Packsong Pup MTG Card


Generates card advantage through Clue tokens and has resource acceleration via +1/+1 counters. Instant speed growth allows for surprise tactics, altering combat in your favor. While versatile and combo-friendly, it requires careful deck construction to maximize potential.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Wolf
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

At the beginning of combat on your turn, if you control another Wolf or Werewolf, put a +1/+1 counter on Packsong Pup. When Packsong Pup dies, you gain life equal to its power.

A wolf pup is always dangerous, because a wolf pup is never alone.


Cards like Packsong Pup

Packsong Pup is a card that stands out for fans of creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It’s closely related to other green creatures like Wild Nacatl, which also gains power as you control other lands or creatures of a specific type. What makes the Pup unique, though, is its pack mentality—enhancing its strength as you control more wolves or werewolves, which is a trait not shared by the Nacatl.

Another relative in this pack is Scavenging Ooze. The Ooze thrives on graveyards, growing stronger while simultaneously disrupting the opponent. While Packong Pup doesn’t interact with the graveyard, it does have an advantage with its potential to bolster the entire team of wolves and werewolves, a feat the Ooze cannot accomplish. Lastly, consider Tarmogoyf, a powerhouse in green that scales with the variety of card types in all graveyards. Unlike Packong Pup, Tarmogoyf isn’t tribal-focused and provides value based on the overall game state, not just the creatures you control.

Looking at the eco-system of MTG creature cards, Packong Pup may be perceived as a niche choice, yet it’s one that offers substantial rewards in a tribal wolves/werewolves deck, contributing to a specific and focused gameplay strategy.

Wild Nacatl - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Tarmogoyf - MTG Card versions
Wild Nacatl - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Tarmogoyf - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Packsong Pup by color, type and mana cost

Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
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Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Utopia Tree - MTG Card versions
Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions
Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
Oran-Rief Survivalist - MTG Card versions
Vine Trellis - MTG Card versions
Wyluli Wolf - MTG Card versions
Whirling Dervish - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
Muscle Sliver - MTG Card versions
Utopia Tree - MTG Card versions
Bloodline Shaman - MTG Card versions
Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
Oran-Rief Survivalist - MTG Card versions
Vine Trellis - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Packsong Pup offers a pathway to boost your hand by producing Clue tokens whenever you control four or more creatures with different powers, optimizing your ability to maintain pressure on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: This card helps ramp up your resources by potentially placing a +1/+1 counter on itself or another target creature you control, modifier that can synergize with other creatures’ abilities or set up for more formidable attacks ahead.

Instant Speed: Packsong Pup can be quite a surprise factor, as its ability to grow is not limited to your own turn. The flexibility to increase its power at instant speed, during an opponent’s turn, can affect combat outcomes unexpectedly, giving you tactical leverage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Packsong Pup encourages a build around a pack, it’s beneficial to note that maintaining a full pack to maximize its prowess could be challenging in gameplay that often demands cards be used or discarded for other strategic advances.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailored to fit into green-centric decks, Packsong Pup has a mana cost that requires one green mana. Though this is manageable, it narrows deck flexibility, especially in formats that favor multicolor decks over mono-green.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its initial stats and effects, the three mana cost for Packsong Pup can be steep against faster, low-cost creatures that establish board presence more quickly. Savvy players often weigh this when considering the pup’s role in their deck’s curve.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Packsong Pup is a flexible addition to any MTG player’s collection. As a two-cost creature, it’s easily slotted into a variety of decks, from aggressive builds that capitalize on its growing strength each turn, to midrange decks that utilize its creature type for tribal synergies.

Combo Potential: This card has significant combo potential as it grows stronger with each creature that enters the battlefield under your control. This can be exploited in decks that flood the board with tokens, pairing Packsong Pup with cards that summon multiple creatures to quickly amass a formidable presence.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-heavy decks prevail, Packsong Pup shines. Its ability to escalate its power gives it an edge against opponents, making it an apt choice for adapting to and excelling within the current meta.


How to beat

Packsong Pup emerges as a formidable player in the MTG card array, capably growing its power with each attacking Dog you control. This growth potential makes it a card worth concentrating on in game strategies. To successfully navigate against this card, focus on removing it early in the game. Utilize spells like Shock or Fatal Push to eliminate it before it can accumulate counters and become more challenging to deal with.

Control decks have an advantage here, as they can counter the Pup’s deployment itself with spells like Essence Scatter. In case the Pup has already established its presence, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Doomskar effectively reset the board, mitigating any advantage the Pup’s controller might have gleaned. If you can outpace the creature’s growth by setting up stronger defenses or applying constant pressure, the impact of the Packsong Pup can be significantly lessened.

Appreciating the interconnected nature of Pack tactics relies on recognizing that the Pup’s strength is additive — and without a pack, it is just a solitary creature. By disrupting the synergies, denying the canine cohort space to grow, and keeping the board clear, you undercut its power, ensuring your strategy remains unshaken.


BurnMana Recommendations

Now that you’ve uncovered the strengths and limitations of Packsong Pup, it’s clear that this card can be a valuable asset in the right deck. Utilizing Packsong Pup to its full potential means embracing its pack synergies, leveraging creature diversity, and enhancing board presence. Embrace the growth and adaptability it offers. If you’re eager to refine your strategies, harness the synergy between various creatures, and keep a step ahead in the evolving meta, furthering your knowledge is key. Dive deeper with us into the strategic play of MTG and add more depth to your gameplay. Let Packsong Pup lead you to a stronger deck. Discover more tips and tricks to optimize your MTG experience with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Packsong Pup MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow 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 Packsong Pup and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Packsong Pup Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by April Prime.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 2132015NormalBlackApril Prime
22022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 4802015NormalBlackApril Prime
32022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 7032015NormalBlackApril Prime

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Packsong Pup has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-11-19 Packsong Pup gets only one +1/+1 counter as its first ability resolves, no matter how many other Wolf or Werewolf creatures you control.