Ogre Battlecaster MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Ogre Shaman |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Released | 2022-12-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Jumpstart 2022 |
| Set code | J22 |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 36 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Javier Charro |
Text of card
First strike Whenever Ogre Battlecaster attacks, you may cast target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard by paying in addition to its other costs. If that spell would be put into a graveyard, exile it instead. When you cast that spell, Ogre Battlecaster gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is that spell's mana value.
Cards like Ogre Battlecaster
The Ogre Battlecaster presents an intriguing blend of aggression and spellcasting versatility in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is closest perhaps to Guttersnipe, which also rewards the casting of spells by dealing damage to each opponent. However, the Ogre Battlecaster’s unique angle is its ability to boost creature spells, a synergy that is more creature-centric than the spell-focused Guttersnipe.
Birthing an alliance with the Ogre Battlecaster in tactical terms can be linked to Torbran, Thane of Red Fell. While Torbran upscales the damage dealt to opponents, it doesn’t serve the dual function of mana reduction for creature spells. On the other end of the comparison spectrum, we encounter Runaway Steam-Kin, which accumulates energy in the form of +1/+1 counters, eventually turning into a mana reservoir, unlike the Ogre Battlecaster’s immediate mana cost reduction effect.
Each card undeniably has its own realm of influence and when deck building, the Ogre Battlecaster offers a distinctive combination – fostering both creature play and punitive damage maneuvers in MTG. This card is poised to add a dynamic layer to decks that are creature-heavy and keen on casting multiple spells each turn.
Cards similar to Ogre Battlecaster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Ogre Battlecaster provides an impressive edge by allowing you to potentially cast additional spells without using up cards from your hand, thus maintaining a richer array of options against opponents.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be a game-changer in terms of mana curve, allowing for a faster development of your board presence and letting you cast high-cost cards sooner than usual. It’s an excellent addition for ramping up your resources swiftly.
Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed is always a significant strategic component in MTG. With Ogre Battlecaster, the flexibility of responding to your opponent’s moves while potentially deploying surprise tactics can shift the tide of a match in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Ogre Battlecaster demands a sacrifice of another card from your hand to unlock its potential. This often puts players in a tight spot where maintaining hand advantage becomes challenging. If your hand is already depleted, activating Battlecaster’s abilities may simply not be feasible without further compromising your play options.
Specific Mana Cost: This particular card’s casting cost is narrowly tailored, requiring a precise mix of mana types. Decks that don’t run the required colors will unfortunately find this card outside their mana base, rendering the card more of a collection piece than a strategic asset on the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an imposing mana requirement to summon the Battlecaster, players must weigh its cost against the tangible battlefield advantage it offers. In a game where tempo can be the deciding factor, committing a substantial portion of your mana to a single play without an immediate impactful return can leave you vulnerable to more mana-efficient strategies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Ogre Battlecaster fits snugly into a variety of deck builds, thanks to its ability to empower spellcasting strategies. Whether you’re crafting a red-heavy deck or assembling a collection that focuses on casting numerous spells, this creature makes a solid addition.
Combo Potential: With its special ability to provide an additional damage boost whenever you cast a red spell, the Ogre Battlecaster works well in combos that aim to dish out large amounts of damage in a short period. It’s a catalyst for explosive turns that can change the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the ever-shifting landscape of the MTG meta, having a card like the Ogre Battlecaster offers strategic adaptability. It’s particularly effective in metas that favor spell-heavy decks, enabling you to capitalize on the card’s strengths to outpace opponents.
How to Beat Ogre Battlecaster
Ogre Battlecaster can be a brute in the right deck, granting two spells for the price of one whenever you cast a sorcery. This double trouble can rapidly turn the tide of a game if not addressed swiftly. However, dealing with this formidable foe can be straightforward. Holding up instant-speed removal allows you to respond to any sorcery they cast before the copy effect resolves. This way, you’re only dealing with one spell rather than two.
Counterspells are another efficient means of neutralizing the Ogre Battlecaster. By invalidating the original sorcery, you effectively annul the copy as well. Spot removal is powerful here, but cards that can sweep the board provide an answer to this threat along with any accomplices it may have. Lastly, outpacing the casting cost of the opponent is key. If you can disrupt their mana base or keep their resources low, the Battlecaster loses much of its impact without the fuel to power its ability.
Although daunting, Ogre Battlecaster can be outmaneuvered with the right strategy. Mitigate its advantage quickly, and you’ll neutralize the threat, maintaining control over the game’s pace and preserving your position on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ogre Battlecaster MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart 2022, 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 Ogre Battlecaster and other MTG cards:
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- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ogre Battlecaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |