Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack MTG Card


Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack - Innistrad
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Werewolf
Abilities Transform
Released2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set nameInnistrad
Set codeISD
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number149
Frame2003
Layouttransform
Borderblack
Illustred byGreg Staples

Key Takeaways

  1. Instigator Gang’s transformation adds pressure and tactical depth with its shift from buff support to an aggressive force.
  2. Resource acceleration isn’t direct but aids in building a formidable offense, speeding up the path to victory.
  3. Strategic instant-speed play enhances this creature’s potential, allowing for quick and powerful combat swings.

Text of card

Attacking creatures you control get +1/+0. At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Instigator Gang.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The transformability of Instigator Gang into Wildblood Pack is a unique mechanism that essentially offers two card functionalities in one. This effectively doubles the value you get from one card and can pressure your opponents with unexpected shifts in gameplay, leading to advantage on the board.

Resource Acceleration: While Instigator Gang itself doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its transformed version, Wildblood Pack, promotes aggressive tactics, enabling quicker damage to opponents. Additionally, the fact that other attackers get a boost can hasten the pace of the game and propel you towards victory more rapidly.

Instant Speed: Instigator Gang’s boost to attacking creatures aligns well with strategies that like to spring surprises at instant speed. Spells cast during the declare attackers step can benefit from the attack triggers, creating unexpected and potentially game-changing power swings during combat.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Instigator Gang doesn’t overtly necessitate discarding cards, playing it effectively in some decks may mean foregoing other crucial plays or valuable cards in hand due to its specific strategic role.

Specific Mana Cost: The Instigator Gang commands a mana cost demanding three generic and one red mana, which confines it heavily to red-centric or red-compatible decks, reducing its versatility across the broader spectrum of deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of four, the Instigator Gang sits at a competitive point on the mana curve where players may prefer to deploy threats with immediate impact or lower-cost creatures that offer better mana efficiency earlier in the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Instigator Gang fits seamlessly into a variety of red deck strategies, especially those focusing on aggression and creature swarms. Its ability to boost the attack power of your other creatures makes it a game-changer in the combat phase, embodying the essence of red’s go-wide approach.

Combo Potential: The card transforms into Wildblood Pack under the right conditions, giving you the chance to double the bonus to attacking creatures. This opens up potential for explosive turns and synergizes well with cards that care about powerhouse attackers or transforming mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In match-ups where board presence and swift damage are key, Instigator Gang shines. The current environment, which often values quick, decisive plays, makes this card particularly useful in tipping the scales of a tight game in your favor.


How to beat

Addressing the challenge of the Instigator Gang card in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic planning. This card may seem daunting, as it doubles its power and that of other attacking creatures under the transforming condition of werewolves. To effectively mitigate this threat, it’s crucial to keep your opponent from fulfilling this condition. This can be achieved by casting spells during their turn, which helps prevent the transformation of werewolves.

Moreover, there’s always the option to remove the Instigator Gang from the battlefield before it can flip. Utilizing swift removal spells before the werewolf transforms or leveraging board wipes can eliminate multiple threats in one go. Similarly, investing in control or counter spells can ensure that your opponent never gains momentum from their Instigator Gang.

Always remember, the key to overcoming this card lies in maintaining control over the pace of the game. Limiting the opportunities for the Instigator Gang to transform or removing it promptly will neutralize the threat it poses and keep the battlefield in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the dynamics of the Instigator Gang in MTG can transform your gameplay experience. With its potential to flip into the formidable Wildblood Pack, this werewolf brings more than just brute force to the table. Whether you’re ramping up your red deck’s aggression or looking for a strategic edge in combat, the Instigator Gang can be a central piece in your plan. Take your MTG prowess to new heights by integrating this versatile card into your arsenal and mastering its transformation mechanism. Ready to make your matches unforgettable? Dive deeper with us and discover the full potential of the Instigator Gang in your deck.


Cards like Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack

Instigator Gang is a unique card that holds a special place among transformative creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This particular card is akin to Kruin Outlaw, which also has the werewolf theme and the ability to flip into a formidable creature. Yet, Instigator Gang stands out, as it boosts the attack power of other attacking creatures upon transforming, giving players a significant advantage during combat phases.

Another card that echoes the werewolf synergy is Huntmaster of the Fells. While both share the transformative ability, Huntmaster provides a different set of utilities—creating wolf tokens and life gain when flipping back and forth. The value of Instigator Gang lies in its aggressive support, tipping the scales during battles, unlike Huntmaster’s focus on board presence and life stabilization.

When examining these similar cards, it’s clear that Instigator Gang is strategically placed for players who favor an aggressive gameplay style within MTG. Its ability to enhance a whole team of attackers can accelerate victory by dealing substantial damage to opponents, reinforcing its position as a powerful asset in werewolf-themed decks.

Cards similar to Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Keldon Warlord - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Crimson Manticore - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Márton Stromgald - Ice Age (ICE)
Reckless Embermage - Mirage (MIR)
Wildfire Emissary - Mirage (MIR)
Flowstone Giant - Tempest (TMP)
Rathi Dragon - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Bombers - Stronghold (STH)
Warmonger - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Bloodfire Kavu - Apocalypse (APC)
Whipkeeper - Odyssey (ODY)
Anger - Judgment (JUD)
Nalathni Dragon - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Everquill Phoenix - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Goblin Goon - Legions (LGN)
Lesser Gargadon - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Krark-Clan Engineers - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Ogre Taskmaster - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack 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 Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Instigator Gang // Wildblood Pack card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2016-07-13 For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).

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