Bloodstoke Howler MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Beast
Abilities	Morph
Released	2003-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Legions
Set code	LGN
Power	3
Toughness	4
Number	89
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Christopher Moeller

Key Takeaways

Morph allows Bloodstoke Howler to alter battlefield dynamics instantly, offering a tactical edge in creature-based exchanges.
Its presence enhances deck versatility, providing a powerful, synergistic pivot point in red-aligned strategies.
The Howler’s integration challenges opponent prediction, disrupting conventional play with its cunning surprise factor.

Text of card

Morph (You may play this face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When Bloodstoke Howler is turned face up, Beasts you control get +3/+0 until end of turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The transformative ability of the Bloodstoke Howler lets you potentially gain access to a new creature without losing card count from your hand, thus maintaining card parity or advantage on the field.

Resource Acceleration: Should the Bloodstoke Howler be part of a synergistic deck build, its flipping mechanism might accelerate your resource deployment by putting a more powerful creature into play without additional mana cost at that moment.

Instant Speed: Bloodstoke Howler’s lurking feature allows for surprise transformations at instant speed, keeping your opponents guessing and allowing you to adapt to the state of the game without telegraphing your plans too early.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bloodstoke Howler’s transform mechanism demands that you discard a card. This requirement can be particularly costly when you’re grappling with a depleted hand, possibly sacrificing crucial gameplay elements for its transformation.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a tailored mana cost that includes red. For players not running a deck that heavily supports red mana, integrating Bloodstoke Howler can pose a deck-building restriction, potentially leading to it being a dead card in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side for its base stats, Bloodstoke Howler may not always provide the efficiency some aggressive decks seek. Aspects like board presence and mana curve considerations weigh in, making it a less than ideal choice when cheaper, more impactful creatures are available.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bloodstoke Howler is a unique addition that can slip into a myriad of deck builds. Its morph ability offers an element of surprise, concealing your strategy until just the right moment, making it highly adaptable in different in-game situations.

Combo Potential: This card has the capability to work wonders in combination with other cards that thrive on creature cards flipping face up, amplifying their effects and unleashing devastating turns against your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: The shifting landscape of the MTG competitive scene often welcomes cards that can surprise opponents. Bloodstoke Howler aligns well with this dynamic, countering predictable play patterns and adding an unexpected layer to your game plan.

How to beat

Bloodstoke Howler is a challenging card to face on the battlefield with its morph ability allowing a tactical element of surprise and a significant power boost once flipped. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to manage threats before they become too dominant. Utilizing removal spells can be an efficient way to deal with creatures in their morphed state. Cards like Murder, Fatal Push, or Path to Exile can prove invaluable by eliminating the Howler before it reveals its true potential.

Since the Howler depends on its morph mechanic, keeping an eye on available mana and being ready to disrupt your opponent’s creatures is key. This preemptive approach requires readiness to act during their upkeep or before they declare attackers, which can unnerve your opponent and potentially force misplays. Additionally, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can be a game-changer, clearing the field of all creatures, morphed or otherwise, leveling the playing field without needing to guess what lurks face down on the table.

Lastly, always be aware of the shift from the early to the mid-game where the Howler thrives. Adjust your strategy accordingly, focus on control elements, and don’t let the morphing mechanic catch you off-guard. In essence, effective timing and smart removal are your best allies against the cunning Bloodstoke Howler.

Cards like Bloodstoke Howler

The Bloodstoke Howler brings a unique twist to creature cards within Magic: The Gathering, sharing similarities with cards that morph and charge up for a powerful reveal. It is akin to the likes of Skirk Marauder, which also follows the morph pattern, revealing itself for a surprise effect. Though Skirk Marauder requires fewer resources to flip, it lacks the potential for enhanced power that is characteristic of Bloodstoke Howler.

Another related card is Pine Walker. While Pine Walker does not boast the same surge in attack power upon being unmorphed, it provides a consistent effect that benefits all creatures with morph, slightly edging it out in decks focused on this mechanic. Additionally, Aquamorph Entity, despite being in a different color pie, stands as a parallel, offering players the flexibility to surprise opponents with either a power boost or an adaptable morph cost.

Evaluating the mechanics, Bloodstoke Howler holds its ground among Magic: The Gathering’s roster of morph creatures. Its ability to become an immediate threat upon being turned face up adds a layer of strategy and strength not found in all of its counterparts.

Cards similar to Bloodstoke Howler by color, type and mana cost

Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bloodstoke Howler MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Bloodstoke Howler and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bloodstoke Howler has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2004-10-04	The trigger occurs when you use the Morph ability to turn the card face up, or when an effect turns it face up. It will not trigger on being revealed or on leaving the battlefield.