Oran-Rief Survivalist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior Ally |
| Released | 2009-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Zendikar |
| Set code | ZEN |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 174 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kev Walker |
Text of card
Whenever Oran-Rief Survivalist or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, you may put a +1/+1 counter on Oran-Rief Survivalist.
"I'm strong enough to survive alone. I'm smart enough to want companions at my side."
Cards like Oran-Rief Survivalist
Oran-Rief Survivalist shines in decks that prize ally synergy within Magic: The Gathering. Its closest kin is probably the Tajuru Blademaster, which also gains a +1/+1 counter whenever another ally enters the battlefield. However, the Blademaster starts with the added advantage of having first strike. Oran-Rief Survivalist does not have this initial perk, but it compensates with a lower casting cost, fostering a faster deck tempo.
Another ally to consider is the Hada Freeblade. It also gets a +1/+1 counter whenever an ally arrives; however, it boasts of being a one-drop creature, offering an immediate impact in the game. Yet, the Survivalist can potentially outgrow the Freeblade in power and toughness over the course of a match. Kazandu Blademaster presents a unique blend of attributes, with first strike and vigilance out of the gate and the same counter-adding ally mechanics, although it sits at a slightly higher mana value.
With the ally mechanic at the helm, Oran-Rief Survivalist finds its place as a valuable part of any ally-focused MTG deck strategy, holding its ground against similar cards due to its balanced cost and growth potential.
Cards similar to Oran-Rief Survivalist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Oran-Rief Survivalist shines in decks centered around Allies, where each Ally played can bolster its power and toughness. As more Allies join the battlefield, the Survivalist becomes a formidable force, translating into significant card advantage without extra mana investment.
Resource Acceleration: While the Oran-Rief Survivalist itself does not directly provide resources, it paves the way for stronger board presence early in the game. This natural growth in power can often lead to an accelerated win condition as the accumulated advantages overwhelm opponents steadily over time.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Allies at instant speed provides an elusive edge, particularly with cards that flash in Allies during the opponent’s turn. Paired with the Survivalist, this tactic can turn the tides unexpectedly, creating a strategic advantage by bolstering your battlefield when least anticipated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Oran-Rief Survivalist doesn’t directly demand a card discard, however, to fully utilize its ally synergy, you might find yourself running through your hand quickly to maintain its momentum. This can sometimes leave you at a disadvantage if your resources get depleted faster than they’re replenished.
Specific Mana Cost: Costing both green mana and generic mana, the survivalist is an ally that can potentially constrain deck building. Predominantly green decks will have an easier time casting it; however, multicolored decks may struggle with the needed consistency in mana base to play it on curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the mana cost for Oran-Rief Survivalist is not excessively high, for two mana, the initial impact on the board is somewhat modest. As a 1/1, even with the ally triggering ability, its effectiveness is contingent on a board state that supports ally mechanics, which may not always be achievable early in the game when compared to other two-mana creatures that offer immediate value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Oran-Rief Survivalist shines in decks that celebrate creature types, such as the Ally tribal where its power to grow with each fellow Ally makes it a formidable force on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card has excellent synergy with effects that bounce or proliferate, allowing you to max out its +1/+1 counters quickly, turning it into a substantial threat even against the toughest of opponents.
Meta-Relevance: Given the persistent appearance of tribal strategies in various formats, the Survivalist can be a tactical addition to combat decks that rely on type-specific synergies, especially in metagames where creature interactions are key.
How to beat
Oran-Rief Survivalist shines in Magic: The Gathering as a valuable asset in Ally tribal decks. When it comes to fending off this particular Survivalist, understanding its mechanism is key. The card thrives on the strengths of solidarity, getting a +1/+1 counter for each other Ally that enters the battlefield on your side. But how do you stop such a steadily growing threat?
The answer may lie in spot removal and counter magic. Utilizing efficient removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently deal with Oran-Rief Survivalist before its power escalates out of control. Counter strategies also play a significant role, as cards like Negate or Essence Scatter can prevent the Survivalist from ever touching the battlefield, thereby halting its momentum right from the start.
In essence, taking swift action against Oran-Rief Survivalist is paramount. Quick removal, strategic countering, or utilizing board wipes like Wrath of God to reset the playing field, ensure that the allies’ camaraderie doesn’t turn into an overwhelming force against you. It’s about disrupting the unity among allies to maintain an edge in the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oran-Rief Survivalist MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar, 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 Oran-Rief Survivalist 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oran-Rief Survivalist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Oran-Rief Survivalist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | This ability triggers on this creature entering the battlefield, so it will enter the battlefield with its unmodified power and toughness, and then receive a +1/+1 counter a short time later. It does not enter the battlefield with the +1/+1 counter already on it. |