf itself is not a spell that can be cast at instant speed, it prompts MTG players to maintain a keen awareness of their instant-speed removal or buff spells. Having the versatility to respond to threats during an opponent’s turn means that any combat involving Greater Werewolf has the potential to pivot in your favor unexpectedly, a tactical advantage not to be underestimated.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks for players considering adding Greater Werewolf to their deck is the necessity to discard cards to unleash its potential. This can be a serious downside when your hand is already dwindling, forcing you to make tough decisions about resource allocation.

Specific Mana Cost: Greater Werewolf comes with a demanding color commitment, requiring one green and two colorless mana to cast. This makes it a challenging fit in multicolor decks that might struggle to consistently meet the mana requirements, especially in the early stages of the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be perceived as steep for its abilities, Greater Werewolf faces competition from other creatures and spells that offer more bang for your mana buck. In a game where tempo is king, its mana cost could be a deterrent for players looking to optimize their gameplay.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Greater Werewolf is a solid addition to decks that thrive on creature buffs and combat strategies. Its ability to increase in power with each turn makes it a consistent threat on the board.

Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics that rely on +1/+1 counters and creature abilities that activate or enhance power levels, introducing dynamic synergy into your deck’s composition.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creature-heavy playstyles or where combat tricks can turn the tide, Greater Werewolf’s adaptability and strength growth can become key in outclassing opponents’ creatures.

How to Beat Greater Werewolf

The Greater Werewolf occupies a unique slot in Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of creatures. Its blend of strength and the Lycanthropic transformation makes it a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. One of the most direct ways to handle this formidable foe is to prevent it from ever flipping into its werewolf form. This can be achieved by consistently playing spells on each of your turns, thus thwarting its transformation conditions.

Should the Greater Werewolf already be on the field in its more powerful state, removal spells are your next best ally. Direct damage spells or targeted removal can dispatch this creature before it can inflict substantial damage or disrupt your board. Board wipes are also effective, clearing all creatures and resetting the board. Additionally, enchantments that pacify or prevent it from attacking or blocking can essentially neutralize its threat without having to remove it from the board.

Ultimately, facing the Greater Werewolf requires strategic play and maintaining control of the board state. Utilizing a well-timed mixture of these methods will ensure this creature’s fearsome abilities are kept in check, allowing you to secure your dominance in the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Greater Werewolf MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Fifth Edition, 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 Greater Werewolf and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Greater Werewolf Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 1997-03-24. Illustrated by Dennis Detwiller.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1995-10-01	Homelands	HML		51	1993	Normal	Black	Dennis Detwiller
2	1997-03-24	Fifth Edition	5ED		166	1997	Normal	White	Dennis Detwiller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Greater Werewolf has restrictions

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