Oran-Rief, the Vastwood MTG Card
2007-01-01 - Number 221★
2009-10-02 - Number 221
2014-11-07 - Number 305
2015-11-13 - Number 297
2017-06-09 - Number 263
2020-04-17 - Number 296
2021-04-23 - Number 307
2022-02-18 - Number 173
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Land |
Text of card
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood enters the battlefield tapped. : Add . : Put a +1/+1 counter on each green creature that entered the battlefield this turn.
Cards like Oran-Rief, the Vastwood
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood holds a significant role in MTG as a land capable of enhancing your creatures. It steps in the same realm as lands such as Llanowar Reborn, another card that can put +1/+1 counters on creatures. However, Oran-Rief stands out by affecting each green creature that entered the battlefield this turn, not just one. While Llanowar Reborn can be efficient for a single-use boost, Oran-Rief’s ability scales well in a game where numerous creatures are played.
In a similar context, consider the card Karn’s Bastion, a land offering the proliferate ability, allowing you to add more counters to your already bolstered creatures. While not directly placing counters on new creatures like Oran-Rief, it holds the potential to exponentially increase the power of your creatures over time. Arkbow Ranger is another card that dives into the +1/+1 counter strategy but uses planeswalker abilities to deliver its effect, offering versatility but at the cost of being more vulnerable as a creature itself. Each of these cards brings its own strategic advantages, but Oran-Rief’s ability to consistently apply counters to multiple creatures makes it a powerful contender that thrives in creature-focused green decks.
Considering these comparisons, Oran-Rief, the Vastwood proves itself to be a land card that can substantially impact the board state, particularly in decks where spreading out power among creatures is paramount to the strategy.
Cards similar to Oran-Rief, the Vastwood by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Oran-Rief, the Vastwood. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Amulet Titan | Modern | Amulet Titan | Modern Challenge 32 2024-04-25 |
 | All Other Decklists | Modern | BLUE - SAT - 3PM - Chicago Modern Cup |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Oran-Rief, the Vastwood has a unique capability to steadily increase the power of your creatures which can tip the balance of the game in your favor. Rather than drawing more cards, it gives the ones you already have in play more impact, ensuring that each creature becomes a more formidable threat which can be akin to generating virtual card advantage over time.
Resource Acceleration: As a land, Oran-Rief, the Vastwood doesn’t just provide mana—it can also serve as a resource accelerator by enhancing the creatures you deploy without requiring additional card investment. This allows you to make the most of each creature you cast and can lead to more efficient use of your resources throughout the game.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Oran-Rief, the Vastwood can be utilized at the end of your turn after playing creatures with summoning sickness. This timing aligns well with instant-speed play, enabling you to strengthen your board presence right before your turn ends, and thereby reacting to your opponent’s strategies with a newly bolstered lineup of creatures.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Oran-Rief, the Vastwood card may not have a discard requirement, but players should keep in mind that resource management is key, and every action, including utilizing this land’s abilities, should be calculated within a broader strategy for the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Activating the ability of Oran-Rief, the Vastwood requires green mana. While this is fitting for decks that are heavy on green, it can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may have mana availability issues or those that operate on a tighter mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although not a spell, using Oran-Rief, the Vastwood’s ability entails tapping it along with paying green mana, which at pivotal moments can be a significant cost. This can be especially pronounced if the game’s pace and threats call for more immediate or flexible responses than what a tapped-out land can provide.
Reasons to Include Oran-Rief, the Vastwood in Your Collection
Versatility: Oran-Rief, the Vastwood is a dynamic land that can serve multiple roles within various green decks. Whether enhancing creature-based strategies or simply accelerating your mana, its ability to tap for green or put a +1/+1 counter on each green creature that entered the battlefield this turn, offers flexibility in gameplay.
Combo Potential: With the rise of +1/+1 counter strategies in both casual and competitive play, Oran-Rief, the Vastwood shines. It pairs excellently with persist creatures or anything with a modular ability, laying the groundwork for potent synergies and intricate combos.
Meta-Relevance: As creature-based decks remain a staple in various formats, having an unassuming land that bolsters your forces can give you an edge. Oran-Rief, the Vastwood fits seamlessly into the current landscape, promoting growth and resilience within your creature line-up in a meta that often revolves around board presence.
How to beat
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood remains a solid pick for decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters. Its ability to bolster your creatures during your turn can turn the tides of the game, similar to the proliferate mechanic but with a more selective touch. However, every card has its Achilles heel, and maintaining the upper hand against Oran-Rief, the Vastwood begins with disrupting the counter synergy it thrives on.
Among the effective strategies is the use of removal spells that can reset the opponent’s board before they benefit from the accumulated counters. Sweepers like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the threat efficiently. Additionally, cards that prevent counters from being placed, such as Solemnity, directly negate Oran-Rief’s advantage. Moreover, instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can deal with key creatures right before the Oran-Rief boost. It’s quite crucial to consider the timing – acting before the counter placement can be significantly more effective.
Understanding and anticipating the rhythm of when and how your opponent may use Oran-Rief, the Vastwood can make all the difference. Sideboard techs and timely disruption play pivotal roles in outmaneuvering decks that lean heavily on this powerful land.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oran-Rief, the Vastwood MTG card by a specific set like Resale Promos and 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, the Vastwood and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Oran-Rief, the Vastwood Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2007-01-01 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Mike Bierek.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-01-01 | Resale Promos | PRES | 221★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 2 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 221 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 3 | 2014-11-07 | Commander 2014 | C14 | 305 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 4 | 2015-11-13 | Commander 2015 | C15 | 297 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 5 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 263 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 6 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 296 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 7 | 2021-04-23 | Commander 2021 | C21 | 307 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek | |
| 8 | 2022-02-18 | Neon Dynasty Commander | NEC | 173 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mike Bierek |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oran-Rief, the Vastwood has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Oran-Rief, the Vastwood 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 | Oran-Rief's second ability affects all permanents that are green creatures that entered the battlefield this turn, not just the ones you control. |
| 2009-10-01 | Oran-Rief's third ability cares about permanents' characteristics at the time the ability resolves, not their characteristics at the time they entered the battlefield. For example, if a blue creature enters the battlefield, then is turned green by a spell or ability, then Oran-Rief's second ability resolves, you'll put a +1/+1 counter on that creature. |