Feral Ridgewolf MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Wolf
Abilities	Trample
Released	2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad
Set code	ISD
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	142
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Martina Pilcerova

Key Takeaways

Trample grants Feral Ridgewolf a tactical edge, potentially forcing opponents into disadvantageous blocks.
Its {R} mana pump ability injects flexibility, allowing for last-minute power adjustments during combat.
Despite certain drawbacks, such as a specific mana cost, this wolf can be a collection asset for red deck players.

Text of card

Trample : Feral Ridgewolf gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"The wolves no longer hunt just to feed. They kill for sport, or for some madness behind their eyes." —Elmut, crossway watcher

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Feral Ridgewolf may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, its Trample ability can force opponents to make unfavorable blocks, potentially leading to card advantage by dealing with multiple creatures with just one of your own.

Resource Acceleration: Feral Ridgewolf doesn’t inherently accelerate resource production in terms of mana or tokens. However, its scalable damage output can make it a resource in itself by putting continuous pressure on your opponents, forcing them to divert resources to deal with it.

Instant Speed: Although Feral Ridgewolf operates at sorcery speed, its ability to increase its power instantly with the {R} mana pump gives you the flexibility to adapt to dynamic game states, making combat math challenging for your opponent.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Feral Ridgewolf’s abilities may compel you to discard cards to achieve its maximum potential, possibly depleting your hand and leaving you at a disadvantage in prolonged games.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card’s reliance on red mana makes it a somewhat rigid pick, potentially clashing with the versatility of multicolored decks that may not prioritize red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with an aggressive playstyle, Feral Ridgewolf comes with a mana cost that might be seen as steep compared to other options, likely affecting your tempo in the early stages of play.

Reasons to Include Feral Ridgewolf in Your Collection

Versatility: Feral Ridgewolf can be a solid addition to various red-based decks, offering a straightforward aggressive option for players who appreciate fast-paced games. Its scaling power with trample makes it a threat that can’t easily be ignored by opponents.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, this creature can become a powerhouse. Its trample ability ensures that the extra power from pump spells or equipment translates into direct damage, making it a potential linchpin in decks that aim to exploit such synergies.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames eb and flow, creatures like Feral Ridgewolf can find their niche. Particularly in a format where stalling tactics are less dominant, its ability to ratchet up its power every turn can rapidly outpace an unprepared opponent.

How to beat

Feral Ridgewolf might seem daunting with its trample ability, particularly when buffed with enough mana. But it has clearer weaknesses—relying on this creature alone won’t tip the scales. As a player, you can outmaneuver this card by maintaining a strong line of defense. Creatures with higher toughness can absorb the impact and survive its attack, especially since Feral Ridgewolf requires a significant mana investment to become truly threatening.

Control decks that utilize removal spells can easily handle this creature before it becomes too large of a threat. Instant-speed removals like Doom Blade or Fatal Push can dispatch the wolf before it has the chance to pump its attack. In addition, spells that can counter creatures, such as Mana Leak or Essence Scatter, prove effective in neutralizing it before it ever hits the battlefield.

Despite its potential for aggressive play, the Feral Ridgewolf falls short against a well-prepared opponent. By prioritizing high-toughness defenders, incorporating efficient removal, and using counter spells strategically, players can ensure that the wolf’s howls are silenced swiftly—and victory remains within reach.

Cards like Feral Ridgewolf

Feral Ridgewolf presents an intriguing dynamic in red creature cards with its scalable attack power in Magic: The Gathering. This wolf creature bears similarity to cards such as Goblin Fireslinger in terms of being a low-cost creature with a focus on direct damage capabilities. Like Goblin Fireslinger, which can ping opponents each turn, Feral Ridgewolf can become quite a threat, with its ability to boost its attack, especially when you have plenty of mana at your disposal.

Another comparable card is Ember Hauler, which not only offers direct damage but also provides a small body on the board. However, while Ember Hauler has a one-time use damage ability that can be directed at any target, Feral Ridgewolf’s strength lies in its repeatable power increase during combat. Still, Ember Hauler’s versatility can sometimes make it a preferred choice if immediate board impact is necessary.

Though not identical, these cards share the red color identity’s penchant for quick and potentially aggressive strategies. When balanced against its cousins in creature-based damage dealing, Feral Ridgewolf holds a solid position as a creature that can become a continuous larger threat the longer it remains on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Feral Ridgewolf by color, type and mana cost

Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions

Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions

Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions

Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions

Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Warriors - Foreign Black Border (FBB)

Imperial Recruiter - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)

Uthden Troll - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)

Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)

Goblin Rabblemaster - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)

Ghost-Lit Raider - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)

Balduvian Barbarians - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Orcish Artillery - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

Mudbutton Torchrunner - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Feral Ridgewolf MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Feral Ridgewolf and other MTG cards: