Rootwater Commando MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Not only does the Rootwater Commando let you establish a presence on the board with a creature, but it also has utility abilities that can contribute to card advantage within specific decks built to capitalize on merfolk synergies or creature-based strategies. Being a part of strategic plays, it makes a useful addition to decks aiming to sustain a strong hand.

Resource Acceleration: While the Rootwater Commando itself doesn’t directly offer resource acceleration, its mere presence can aid strategies that revolve around the accumulation of tribal bonuses or signal the setup for powerful combo plays in merfolk decks. Its ability to fit into a low mana curve allows for swift deployment, paving the way for more intricate plays as the game progresses.

Instant Speed: Although Rootwater Commando is a creature and does not have instant speed, its interaction with other cards in a deck might enable flash-like effects or surprise tactics when combined with cards that facilitate instant speed plays. Its role in a deck can indirectly influence how effectively a player can respond to opponents’ threats at crucial moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The gameplay strategy of Rootwater Commando may involve a discard mechanism that isn’t always beneficial. In particular scenarios, especially when your hand is nearly emptied, the need to discard can be a limiting factor. Consequently, this could inadvertently stifle your momentum rather than aid it.

Specific Mana Cost: Rootwater Commando necessitates a precise mana investment. Its casting cost requires not only generic mana but also a dedicated amount of blue mana. This makes it a less flexible option in multicolor decks that might not consistently produce the necessary blue mana early in the game when quick deployment is crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In terms of mana efficiency, Rootwater Commando’s mana cost may be considered high relative to the impact it has on the game. Other cards in the same mana range potentially offer greater value or more significant board presence. This can cause the card to be overlooked during deck construction for more advantageous alternatives.

Reasons to Include Rootwater Commando in Your Collection

Versatility: Rootwater Commando, as a creature card, can be a solid addition to blue-based decks, particularly those that require a steady board presence. Its merfolk subtype allows for tribal synergies in decks that capitalize on these aquatic allies.

Combo Potential: While not the flashiest of cards, Rootwater Commando can be a piece in combos that hinge on creature counts or benefit from having a reliable three-power attacker or blocker in play, fitting into engine components that care about such characteristics.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where the early-to-mid game matters significantly, having reliable creatures like Rootwater Commando can help maintain board state against aggressive decks, or serve as an enabler for larger plays in the late game.

How to beat Rootwater Commando

Rootwater Commando may not be the most formidable card in a player’s deck, but it has its strengths that can be tricky to navigate. A Merfolk with the ability to move through your line of defense unnoticed due to islandwalk, it can become a threat if left unchecked. To counter this aquatic soldier, it’s important to control the battlefield through the removal of islands your opponent controls or by negating the islandwalk ability altogether. Enchantment removal spells or changing land types can diminish the Commando’s effectiveness.

Utilizing cards that revoke abilities or block regardless of abilities can neutralize the Commando. An early game removal can also be a crucial play, taking it out before your opponent has the opportunity to capitalize on its islandwalk. In essence, stay proactive and attentive to the board. Remember, being able to predict and disrupt your opponent’s strategy is just as important as advancing your own game plan. So, with the right counters in place, Rootwater Commando can be swiftly managed.