Leatherback Baloth MTG Card
2006-01-02 - Number 37
2010-02-05 - Number 107
2002-06-24 - Number 43576
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Cards like Leatherback Baloth
Leatherback Baloth stands out as a powerhouse in the realm of green creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its sheer size for the mana cost makes it a force, equivalent to other beefy creatures like Loxodon Smiter. The Smiter shares the Baloth’s immunity to being countered and brings a similar solid presence on the board. However, Leatherback Baloth edges out with one additional point of toughness, further cementing its resilience in combat.
Comparable to the Baloth is another imposing creature, Terra Stomper. Although at a higher cost, Terra Stomper offers an uncounterable threat that can’t be blocked by creatures with flying. It presents a formidable choice for players looking to punch through air defenses. Nevertheless, Leatherback Baloth remains a popular choice due to its lower mana cost and swift impact on the game’s early stages.
Comparing these giant creatures highlights Leatherback Baloth’s appeal in MTG decks centered around ramping up and deploying heavy hitters rapidly. Its cost-to-stat efficiency often gives it a pivotal role in such strategies, aligning with green’s philosophy of overwhelming opponents with substantial creatures in the early to mid-game.
Cards similar to Leatherback Baloth by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Leatherback Baloth doesn’t offer direct card draw, its sheer power and toughness relative to its mana cost mean that it often requires multiple cards from an opponent to be dealt with, indirectly leading to card advantage. Additionally, its low cost makes it a prime target for creature-based synergies and buffs, potentially generating further advantage on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Green decks often focus on ramping, and the Leatherback Baloth provides a substantial reward for early resource acceleration. By deploying a 4/5 creature as early as turn three, or even sooner with mana dorks, you can apply pressure much earlier than usual, and in many cases, faster than your opponents can handle.
Instant Speed: While the Leatherback Baloth itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, integrating it into a deck with green’s instant-speed tricks and creature-boosting spells can create sudden shifts on the board. This can catch an adversary off-guard, turning the Baloth into an unexpected threat that must be answered immediately.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Leatherback Baloth requires a significant amount of green mana, making it potentially restrictive in multicolored decks that might struggle to have three green mana sources available by turn three.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While boasting a sturdy body, the Leatherback Baloth has a mana cost that competes with other impactful three drops in green that may offer additional abilities or synergies, potentially relegating the Baloth to a lesser role in optimized builds.
Discard Requirement: Although the Leatherback Baloth itself does not have a discard requirement, it is important to note that playing a creature with a heavy color-weighted mana cost can force players into difficult decisions, discarding other cards to ensure the Baloth is played on curve.
Reasons to Include Leatherback Baloth in Your Collection
Versatility: Leatherback Baloth is a solid green creature that can easily slot into a variety of green-based decks, particularly those requiring a heavy presence on the board early in the game. Its straightforward mana cost makes it accessible to mono-green or green-centric mana bases.
Combo Potential: This powerhouse of a creature pairs well with cards that benefit from high power creatures or those that amplify green’s inherent strength in producing large creatures. Its presence can enhance strategies focused on overwhelming the opponent with formidable creatures.
Meta-Relevance: With a meta that sometimes leans towards aggressive strategies, Leatherback Baloth stands as an efficient threat. Its substantial 4/5 body for three mana is capable of outclassing many early-game creatures, making it a relevant choice in metas where board presence and creature strength are key.
How to Beat
Leatherback Baloth stands out as a formidable creature in the green mana section of Magic: The Gathering. Its sheer size, a 4/5 beast for merely three green mana, can dominate the battlefield early in the game. Overcoming this efficient creature requires strategic play and the right removal cards.
To effectively handle Leatherback Baloth, pinpointing removal spells that can bypass its substantial toughness is crucial. Spells like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat offer a solution, swiftly sending the Baloth to the graveyard before it can assert its presence. Board wipes such as Damnation or Wrath of God can reset the field, negating the Baloth’s size advantage. It’s also possible to circumvent Leatherback Baloth by using exile effects found in cards like Path to Exile or Oblivion Ring, removing it from the game entirely and keeping the board in your favor.
The key to beating a Leatherback Baloth lies in preparation and quick action. A well-timed removal or control of the board can ensure that the Baloth’s impact is minimal, allowing you to carry on with your game plan undeterred by its potential threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Leatherback Baloth MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and DCI Promos, 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 Leatherback Baloth and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- 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 Leatherback Baloth Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-01-02 and 2010-02-05. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 43576 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | ||
| 2 | 2006-01-02 | DCI Promos | PDCI | 37 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chris Rahn | |
| 3 | 2010-02-05 | Worldwake | WWK | 107 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Leatherback Baloth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |