Outmuscle MTG Card


Outmuscle presents a two-fold advantage by eliminating threats while strengthening your creatures in combat. Its synergy with +1/+1 counter strategies extends tactical options, making it a versatile deck inclusion. While potent, Outmuscle can be mitigated by strategies like low creature count and instant-speed removal.
Outmuscle - Throne of Eldraine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Adamant,Fight
Released2019-10-04
Set symbol
Set nameThrone of Eldraine
Set codeELD
Number170
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byViktor Titov

Text of card

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control, then it fights target creature you don't control. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.) Adamant — If at least three green mana was spent to cast this spell, the creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn.


Cards like Outmuscle

Outmuscle stands out in the realm of creature buff spells in MTG, much like the role Giant Growth has traditionally played in many decks. Both cards offer a temporary boost, however, Outmuscle comes with the added benefit of the fight mechanic, forcing two creatures to deal damage to one another. This not only enhances a creature’s size but can also clear the board of an opponent’s threat.

Titanic Growth serves a role parallel to Outmuscle with its ability to provide a significant power and toughness increase. While it lacks the fight aspect, it makes up for this with its lower mana cost and the surprise element it can bring during combat. Similarly, Prey Upon is a more direct comparison since it purely focuses on the fight mechanic between creatures but does not offer the strength enhancement that Outmuscle provides.

In sum, while each spell has its unique advantages in deck-building strategies, Outmuscle’s combination of buffing a creature and engaging in creature removal through its fight mechanic, potentially with the added protection of Adamant, adeptly balances board control with creature advancement in MTG.

Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Titanic Growth - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Titanic Growth - MTG Card versions
Prey Upon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Outmuscle by color, type and mana cost

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Eureka - MTG Card versions
Tsunami - MTG Card versions
Taste of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Splendid Genesis - MTG Card versions
Unyaro Bee Sting - MTG Card versions
Elven Cache - MTG Card versions
Bee Sting - MTG Card versions
Rejuvenate - MTG Card versions
Titania's Boon - MTG Card versions
Splinter - MTG Card versions
Pack Hunt - MTG Card versions
Reverent Silence - MTG Card versions
Creeping Mold - MTG Card versions
Nature's Resurgence - MTG Card versions
Invigorating Falls - MTG Card versions
Natural Order - MTG Card versions
Scapeshift - MTG Card versions
Reap and Sow - MTG Card versions
Fertile Imagination - MTG Card versions
Harmonize - MTG Card versions
Eureka - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Outmuscle not only helps remove an opposing creature but also often ensures your own creature survives the encounter due to the card’s +1/+1 counter application when played with adamant. This can create a significant swing in card advantage by preserving your resources while depleting your opponent’s.

Resource Acceleration: By potentially removing a blocker or a creature that could be a threat to your mana-producing creatures, Outmuscle indirectly accelerates your resource development. Keeping your mana dorks or other important creatures alive means more resources and potentially a quicker path to victory.

Instant Speed: While Outmuscle does not operate at instant speed, the advantage it provides during your main phase can set the stage for stronger plays at instant speed later in the game. It’s all about setting up a board state that allows you to capitalize on your instant speed spells without worry.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Outmuscle card does not necessitate a discard as part of casting it, which can be seen as a plus for conserving hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Outmuscle requires one green mana as part of its casting cost. Players running multi-color decks might find it challenging to consistently have the right mana at the right time, potentially leading to situations where Outmuscle is uncastable when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three and a green mana, Outmuscle can be seen as an investment, particularly when competing with other efficient removal spells within the same mana range. Other cards might provide more immediate or versatile board control for a similar or lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Outmuscle in Your Collection

Versatility: Outmuscle is a solid addition to green decks that focus on creature-based strategies. Its ability to act as both a removal and a combat trick makes it adaptable to various situations on the battlefield, enhancing your deck’s responsiveness against opponents.

Combo Potential: With Outmuscle, you can exploit synergies in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters. It can be effectively combined with cards that interact with counters or use them to empower creatures, further extending your strategic options during a game.

Meta-Relevance: As creature interactions are a core part of many meta-games, Outmuscle maintains its relevance. It serves as a practical tool in matchups where board control is vital, potentially swinging games in your favor by eliminating key threats while bolstering your own creatures’ survival.


How to beat

Outmuscle represents a solid piece of removal in Magic: The Gathering, offering the dual advantage of bolstering your creature and potentially clearing out an opponent’s threat. However, strategies exist to diminish Outmuscle’s impact. One such tactic involves maintaining a low creature count on your side, thereby minimizing Outmuscle’s targets for a fight. Another effective technique is running instant-speed removal or counterspells to disrupt the spell before it resolves, eliminating its capacity to affect the board.

Hexproof or indestructible creatures also serve as efficient foils to Outmuscle’s effectiveness. By deploying these types of creatures, you ensure that even if Outmuscle resolves, it fails to eliminate its intended target. Lastly, remember that Outmuscle requires a creature with power greater than that of the opponent’s creature for a successful elimination. Keeping higher-powered creatures on the board, or using combat tricks to increase power in response, can turn the tables on an Outmuscle attempt. In sum, clever deck construction and thoughtful in-game decisions can adeptly navigate the challenges posed by Outmuscle.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Outmuscle MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Outmuscle and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Outmuscle has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-10-04 Adamant effects check what mana was actually spent to cast a spell. If an effect allows you to spend mana “as though it were mana” of any color or type, that allows you to spend mana you couldn't otherwise spend, but it doesn't change what mana you spent to cast the spell.
2019-10-04 Because state-based actions don't destroy a creature with lethal damage marked on it until a player would receive priority, gaining indestructible from Outmuscle will save your creature if it's dealt lethal damage in the fight.
2019-10-04 If an effect allows you to cast a spell without paying its mana cost, you can't choose to cast it and pay unless another rule or effect allows you to cast that spell for a cost. Similarly, you can't waive a cost reduction unless that effect says you may.
2019-10-04 If an instant or sorcery spell has an adamant ability, you perform the spell's instructions in order. You don't perform the adamant instruction before the spell resolves or before any other effects printed above it.
2019-10-04 If either target is an illegal target as Outmuscle tries to resolve, neither creature will deal or be dealt damage.
2019-10-04 If the creature you control is an illegal target as Outmuscle tries to resolve, no creature gets a +1/+1 counter. If that creature is a legal target but the creature you don't control isn't, it still gets a +1/+1 counter and gains indestructible if appropriate.
2019-10-04 If you copy a spell that has an adamant ability, no mana was spent to cast the copy at all, so that ability won't apply.
2019-10-04 You can't cast Outmuscle unless you choose both a creature you control and a creature you don't control as targets.