Meandering Towershell MTG Card
2014-09-26 - Number 141
2019-11-07 - Number 1269
2019-12-02 - Number 236
2020-09-26 - Number KTK-141
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Turtle |
| Abilities | Islandwalk,Landwalk |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 9 |
Key Takeaways
- Creates enduring battlefield presence, simulating card advantage through its recurring attack mechanism.
- Demanding green mana commitment and high cost may limit deck compatibility and immediate board impact.
- Despite cons, its versatility makes it a worthy addition to enhance certain MTG deck strategies.
Text of card
Islandwalk (This creature can't be blocked as long as defending player controls an Island.) Whenever Meandering Towershell attacks, exile it. Return it to the battlefield under your control tapped and attacking at the beginning of the declare attackers step on your next turn.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Meandering Towershell offers a durable presence on the battlefield. Once it attacks, you essentially create a delayed trigger that allows for a second instance of attack without having to cast another creature, in some way mimicking the benefit of card advantage by having a creature that repeatedly presents a threat.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting resources in the form of mana or tokens, Meandering Towershell’s survivability means you may be able to allocate resources elsewhere, such as further board development or control, without needing to constantly rebuild your creature base.
Instant Speed: Meandering Towershell doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, but it pairs well with cards that do. Its delayed re-entry onto the battlefield can be timed alongside instant speed removal or protection spells during your opponent’s turn, ensuring its safe arrival and continued pressure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike immediate effects from other creatures or spells, Meandering Towershell’s delayed return to the battlefield could cause crucial cards to be discarded or leave you waiting a turn for the impact you need right now.
Specific Mana Cost: With a strict casting cost that includes two green mana in its five total, Meandering Towershell demands a dedicated commitment to green mana sources, which may not synergize well with multicolored or flexible mana base decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at five mana for a 5/9 creature that doesn’t impact the board immediately can feel costly. Considering this turtle’s unique dawdling mechanic, players might find other creatures or cards that provide more immediate or versatile effects for the same, if not lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include Meandering Towershell in Your Collection
Versatility: Meandering Towershell offers flexibility as it can serve as both an offensive and defensive asset. With its ability to dodge sorcery-speed removal by hiding in exile, it can be a recurrent threat that’s hard to permanently deal with.
Combo Potential: This creature can be a key piece in decks that leverage enter-the-battlefield effects or sacrifice strategies. Its unique exile-return ability allows for interesting interactions with various permanents and graveyard mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where games tend to drag on or where the battlefield is heavily controlled, Meandering Towershell can continuously apply pressure. Its resilience makes it a persistent threat that can influence the long-game tactics.
How to beat
Meandering Towershell introduces a unique twist to the battlefield with its delayed re-entry mechanic. This card can seem daunting to overcome with its ability to duck out of danger and return for a surprise attack, but it can be countered. Due to the Towershell’s delayed re-entry, it provides a window where it is not on the battlefield to exploit. Removal spells while it’s in exile, such as “Stasis Snare” or “Path to Exile,” permanently deal with the Towershell before it has a chance to come back and trigger its attack ability.
Moreover, edict effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature can be very effective. In this instance, when the Towershell is your opponent’s sole creature, a card like “Diabolic Edict” can ensure it never returns to the fray. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed removal when the Towershell attacks or blocks can mitigate the impact of its ability, preserving board integrity for that crucial turn. It’s about timing and the strategic use of your available resources.
Tackling the Towershell successfully involves a blend of foresight and control over the board. By understanding the interplay of its delayed return and capitalizing on the timing, you can turn the tide of the game and neutralize this formidable threat.
Cards like Meandering Towershell
Meandering Towershell invites comparisons with other high-cost creatures within the Magic: The Gathering universe. This dino is known for its unique ‘Islandwalk’ ability and the intriguing effect of delaying its attack until your next turn. In the same vein, there’s the iconic ‘Thicket Elemental,’ which also emphasizes a delayed gratification strategy, granting you a creature card when it’s kicked into play.
Another creature worth mentioning is ‘Hornet Queen,’ sharing the high mana cost characteristic and a powerful ability to populate the battlefield with insect tokens. While Meandering Towershell provides resilience and a tricky attack pattern, Hornet Queen offers immediate board presence with its flying and deathtouch abilities. Lastly, ‘Worldspine Wurm’ stands out as a formidable creature with both immense power and the capacity to leave behind worm tokens after its departure from the battlefield. Its gigantic size overshadows the Towershell, yet it does not have the same guaranteed two-stage attack feature.
Considering the trade-offs and distinctive capabilities of these creatures, Meandering Towershell holds its unique spot among MTG high-impact creatures, prized for its potential to outmaneuver opponents with its unorthodox combat engagement.
Cards similar to Meandering Towershell by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Meandering Towershell MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Meandering Towershell 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
Printings
The Meandering Towershell Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | YW Tang | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1269 | 2015 | Normal | Black | YW Tang | |
| 3 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 236 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alexandre Chaudret | ||
| 4 | The List | PLST | KTK-141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | YW Tang |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Meandering Towershell has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Meandering Towershell card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-09-20 | As Meandering Towershell returns to the battlefield because of the delayed triggered ability, you choose which opponent or opposing planeswalker it’s attacking. It doesn’t have to attack the same opponent or opposing planeswalker that it was when it was exiled. |
| 2014-09-20 | If Meandering Towershell enters the battlefield attacking, it wasn’t declared as an attacking creature that turn. Abilities that trigger when a creature attacks, including its own triggered ability, won’t trigger. |
| 2014-09-20 | If you attack with a Meandering Towershell that you don’t own, you’ll control it when it returns to the battlefield. |
| 2014-09-20 | On the turn Meandering Towershell attacks and is exiled, raid abilities will see it as a creature that attacked. Conversely, on the turn Meandering Towershell enters the battlefield attacking, raid abilities will not. |
