Rothga, Bonded Engulfer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Phyrexian Beast |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Released | 2023-02-28 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Phyrexia |
| Set code | YONE |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 14 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tuan Duong Chu |
Text of card
Trample When Rothga, Bonded Engulfer enters the battlefield, you get a boon with "When you cast your next creature spell, it perpetually gets +X/+X, where X is its power."
Cards like Rothga, Bonded Engulfer
Rothga, Bonded Engulfer represents a powerhouse in the world of creature spells, bearing resemblance to many formidable cards yet retaining its unique edge. When paralleled with Ghalta, Primal Hunger, Rothga shines in its ability to grow through its devour ability, rather than depending purely on the power of other creatures you control. Unlike Ghalta’s fixed power and toughness, Rothga’s potential size can be staggering, turning it into a sizeable threat on the battlefield.
Evaluating it against Boneyard Mycodrax, which scales in power and toughness according to the number of creature cards in your graveyard, Rothga’s devour mechanic offers a different tactical approach. The immediacy of powering up Rothga during its entry to the playfield provides a pivotal spike in its strength whereas Mycodrax’s power adjusts over the course of the game. It’s a contrast in strategy, with Rothga potentially swinging in with massive damage early on.
All in all, when considered against its counterparts, Rothga, Bonded Engulfer’s adaptability and the bold statement it makes when it lands suggest that it could be a game-changer in decks that capitalize on sacrificing creatures for a greater payoff.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Rothga, Bonded Engulfer. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Stompy | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Mono-Green Ramp | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rothga, Bonded Engulfer thrives in card advantage by allowing players to engulf an opponent’s key creature or strategically clear the path for their own attacking forces, thus gaining upper hand through board presence.
Resource Acceleration: This card can potentially accelerate your resources when it comes into play. By engulfing creatures with tokens or related effects, it may unlock synergies and interactions that burgeon your position in the game rapidly.
Instant Speed: The capacity to activate its engulf ability at instant speed provides a distinct tactical advantage. It enables you to adapt to the battlefield on the fly and disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn, keeping them on their toes and unable to settle into a comfortable game plan.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Rothga, Bonded Engulfer necessitates parting ways with another card from your hand to unleash its potential, an exchange that could deplete your strategic options, especially when your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Its casting comes with the demand for specific mana types, a requisite that may not align with the flexibility of multi-colored mana bases, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can reliably meet its color needs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The resource investment required to bring Rothga into play is significant. For the same cost, the pool of MTG cards offers alternatives that may deliver value more efficiently, or fit into the curve of your deck with greater ease.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Rothga, Bonded Engulfer can adapt to a wide range of strategies with its ability to manipulate both power levels and the graveyard. This makes it a versatile addition reliable in different types of game plans.
Combo Potential: This card has the potential to act as a lynchpin in combo decks, particularly those that revolve around graveyard synergies or necessitate large creatures to trigger certain effects.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where large creatures and graveyard interactions are prevalent, Rothga fits well by offering both a hefty body and strategic graveyard control, making it relevant in various meta scenarios.
How to beat
Rothga, Bonded Engulfer is one of those creatures in Magic: The Gathering that demands immediate attention the moment it hits the battlefield. Its ability to grow stronger each time it devours another creature makes it a looming threat. To outmaneuver Rothga, removal spells that can handle large creatures are essential. Enchantment-based removals like Pacifism can neutralize Rothga without triggering any leave-the-battlefield effects. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God, can reset the battlefield, dealing with Rothga and any other minions in one fell swoop.
Counterspells also play a critical role in keeping Rothga in check. By preventing the creature from entering the battlefield in the first place, you ensure that you don’t have to deal with its threatening presence. Efficient counters like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto provide a clean and sure way to thwart Rothga’s plans. Additionally, engaging in combat with creatures that have deathtouch or those that can assign their damage directly to the player can pressurize your opponent, forcing them to make unfavorable blocks with Rothga, leading to its demise.
Tactical removal and preemptive counters are your best bet in shutting down Rothga, Bonded Engulfer before it becomes an insurmountable problem on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rothga, Bonded Engulfer MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Phyrexia, 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 Rothga, Bonded Engulfer 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rothga, Bonded Engulfer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |