Jukai Naturalist MTG Card


Boosts card flow by rewarding draws when modified creatures die, enhancing hand and strategic play. Decreases enchantment costs, enabling early, impactful plays and intricate interactions. Indirectly offers instant speed play by freeing up mana for enchantment casting.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment Creature — Human Monk
Abilities Lifelink
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Lifelink Enchantment spells you cast cost less to cast.

He had heard rumors of the cities—the constant noise, the stagnant air, the tainted water—and he had no wish to learn if they were true.


Cards like Jukai Naturalist

Jukai Naturalist is an intriguing new addition to the variety of cost-reducing creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to make enchantments cheaper echoes the functionality of other notable cards like Herald of the Pantheon, which also reduces the mana needed to cast enchantments. Jukai Naturalist has the added benefit of gaining life whenever you cast an enchantment, providing an extra layer of value beyond just cost reduction.

Another card worth mentioning is Starfield Mystic. Much like Jukai Naturalist, it reduces the cost of enchantment spells. However, Starfield Mystic carries the advantage of becoming stronger with each enchantment that hits the graveyard, suggesting a more aggressive strategy. Meanwhile, Jukai Naturalist maintains a steady presence by supporting a life-gain strategy and offering more durable sustainability in longer games.

Ultimately, each of these cards offers unique advantages to enchantment-centric decks in Magic: The Gathering. Jukai Naturalist stands out by providing a delicate balance of cost efficiency and incremental life gain, making it a card to watch for players looking to maximize their gameplay in enchantment-heavy builds.

Herald of the Pantheon - MTG Card versions
Starfield Mystic - MTG Card versions
Herald of the Pantheon - MTG Card versions
Starfield Mystic - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Jukai Naturalist by color, type and mana cost

Sterling Grove - MTG Card versions
Hunting Grounds - MTG Card versions
Wheel of Sun and Moon - MTG Card versions
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A-Fall of the Impostor - MTG Card versions
Sterling Grove - MTG Card versions
Hunting Grounds - MTG Card versions
Wheel of Sun and Moon - MTG Card versions
Oath of Ajani - MTG Card versions
Sythis, Harvest's Hand - MTG Card versions
A-Fall of the Impostor - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Jukai Naturalist. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
WGWG StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 5, 2024
Five-color MidrangeFive-color Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 06 2024
Selesnya EnchantmentsSelesnya Enchantments StandardSelesnya EnchantmentsStandard League 2024-01-25
Naya TokensNaya Tokens StandardNaya EnchantmentsBoa Qualifier #1 (standard)
Abzan ComboAbzan Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 13 2024
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024
Selesnya AurasSelesnya Auras GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 09 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Jukai Naturalist helps to maintain valuable card flow by offering consistent draw mechanisms. When creatures you control with modified power and toughness die, you’re entitled to draw a card, nurturing your hand and strategic options.

Resource Acceleration: Acting as a linchpin for mana efficiency, Jukai Naturalist reduces the mana cost of your enchantment spells, potentially leading to earlier and more impactful plays. This kind of cost reduction can be a game changer, allowing for more complex turns or saving mana for crucial interactions.

Instant Speed: Although the Naturalist itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its cost reduction on enchantments could enable you to cast spells at instant-like timing by freeing up mana. This indirectly increases your ability to react and interact on your opponent’s turn, keeping your strategy flexible and dynamic.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Jukai Naturalist requires a dedicated slot in your deck that, in certain game states, can be a setback if the forced discard outweighs the card’s benefits, particularly when your hand is already depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: With a precise mana requirement leaning towards green, Jukai Naturalist demands a commitment to that color, potentially constraining deck diversity and flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its mana cost may be considered steep for its ability set when there are alternatives that might fulfill a similar role at a lower cost, thereby offering a more economical use of resources.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Jukai Naturalist serves as a key piece in many diverse deck builds. Its ability to reduce the cost of enchantments makes it an excellent choice for enchantment-heavy decks, elevating their efficiency and speed.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with strategies that capitalize on casting numerous enchantments. It not only reduces your casting costs but can also synergize with enchantments that have triggered abilities or benefit from multiple enchantments on the field.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of enchantment-centric strategies in the current meta, Jukai Naturalist holds a significant place. Its cost reduction can give players a crucial edge, making enchantment spells more accessible during the early-to-mid game phases.


How to beat

Jukai Naturalist presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its cost-reducing ability for enchantments. Much like cards such as Herald of the Pantheon, the Naturalist allows players to cast enchantment spells with an economic advantage. However, unlike the Herald, Jukai Naturalist also brings a body to the table, providing a valuable creature that can influence the board state.

To effectively counter this card, one must prioritize removal that bypasses the enchantment cost reduction, such as instant-speed kill spells. This disrupts not only the player’s tempo but also their planned mana utilization. Board wipes remain a potent solution, completely disregarding the cost reduction benefit by resetting the field. Keeping mana open for interaction is key, so you can respond with removal such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile before your opponent fully capitalizes on Jukai Naturalist’s presence. This provides a necessary check to the Naturalist’s acceleration ability and maintains a level playing field.

Ultimately, while Jukai Naturalist can power an enchantment-heavy strategy and give an edge in card economy, it can be mitigated by precise removal tactics and disruption, ensuring that its advantageous effects are short-lived.


BurnMana Recommendations

Strategizing with MTG involves understanding key cards like Jukai Naturalist that can change the dynamics of a game. Recognizing the strengths and potential drawbacks of cards helps craft a finer deck and sharpens your gameplay. With Jukai Naturalist’s ability to reduce the cost of enchantments and improve card flow, it’s a valuable asset, especially against current meta strategies. Ready to further refine your enchantment-based deck and explore other powerful synergies? Dive deeper with us for insights and strategies to harness the full potential of Jukai Naturalist and similar impactful cards in your MTG collection.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Jukai Naturalist MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Jukai Naturalist and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Jukai Naturalist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Anna Steinbauer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 2252015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 5102015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
32023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 9262015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer
42023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine CommanderWOC 1402015NormalBlackAnna Steinbauer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Jukai Naturalist has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal