Deeproot Warrior MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Warrior |
| Released | 2017-09-29 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ixalan |
| Set code | XLN |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 186 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Slawomir Maniak |
Key Takeaways
- A versatile early-game card that can become stronger when blocked, enhancing board control.
- Efficient mana cost allows for quick play and resource management, fitting into aggressive decks well.
- Favors decks with Merfolk synergy or those exploiting +1/+1 counters for defensive and offensive tactics.
Text of card
Whenever Deeproot Warrior becomes blocked, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
"We breathe from our soul and bones to give strength to the jungle. The jungle breathes from its roots and rivers to give strength to us." —Shaper Falani
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the realm of MTG where tempo can swing the tide of battle, Deeproot Warrior shines as a formidable early-game creature. When it becomes blocked, it gains +1/+1 until end of turn, effectively warding off enemies and maintaining pressure, which can indirectly lead to card advantage by outmatching an opponent’s creatures.
Resource Acceleration: Costing a mere two mana to cast, one of which is green – a color known for its resource acceleration capabilities – Deeproot Warrior fits seamlessly into decks looking to deploy threats rapidly and efficiently. This speed allows players to escalate their board presence while keeping mana open for other strategic plays.
Instant Speed: Though Deeproot Warrior is not an instant itself, its ability to potentially become a stronger 3/2 creature on defense encourages players to adopt an instant-speed mindset. This trait keeps opponents guessing and can dictate the pace of engagement, enabling savvy players to optimize their instant-speed spells and flash creatures in concert with Deeproot Warrior’s combat tricks.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Deeproot Warrior doesn’t explicitly ask for a discard, the necessity of playing other cards to activate its ability might leave you with fewer options in hand. Being a creature that synergizes with a merfolk or +1/+1 counters strategy, not having the right card to play alongside it means you won’t get the most out of its capability, simulating a sort of discard condition indirectly.
Specific Mana Cost: Deeproot Warrior requires a specific green mana to cast. This can be restrictive since it’s not a flexible mana cost, making it less adaptable in decks that are not heavily green or don’t have the resources for mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although a cost of two mana might not seem prohibitive, in the realm of competitive play, there are numerous two-mana options that offer more immediate impact or versatility. In an environment where efficiency is key, the Deeproot Warrior can fall short against other choices that might provide better utility or stronger board presence for the same mana investment.
Reasons to Include Deeproot Warrior in Your Collection
Versatility: As a two-cost creature with a bullish stance in combat, Deeproot Warrior holds its own across various deck builds, particularly those that lean into creature-focused strategies or Merfolk synergies.
Combo Potential: When the battlefield gets crowded, Deeproot Warrior shines by partnering with cards designed to exploit counters or those that rally upon a Merfolk’s call, offering a boost to both offense and defense.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where fast aggro decks prevail, the additional power Deeproot Warrior gains during combat can make it an unexpectedly resilient challenge for opponents, meshing well with the pace of such matchups.
How to Beat Deeproot Warrior
Deeproot Warrior, a creature card in Magic: The Gathering, emerges as an early game challenge with its unique ability to gain strength during combat. This Merfolk Warrior can be a real nuisance due to its ability to become a 3/3 on blocks or attacks. Strategically, to subdue this aquatic adversary, removal spells that do not involve combat, such as Fatal Push or Shock, can efficiently eliminate it before the buff takes effect.
Deploying creatures with toughness greater than three ensures that when facing Deeproot Warrior in combat, they can withstand the increased power and remove the troublesome Merfolk. Utilizing spells that force the opponent to sacrifice creatures, like Diabolic Edict, dodge the combat buff altogether, rendering Deeproot Warrior’s ability moot. Keeping control of the board and making smart trades are essential in dealing with it.
Understanding the contexts and matchups where Deeproot Warrior tends to shine, like being in a deck focused on early aggression or tribal synergies, allows players to anticipate and preemptively disrupt these strategies. With the right removal spell or a sturdier blocker, Deeproot Warrior can be managed effectively, maintaining the balance of the match in your favor.
Cards like Deeproot Warrior
Deeproot Warrior finds its place among an array of formidable early-game creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Like the much-revered Savannah Lions, Deeproot Warrior packs a punch, offering more power during combat as a defender. Compared to the Lions, our Warrior thrives in skirmishes, temporarily beefing up in the face of opposition.
Moving beyond the classic, we have cards like Kird Ape, which similarly becomes more potent under specific conditions – in this case, when a mountain graces the battlefield. Yet, the Deeproot Warrior excels with no extra land-type demands, its might surging solely during your opponent’s turn. For players valuing adaptability, Goblin Banneret also deserves mention. This creature shares Deeproot Warrior’s spirit, being able to boost its attack through mentor, yet it requires additional mana to do so.
Analyzing these peers, Deeproot Warrior stands out, especially in decks where being reactionary is key. Its built-in resilience during the opponents’ turn allows favorable engagements without extra mana investment, making it a favorite among those calling upon the forces of green magic in their MTG lineup.
Cards similar to Deeproot Warrior by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deeproot Warrior MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Deeproot Warrior and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deeproot Warrior has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Deeproot Warrior card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-29 | Deeproot Warrior’s ability triggers only once if multiple creatures block it. |
