Basalt Ravager MTG Card


Basalt Ravager - Kaldheim
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Giant Wizard
Released2021-02-05
Set symbol
Set nameKaldheim
Set codeKHM
Power 4
Toughness 2
Number122
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAndrey Kuzinskiy

Key Takeaways

  1. Leverage Basalt Ravager’s damage potential based on the greatest number of a creature type you control.
  2. Its low casting cost integrates well with existing mana resources, boosting board presence early.
  3. Compatibility with instant-speed responses maximizes turn efficiency and board impact.

Text of card

When Basalt Ravager enters the battlefield, it deals X damage to any target, where X is the greatest number of creatures you control that have a creature type in common.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Basalt Ravager can potentially secure card advantage by leveraging its ability to deal damage equal to the greatest number of creatures you control that share a creature type. This can clear multiple threats off your opponent’s side, potentially swinging the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Basalt Ravager itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost makes it a seamless addition to your board, potentially accelerating your game plan by establishing a presence on the board without a high investment. By efficiently utilizing your mana, you can maintain the tempo and keep pressure on your opponent.

Instant Speed: While Basalt Ravager isn’t an instant itself, it pairs well with instant-speed interaction. Its ability to contribute sizable damage upon entering the battlefield allows players to adeptly orchestrate turns where they can leave mana open for instant-speed responses and still capitalize on casting the Ravager to impact the board during their main phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Basalt Ravager can necessitate discarding cards to fully utilize its power, which could be detrimental when you have a scarce hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both generic and red mana, Basalt Ravager’s mana cost may restrict its inclusion exclusively to decks heavily invested in red mana production.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing four mana to cast, the Basalt Ravager competes with other four-mana spells which might provide greater immediate impact or versatility in gameplay scenarios.


Reasons to Include Basalt Ravager in Your Collection

Versatility: Basalt Ravager offers flexibility as it can serve multiple roles within different deck archetypes. Its ability to deal damage based on the number of Giants and Wizards you control enables it to fit into tribal strategies effortlessly while still being valuable in decks not centered around these types.

Combo Potential: The card can be a key piece in combination plays. When combined with cards that increase the number of creatures you control or duplicate enter-the-battlefield triggers, Basalt Ravager can become a game-ending threat by dealing unexpected amounts of damage to opponents or their creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board presence determines the victor, Basalt Ravager excels. It can quickly clear out multiple smaller creatures or provide the decisive blow against an opponent’s life total. Its ability to be both a removal tool and a source of direct damage makes it adaptable and relevant in numerous game scenarios.


How to beat Basalt Ravager

Battling against Basalt Ravager in your MTG matches requires strategic card play and a solid understanding of its strengths. This Glimpse the Cosmos synergizing creature is known for its potential to deal damage equal to the greatest number of creatures you control that share a creature type. To counter this card effectively, controlling the battlefield becomes paramount.

Combat it by limiting the number of creatures your opponent has, through removal spells or by targeting the Ravager itself before its impact is fully realized. You can also deploy instant-speed solutions to disrupt the chain before damage is dealt, utilizing cards like instant speed removal or effects that can change the creature type on the board, minimizing the Ravager’s damage output. Focus on maintaining a more diverse board state to ensure the potential damage by Basalt Ravager remains low in case it resolves.

Remember, the prime time to act against Basalt Ravager is either before it has the chance to enter the battlefield, via counterspells, or immediately responding to its triggered ability with a removal or protection strategy to shield your creatures. By doing so, you can mitigate the impact and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the dynamic array of MTG cards, Basalt Ravager stands out as a versatile addition to any red-centric deck. As part of your strategy, keep in mind its synergistic potential with creature types and its impressive ability to alter the board state. While considering the inclusion of Basalt Ravager in your repertoire, weigh its strengths and limitations within the context of your overall deck design. Could it become your game-changer? Discover the many ways to optimize your deck with Basalt Ravager and similar impactful cards in our in-depth guides. Unleash its power and dictate your path to victory.


Cards like Basalt Ravager

Basalt Ravager carves its niche within the landscape of Magic: The Gathering with a unique mix of creature effectiveness and direct damage. When looking at relatives in its card family, one might consider Flametongue Kavu. This classic creature also offers a direct damage to the creature effect upon entering the battlefield. However, Basalt Ravager expands on this with its potential to scale damage based on the number of Giants and Wizards you control—a subtle yet impactful divergence.

Magmatic Chasm also deserves a mention, sharing the theme of influencing the battlefield, albeit in a different manner. Instead of dealing damage, it removes the possibility of blocking, giving room for tactical strikes. Basalt Ravager, on the other hand, directly alters the board state by potentially removing creatures outright. Lastly, Outnumber could be considered a spell-based counterpart, calculating damage based on the number of creatures you command. While Outnumber is an instant, offering immediate reactivity, Basalt Ravager adds the benefit of providing a creature body to apply board pressure or to defend against opponents.

Through this comparison, Basalt Ravager emerges as a valuable asset for MTG decks that capitalize on creature synergies, delivering both a creature presence and a scalable damage mechanic, a duality that might just tip the scales in your favor.

Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Magmatic Chasm - MTG Card versions
Outnumber - MTG Card versions
Flametongue Kavu - MTG Card versions
Magmatic Chasm - MTG Card versions
Outnumber - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Basalt Ravager MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 Basalt Ravager and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Basalt Ravager has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-02-05 The amount of damage dealt is calculated as the triggered ability resolves based on the creatures you control at that time, including Basalt Ravager itself if it’s still under your control. You’ll always use the greatest number possible. You don’t need to choose any creature types. For example, if you control a Giant Wizard, a Giant Warrior, an Elf Warrior, and a Kor Warrior at that time, Basalt Ravager will deal 3 damage.

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