Fearless Pup MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Wolf |
| Abilities | Boast,First strike |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 136 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jehan Choo |
Key Takeaways
- Boast ability makes Fearless Pup a flexible threat, demanding opponent’s removal resources early on.
- Accommodates aggressive playstyles, enhancing board presence without heavy resource investment.
- Limited to red mana decks, may not fit multi-colored strategies without proper mana consistency.
Text of card
First strike Boast — : Fearless Pup gets +2/+0 until end of turn. (Activate only if this creature attacked this turn and only once each turn.)
"Awooo!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Fearless Pup itself doesn’t draw cards directly, its role encourages strategies that lead to a qualitative card advantage. For example, its ability to become a threat through its boast ability demands an answer from opponents, potentially drawing out removal spells that could have been used on more crucial threats.
Resource Acceleration: This energetic little creature paves the way for a quicker offensive strategy, not by generating mana but by being a cost-efficient creature that can be enhanced early in the game. This lets players allocate resources to developing their board presence or save mana for critical spells.
Instant Speed: While the Fearless Pup itself is a creature cast at sorcery speed, its boast ability is an activated ability that injects a layer of versatility during the combat phase. It’s not quite instant speed, but it gives players the flexibility to decide whether to pump the Pup based on how the combat is unfolding, thereby keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The little red creature, famously known as the Fearless Pup, doesn’t come with a discard requirement itself; however, it may force you to consider card economy in your deck. This is especially true when using cards that synergize with it but require you to discard, potentially putting you at a disadvantage in long-term resource management.
Specific Mana Cost: Fearless Pup demands a very specific mana investment. It requires red mana to cast, making it a tricky fit for multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana consistency. Its place is secure in mono-red aggro builds, but outside of that archetype, it can be limiting.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an ability that requires additional mana to boost its power, the Fearless Pup can seem mana-hungry compared to other one-drops in the game. While its potential for growth is notable, the initial investment and subsequent mana required can be a steep price for an aggressive strategy that values speed and efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fearless Pup shines in a variety of decks, enhancing strategies around low-cost creatures and aggressive early plays. Its ability to grow via boast provides scalability even in longer games.
Combo Potential: This fiery canine pairs well with cards that profit from creature buffs or tribal synergies. Its boast ability allows for repeated value generation, which can be crucial for decks capitalizing on combat tricks or power increases.
Meta-Relevance: As games become faster and more combat-centric, Fearless Pup holds its own with a low mana cost and the capacity to become a significant threat. It fits perfectly within the current meta that favors quick board establishment.
How to beat
Fearless Pup holds a unique position within MTG as a low-cost creature with potential for growth. This card, identifiable by its boast ability which allows it to become stronger temporarily, can be a challenging threat when underestimated. For players looking to counteract this feisty canine, the right strategy involves a mix of timely removal and strategic blocking.
Efficient removal spells are key, especially those which can be employed before the Pup can activate its boast. Cards like Shock or Dead Weight offer a cost-effective solution to eliminate it early on. Alternatively, creatures with deathtouch act as excellent deterrents, ensuring that Fearless Pup’s attempts to attack can be thwarted with fatal consequences.
Ultimately, the goal against Fearless Pup is to limit its impact with quick removal or ensure it faces unfavorable confrontations. By recognizing the importance of early intervention against creatures that can escalate in threat level, players can maintain control of the board and dismantle an opponent’s offensive line before the pup ever gets a chance to become truly fearless.
Cards like Fearless Pup
Fearless Pup is a lovable creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering that brings a unique charm to the battlefield. Looking at its kindred card, the classic Raging Goblin, we see a similar haste attribute that allows immediate action after coming into play. Fearless Pup, however, provides the potential to grow stronger thanks to its boast ability, which is absent in Raging Goblin. This ability enables Fearless Pup to become a more significant threat as the game progresses.
Another relative in this category is Akoum Warrior. While this creature lacks haste, it compensates with a higher power and toughness, representing a larger force once on the field. Fearless Pup edges out with its lower mana cost, giving players a quick and progressive option. Furhermore, Runaway Steam-Kin presents itself as a contender. It shares the capability to accumulate power, playing off the number of red spells you cast, rivaling the growth aspect of Fearless Pup’s boast ability.
Evaluating these cards side by side, Fearless Pup holds its ground as an early game aggressor with the potential for strength augmentation, appealing to players seeking a swift and adaptable playstyle within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Fearless Pup by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fearless Pup 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 Fearless Pup 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 Fearless Pup has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
