Pack's Betrayal MTG Card
2021-09-24 - Number 153
2022-01-28 - Number 153
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Scry |
Text of card
Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gains haste until end of turn. If you control a Wolf or Werewolf, scry 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)
Tovolar's howl of command was too much to resist, even for Arlinn's own loyal pack.
Cards like Pack's Betrayal
Pack’s Betrayal brings a unique twist to the manipulation of creature control within Magic: The Gathering. It threads a line close to that of Act of Treason, which also grants temporary control of an opponent’s creature. While Pack’s Betrayal does this as well, it enhances the mechanic by adding a layer of strategy with the possibility of gaining a creature permanently if certain conditions are met.
Comparatively, we have Harness by Force, which expands on the same idea but varies with its Strive ability allowing players to target multiple creatures for additional costs. This can be a game-changer during multiplayer engagements or when facing decks with numerous threats. Then there is Ray of Command, which despite being older and at instant speed, only offers short-term creature control without the potential for permanent conversion that Pack’s Betrayal offers.
Each option carries its merits and fits differently into the array of strategies players deploy. Nevertheless, Pack’s Betrayal stands out by striking a balance between immediate impact and long-term advantage, situating it as a card with a powerful stance in the realm of creature commandeering cards in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Pack's Betrayal by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pack’s Betrayal can turn the tides in a match by giving you control of an opponent’s creature. This not only removes a threat from the opposing side but also potentially adds it to your own, essentially offering a two-for-one advantage that can pressure your opponent both offensively and defensively.
Resource Acceleration: By gaining temporary command of an additional creature, you effectively accelerate your board presence without expending resources from your hand. This can lead to a more substantial position on the battlefield, enabling you to outpace your opponent in terms of both threats and available options.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Pack’s Betrayal at instant speed adds an element of surprise and versatility. Use it to disrupt an opponent’s combat strategy, or as a timely response to incoming threats during their turn. Being able to act on your opponent’s move often leads to advantageous trades or unforeseen wins in combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pack’s Betrayal imposes a discard condition upon casting. For players enduring a tight match with minimal cards in hand, this trade-off could lead to a detrimental loss of hand advantage, impairing strategic flexibility and future plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card asks for a precise mana arrangement that includes both black and another color, which could restrict its integration to decks that are prepared to generate such a mana combination consistently, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Bearing a higher mana value, Pack’s Betrayal may not be the optimal choice compared to other options within the same bracket. Players might ponder alternative cards that could present more cost-effective solutions or generate greater value for the same investment, especially when examining the card’s ultimate impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Pack’s Betrayal in Your Collection
Versatility: Pack’s Betrayal offers the ability to disrupt your opponent’s board presence, which can be beneficial in various deck types. Whether you’re looking to clear potential blockers or remove key synergistic creatures, this card can seamlessly fit into multiple strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can be a lynchpin in combo decks, enabling you to hijack an opponent’s combo piece temporarily. Besides, it works well with sacrifice effects or permanent control change mechanics, adding layers to your own game plan.
Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts towards creature-based tactics, having Pack’s Betrayal can tilt the scales in your favor mid-game. It’s especially relevant in metas where taking control of an opponent’s threats can lead to quick turnarounds and unexpected wins.
How to beat Pack’s Betrayal
Pack’s Betrayal is gaining traction among MTG players for its disruptive capability, effectively turning an opponent’s creature against them. It’s these sudden shifts in board control that can toss a wrench into well-laid plans. To effectively neutralize this card, focus on having a line-up of creatures with hexproof or protection from spells. These attributes make your creatures immune to being targeted by such treachery.
Alternatively, cards that grant you control of your own creatures can be a safeguard against this kind of betrayal. Look at instant-speed spells or abilities that can either counter or sacrifice your creature in response, to deny opponents the satisfaction and advantage of commandeering your forces. Involving cards with sacrifice effects could also work to your benefit, making the prospect of stealing your creatures less appealing to your opponents.
In essence, being prepared with a range of defensive tactics and having a good read on the game state can keep you one step ahead. Your collection should include tools to prevent or at least mitigate the impact of Pack’s Betrayal, ensuring your creatures fight for your cause—and only yours.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pack's Betrayal MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Pack's Betrayal 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
Printings
The Pack's Betrayal Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Sam Rowan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-09-24 | Innistrad: Midnight Hunt | MID | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Rowan | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Rowan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pack's Betrayal has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |