Ruthless Instincts MTG Card

Offering dual utility, Ruthless Instincts can boost a creature’s power or turn it into a blocker. The card allows for instant flexibility, adapting to in-game circumstances to gain an edge. Despite its higher cost, its surprise factor can significantly alter the course of a game.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2015-01-23
Set symbol
Set name	Fate Reforged
Set code	FRF
Number	136
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Lius Lasahido

Text of card

Choose one — • Target nonattacking creature gains reach and deathtouch until end of turn. Untap it. • Target attacking creature gets +2/+2 and gains trample until end of turn.

A single battle affects countless others.

Cards like Ruthless Instincts

Ruthless Instincts is an intriguing card within the pantheon of instant tricks available to Magic: The Gathering players favoring a green strategy. At a glance, it may remind seasoned players of cards like Titanic Growth or Larger Than Life, which similarly swell a creature’s power and toughness. Ruthless Instincts, however, offers a unique touch by also granting reach or untapping a creature, adding a dose of flexibility.

Where it stands out is in its defensive applications as well. Take Sheltering Word for example—while it provides a creature with a protective boost in toughness and lifegain, Ruthless Instincts edges out with its additional offensive utility. Then, considering cards like Hunters’ Prowess, Ruthless Instincts lacks the card draw but compensates with a lower cost and the element of surprise, being usable on the opponent’s turn.

Each of these cards serves a distinct role within their respective game plans, but it’s pretty clear how Ruthless Instincts carves its niche, offering a multifaceted tool that can adapt to various situations on the battlefield, making it a unique choice for players looking to mix aggression with tactical defense.

Cards similar to Ruthless Instincts by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unlike many combat tricks, Ruthless Instincts offers a choice, potentially leading to card efficiency by either neutralizing an attacking creature or strengthening your board position if you choose to untap and pump your own creature.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources, this card can significantly shift momentum in your favor. By allowing a creature to dodge removal or survive combat, you maintain key pieces on the board, indirectly preserving your resources.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Ruthless Instincts grants you the flexibility to adapt to combat developments on the fly. You can surprise an opponent by turning what seems like a favorable attack for them into a disadvantageous exchange or by giving your creature the edge it needs at a crucial moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Ruthless Instincts doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded, it’s important to account for cards in your hand that serve as potential plays. Misjudging the need for this instant can lead to missed opportunities with other cards that could have been played instead.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green mana and two additional generic mana, the card demands a commitment to green mana sources. This may not seamlessly fit into decks that are not green-heavy or multicolored decks needing flexible mana for various spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Ruthless Instincts is on the higher side for an instant that provides either a creature boost or a defensive twist. Players may find other cards that offer similar effects or better versatility at a lower mana cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ruthless Instincts stands out as a card that adapts to various situations on the battlefield. It can give your creature a sudden boost in defense or offense, making it a handy tool whether you’re on the verge of defeat or close to victory.

Combo Potential: This card can lead to effective combos in green-focused decks. Not only can it serve as a combat trick by giving a creature deathtouch to eliminate an attacker, but it can also turn an unsuspecting creature into a significant damage-dealer with its untap and +2/+2 features during opponents’ turns.

Meta-Relevance: The ability to surprise an opponent with an instant speed trick like Ruthless Instincts keeps the card relevant, especially in metas where combat plays a crucial role. It can easily fit into decks that thrive on creature-based strategies, providing both a defensive and aggressive edge.

How to beat Ruthless Instincts

Ruthless Instincts stands out as a unique combat trick in Magic: The Gathering, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. To outmaneuver this card, one must be adept at predicting an opponent’s moments of vulnerability. Unlike more straightforward cards, Ruthless Instincts can turn the tides by untapping a target creature and either giving it reach and +2/+2 if it’s blocking, or deathtouch and +2/+2 if it’s attacking.

One effective counterplay is to maintain open mana for instant-speed removal. This preparation allows you to respond to the casting of Ruthless Instincts by removing the targeted creature before the spell resolves. Additionally, cards that prohibit the untapping of creatures can render Ruthless Instincts ineffective. It’s important to consider the mana your opponent has available, as the three mana cost of Ruthless Instincts may result in a temporary resource gap that can be exploited. A well-timed countermagic can also be invaluable, neutralizing Ruthless Instincts before it ever impacts the board.

Overall, while Ruthless Instincts can provide a surprising advantage in combat, careful planning and strategic use of instant-speed spells can ensure your strategy isn’t derailed by this versatile card.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ruthless Instincts MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged, 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 Ruthless Instincts and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ruthless Instincts has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-11-24	If you choose the first mode, the target creature must not be attacking. However, it can attack later in the turn.