Ironclaw Orcs MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 159
1993-10-04 - Number 160
1993-12-01 - Number 160
1993-12-10 - Number 160
1993-12-10 - Number 160
1995-04-01 - Number 206
1995-04-01 - Number 206
1995-08-01 - Number 91
1995-08-01 - Number 82
1996-07-01 - Number 33
1996-12-31 - Number 34
1997-03-24 - Number 245
1998-08-12 - Number br245
2008-09-22 - Number 132
2022-11-28 - Number 452
2022-11-28 - Number 155
| Card sets | Released in 16 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Orc |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Cannot be used to block any creature of power more than 1.
Generations of genetic weeding have given rise to the deviously cowardly Ironclaw clan. To say that Orcs in general are vicious, depraved, and ignoble does not do justice to the Ironclaw.
Cards like Ironclaw Orcs
Ironclaw Orcs holds its ground in the realm of early game creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This card bears similarities to other aggressive two-mana creatures like Goblin Piker and Grizzly Bears, each bringing a simple yet effective 2/2 body to the battlefield that’s ready to swing at the opponent’s life total. Unlike these cards, Ironclaw Orcs carries the specific drawback of not being able to block creatures with power 2 or greater, making it a creature that emphasizes an offensive strategy.
There’s also Raging Goblin, another creature that enters the fray ready to attack due to its haste. It’s a potent option for an aggressive opening but offers less staying power with only 1 power. Yet, in comparison, Raging Goblin lacks the blocking limitation of Ironclaw Orcs and can engage with creatures of any size, should defense become necessary. Further along the spectrum is Borderland Marauder, which boosts its power when attacking, thereby overshadowing Ironclaw Orcs during combat phases. However, it doesn’t have the same constant board presence as a consistent 2-powered creature.
In weighing the options, Ironclaw Orcs emerges as an interesting pick for players aiming to exert early pressure, provided they are amenable to its defensive limitation. It nudges its way into niche MTG decks where aggressive tactics are paramount and blocking is less of a concern.
Cards similar to Ironclaw Orcs by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Ironclaw Orcs may not directly allow you to draw cards, but their presence on the battlefield can pressure your opponent into unfavorable trades, potentially leading to advantageous board states and indirect card advantage over time.
Resource Acceleration: While they don’t provide traditional mana acceleration, Ironclaw Orcs can be a cog in the machine of more aggressive MTG strategies. Dropping them early can put your opponent on the defensive, effectively accelerating your route to victory by diminishing their resources through constant pressure.
Instant Speed: Although Ironclaw Orcs lack instant speed themselves, their synergy with decks that include instant speed tricks can be notable. By committing a sturdy 2/2 creature for two mana to the board, you keep mana free for other instant speed interactions, forcing opponents to consider the potential combat tricks you may have at your disposal while the Orcs are attacking or blocking.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Ironclaw Orcs does not necessarily force a discard, but in decks focused on resource optimization, its slot could be better utilized by cards that contribute more directly to your strategy without the risk of being blocked by creatures with greater power.
Specific Mana Cost: Ironclaw Orcs’ mana cost requires both colorless and red mana, which may restrict its integration outside of mono-red or two-color decks, making it a less flexible choice for multicolored deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of two, including one red, Ironclaw Orcs offers average stats which may not stand up against cards with similar costs that provide additional abilities or synergies, potentially reducing the card’s value and impact during gameplay.
Reasons to Include Ironclaw Orcs in Your Collection
Versatility: While not the flashiest card, Ironclaw Orcs has a place in decks that need a reliable early game presence. Its uncomplicated mana cost makes it an easy fit into red-based aggressive strategies.
Combo Potential: Ironclaw Orcs works well with cards that boost the power of creatures. In combination with global buffs or equipment, it can become a significant threat quickly, fitting smoothly into orc or warrior synergies.
Meta-Relevance: With the fluctuating nature of the MTG metagame, having resilient early creatures can give you an edge. Ironclaw Orcs serves as a staple in “red deck wins” strategies that aim to overpower opponents before they can establish control.
How to beat Ironclaw Orcs
Ironclaw Orcs may not be the bulkiest creatures in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, but they can certainly pose a threat if left unchecked. These Orcs come with the hindrance of not being able to block creatures with power 2 or less, which can be exploited. To counter their aggressive nature, consider adding creatures with high toughness to your defense line. Cards like Wall of Blossoms or Nyx-Fleece Ram can serve as effective blockers, deterring an opponent from attacking with their Orcs.
Alternatively, removal spells can efficiently deal with these red creatures, even on a budget. Lightning Bolt and Fatal Push are excellent choices to sweep them off the board without significant mana investment. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated approach, board-clearing spells like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can reset the battlefield, giving you a fresh start and removing not only the Ironclaw Orcs but potentially other threats as well.
Ultimately, beating Ironclaw Orcs involves understanding their limitations and setting up a defense that makes their inability to block effectively work against them. Strategic removal and well-placed blockers will ensure these orcs don’t overrun your game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ironclaw Orcs MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Ironclaw Orcs and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Ironclaw Orcs Magic the Gathering card was released in 15 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Anson Maddocks.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 159 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 160 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 160 | 1993 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 160 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 160 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 6 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 206 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 7 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 206 | 1993 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 8 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 91 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 9 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 82 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 10 | 1996-07-01 | Rivals Quick Start Set | RQS | 33 | 1993 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 11 | 1996-12-31 | Introductory Two-Player Set | ITP | 34 | 1993 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 12 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 245 | 1997 | Normal | White | Anson Maddocks | |
| 13 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | br245 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Anson Maddocks | |
| 14 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 132 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 15 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 452 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks | |
| 16 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 155 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anson Maddocks |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ironclaw Orcs has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |