Groundbreaker MTG Card
2007-02-02 - Number 148
2002-06-24 - Number 36072
2020-09-26 - Number PLC-148
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Abilities | Haste,Trample |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Trample, haste At end of turn, sacrifice Groundbreaker.
The earth's memory is long, its retribution brief.
Cards like Groundbreaker
Groundbreaker is a unique combat trick in the arsenal of green creature cards in MTG. It shares a kinship with Ball Lightning, a classic card known for its haste and one-turn surprise attack capacity. Groundbreaker bolsters the same hasty attack but stands out with its green color identity, differing from Ball Lightning’s red. This distinction allows Groundbreaker to complement different deck strategies that prioritize green’s strengths in creature-based tactics.
Comparing Groundbreaker to its phylogenetic cousin, Spark Elemental, highlights its greater power and resilience. Spark Elemental, although cheaper to cast, offers a lesser threat with only three damage potential. Learning from this, Groundbreaker promises a seismic impact on the battlefield, able to swing for a significant six damage, positioning itself as a formidable force.
While Ball Lightning and Spark Elemental are noteworthy for their impact in red aggressive decks, Groundbreaker earns a prime spot in green decks that capitalize on rapid, high-damage tactics, marking its place as an exceptional choice for players looking to harness the element of surprise alongside green’s muscular creatures.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Groundbreaker. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Green Aggro | Modern | Green Devotion | 2 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Groundbreaker does not directly provide card advantage in the traditional sense of drawing. However, the fact that it can potentially eliminate an opponent’s blocker or deal direct damage the turn it comes into play effectively diminishes the opposition’s resources while maintaining your card presence on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While Groundbreaker itself does not provide mana or resource acceleration, its aggressive mana cost and high impact can accelerate the game’s pace in your favor. A turn-three Groundbreaker can apply significant pressure, forcing opponents to respond prematurely or inefficiently, essentially providing a tempo advantage that can feel like an acceleration in resources.
Instant Speed: Although Groundbreaker is not an instant, its ability to grant substantial damage the turn it enters the battlefield works similarly to surprise instant speed threats. This element can catch an opponent off-guard, functioning like a burst of instant speed damage, contributing to the card’s tactical advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Groundbreaker requires you to sacrifice it at the end of turn, which means you lose the card quickly after its use. This can be particularly detrimental when you’re looking to maintain a board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates three green mana to play, which restricts its inclusion to green-centered decks or those with an ample mana base that can reliably produce triple green.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three green mana, Groundbreaker can be pricey for a creature with an ephemeral table-life. Considering its temporary impact, this can be viewed unfavorably compared to creatures that provide a lasting board advantage or have lower mana requirements.
Reasons to Include Groundbreaker in Your Collection
Versatility: Groundbreaker offers a unique advantage in green decks looking to apply pressure and deal significant damage quickly. Its ability to swing for hefty numbers as soon as it hits the battlefield fits perfectly in aggressive strategies and can also catch opponents off guard in more mid-range oriented decks.
Combo Potential: With its triple green mana cost, Groundbreaker can seamlessly integrate into decks that capitalize on color devotion. It also pairs well with cards that can capitalize on its swift entry and exit such as those with fling effects or that trigger when a creature dies. This enables explosive turns that can often secure the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that might be slower or unprepared for aggressive starts, Groundbreaker can gain the upper hand against opponents. Its surprise factor and the ability to deliver a quick 6 damage make it a substantial threat that must be answered immediately, thus disrupting your opponent’s game plan.
How to beat Groundbreaker
Groundbreaker is a potent force on the battlefield, delivering swift attacks in Magic: The Gathering. As a green creature with trample and a hefty six damage potential, it’s critical to plan a defense that can withstand its onslaught. To counteract this agile aggressor, consider utilizing spot removal spells. Cards like Path to Exile or Doom Blade can unceremoniously remove Groundbreaker from play before it has a chance to deal its lethal blow. These instant-speed answers are invaluable, as Groundbreaker’s speed and the fact that it sacrifices itself at the end of the turn make it necessary to act quickly.
Another route is to employ creatures with ‘reach’ or abilities that can block flying creatures. Though Groundbreaker doesn’t fly, these types of defenders are equipped to handle an attack from any quarter. If those options aren’t at your disposal, you might try redirecting those six points of damage. Consider utilizing Fog variants or damage prevention effects to negate the impact of Groundbreaker’s attack, buying you much-needed time. Ultimately, dealing with this flash creature requires swift and decisive action, ensuring it doesn’t get the chance to tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.
Navigating around its ‘leave play’ mechanic, preventative measures are key when facing down Groundbreaker. Assessing your deck for immediate answers or building in persistent board control elements will fortify your game against such high-tempo threats.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Groundbreaker MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Planar Chaos, 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 Groundbreaker 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
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Printings
The Groundbreaker Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-02-02 and 2007-02-02. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36072 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | ||
| 2 | 2007-02-02 | Planar Chaos | PLC | 148 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | PLC-148 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Groundbreaker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Groundbreaker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-02-01 | The creature is sacrificed at the end of every turn in which it is on the battlefield. There is no choice about what turn to sacrifice it. |