Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King MTG Card

Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King - HasCon 2017

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Legendary Artifact Creature — Autobot
Abilities	Convert
Released	2017-09-20
Set symbol
Set name	HasCon 2017
Set code	H17
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	1
Frame	2015
Layout	Transform
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Tyler Jacobson

Key Takeaways

Grimlock’s transformation provides card advantage by upgrading creatures into more potent forms.
Boosts Dinosaurs, Dragons, and Transformers, hastening your route to victory with powerful attacks.
Swiftly changing battlefield dynamics with transforming creatures can surprise opponents.

Text of card

Dinosaurs, Vehicles, and other Transformers® creatures you control get +2/+0. , Convert a Transformers toy you own to its other mode: Grimlock, Dinobot Leader becomes Grimlock, Ferocious King.

"Me Grimlock no like you."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King shines in decks that harness both creatures and Transformers, offering the ability to transform not only himself but also other Transformer cards into their more powerful versions. This transformation can result in significant card advantage, as upgraded creatures frequently possess abilities and power that outmatch their original forms.

Resource Acceleration: On the flip side, as Grimlock, Ferocious King, the card facilitates resource acceleration by boosting the power of all other Dinosaurs, Dragons, and Transformers under your control. This global enhancement can lead to an overwhelming board state that accelerates your path to victory, allowing for faster and more devastating attacks.

Instant Speed: While Grimlock himself does not operate at instant speed, the ability to rapidly alter the battlefield’s dynamics with transforming creatures can catch opponents off guard and is akin to having a trick up your sleeve, ready to be deployed when the timing is right.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deploying Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King comes with the unique caveat that a Transformer toy or Dinosaur toy needs to be presented or discarded. This unusual demand can be problematic, especially in competitive play where such an accessory may not be at hand, or its discard could weaken your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: With a blend of two specific mana types in its casting cost, this card can be challenging to play in a multicolored deck. The necessity for both red and green mana means it’s not flexible enough for every deck type, potentially causing delays or a complete inability to cast it at crucial moments.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a five mana cost card, one could argue that it does deliver substantial power and toughness, but it’s worth noting that this cost is significant. In fast-paced games, this may be too slow, and there are other creatures or cards of similar or lower mana cost that can provide an impactful presence on the battlefield sooner.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King is a unique transformer card that can adapt to multiple roles on the battlefield. Whether you’re commanding a Transformer-themed deck or looking for a powerful Commander, Grimlock’s dual nature makes it a formidable presence in any game.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to shift between a fierce leader and a dominating king allows players to weave intricate combos. As a leader, Grimlock boosts other Transformers, and as a king, he becomes an aggressive creature with trample, creating opportunities for unpredictable and powerful synergies.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the diverse paths to victory in the current MTG landscape, Grimlock maintains relevance by offering both offensive and defensive advantages. Its transformative capability provides a tactical edge, transitioning from enhancing team strength to becoming an independent powerhouse based on the state of play.

How to beat

Grimlock, Dinobot Leader, which flips to Grimlock, Ferocious King, is a unique transformer card that can be a real powerhouse in the right deck. With the ability to boost other Transformers and even Dinosaurs, it’s essential to have a strategy to counter this threat. To beat this card, spot removal spells like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy are effective ways to deal with Grimlock before he can overwhelm you. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the field if Grimlock’s transformative impact becomes too great.

Moreover, it’s crucial to limit the creature-based synergies that Grimlock exploits. Cards like Cursed Totem can prevent creatures from activating their abilities, thereby negating the buffs Grimlock provides. Ensnaring Bridge can also be a deterrent, as it restricts creatures with high power from attacking. Additionally, countering Grimlock upon casting with spells like Counterspell or Negate can prevent Grimlock from hitting the battlefield in the first place, sidestepping the potential for a formidable creature combination. Be aware, beating Grimlock often requires swiftly neutralizing him before his transformations lead to a dominant position.

Given these approaches, players can construct a game plan that effectively contains the Grimlock threat, maintaining balance in the gameplay and preventing any one player from gaining too much power too quickly.

Cards like Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King

Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King is a unique double-faced card from the world of Magic: The Gathering, merging both creature and transformer dynamics. For cards that serve a dual role, Wasitora, Nekoru Queen offers a somewhat comparable experience. While Grimlock can transform into a powerful Autobot, Wasitora also brings versatility as a flying creature that creates tokens when it deals combat damage.

Another card in the same realm is Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells. Much like Grimlock, the Huntmaster flips forms under specific conditions, changing the dynamic of gameplay. However, Grimlock requires a dedicated Transformer or Dinosaur to unlock its potential, whereas the Huntmaster responds to spell casting rhythm. This gives Grimlock a thematic edge in Dinosaur or Transformer-themed decks.

Finally, considering the transforming mechanic and tribal synergies, Odric, Lunarch Marshal shares the essence of spreading abilities across creatures. Although Odric doesn’t transform, his ability to unite a variety of abilities across creatures during combat gives a nod to Grimlock’s leadership and versatility on the battlefield.When it comes to multifaceted cards that offer more than one form or function, Grimlock holds a special place with his unique transformer characteristic and tribal enhancement abilities.

Wasitora, Nekoru Queen - MTG Card versions

Huntmaster of the Fells // Ravager of the Fells - MTG Card versions

Odric, Lunarch Marshal - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King MTG card by a specific set like HasCon 2017, 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 Grimlock, Dinobot Leader // Grimlock, Ferocious King and other MTG cards: