Saproling Burst MTG Card
2000-02-14 - Number 113
2000-08-02 - Number jk113
2001-08-08 - Number jt113
2014-06-16 - Number 230
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Abilities | Fading |
Text of card
Fading 7 Remove a fade counter from Saproling Burst: Put a green Saproling creature token into play. It has "This creature's power and toughness are each equal to the number of fade counters on Saproling Burst." When Saproling Burst leaves play, destroy all tokens put into play with Saproling Burst. They can't be regenerated.
Cards like Saproling Burst
Saproling Burst is a unique addition to the roster of creature creation cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card shares thematic similarities with Verdant Force, both manifesting the growth of Saproling creature tokens. Saproling Burst provides a rapid, albeit fleeting surge of token creatures with fading counters dictating their lifespan. Conversely, Verdant Force has a sturdier long-term presence, steadily populating the board with Saprolings at each upkeep.
Looking to another peer, Mycoloth demands a different strategy by devouring your own creatures to produce a potentially massive number of Saprolings. Although its approach to token generation is slower when compared to Saproling Burst’s immediate impact, it can lead to an overwhelming advantage if left unchecked. Then, we find Tendershoot Dryad, a card that not only consistently produces Saprolings but also boosts their potency under the right conditions.
While assessing the effectiveness of these cards in gameplay, it’s evident that Saproling Burst offers a powerful, short-term advantage, standing out in scenarios that benefit from a swift token onslaught. Its transient nature contrasts with the enduring token production of its counterparts, proving that in Magic: The Gathering, the diversity in card mechanics caters to a multitude of strategic playstyles.
Cards similar to Saproling Burst by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Saproling Burst. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gruul Aggro | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Saproling Burst’s ability to create multiple creature tokens can overwhelm the opponent and provide a substantial advantage. Each of these tokens can be a potential card on its own, effectively multiplying the resources you control on the battlefield without depleting your hand.
Resource Acceleration: The token generation from Saproling Burst can also serve as resource acceleration. With every new Saproling entering the field, your capacity to convoke or utilize abilities triggered by creature count significantly increases, paving the way for more strategic plays or the summoning of impactful spells earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: Although Saproling Burst works at sorcery speed, the flexibility its fading ability provides mimics instant-speed interaction. You can quickly adapt to your opponent’s actions by deciding when to create a new Saproling, allowing you to best manage the fading counters and the size of your Saproling tokens to optimize your tactical response.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: The ability to summon Saproling tokens efficiently hinges on the availability of green mana. If your deck doesn’t produce green mana reliably, Saproling Burst’s potential is significantly hindered.
Discard Requirement: Unlike other enchantments that offer continuous effects without additional costs, Saproling Burst may compel you to cycle through your hand faster to sustain the fading mechanic, potentially depleting valuable resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana to cast, Saproling Burst commands a substantial investment. This cost is especially steep considering its fading mechanic, which limits its longevity on the battlefield and thereby, its utility versus other long-term token generators.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Saproling Burst boasts an impressive level of adaptability for a variety of deck archetypes. It fits seamlessly into token strategies or decks focusing on +1/+1 counters, all the while providing a significant creature presence on the board.
Combo Potential: This enchantment has the potential to synergize with numerous engine cards. Pairing it with effects that manipulate counters or proliferate can lead to an explosive production of creature tokens, or utilize the fading mechanic for surprise interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where token generators are potent, Saproling Burst holds its ground. It teases the meta with a rapid clock and the ability to go wide quickly, which can be crucial in outpacing control decks or overwhelming combative opponents.
How to beat Saproling Burst
The Saproling Burst card in Magic: The Gathering offers a unique challenge. Its ability to create a flurry of Saproling creature tokens can quickly tip the scale in favor of the player who controls it. Coming prepared with removal or board wipes can be a key strategy when up against Saproling Burst. Cards such as Wrath of God or Damnation that can clear multiple creatures at once will dismantle the token army it produces.
Another approach is utilizing cards that can manipulate counters, since Saproling Burst loses a fade counter during each upkeep. Placing additional counters on it can shorten its life span, or you could remove counters to reduce the effectiveness of the created Saprolings. A card like Vampire Hexmage can entirely remove all the counters in a single action, neutralizing the immediate threat. It’s smart to play reactively and manage your removal resources efficiently when facing this growth card to ensure a tide-turning sweep of the board.
Ultimately, countering such a potentially game-ending enchantment requires a blend of preparedness, timing, and judicious use of control tools. Keeping these strategies in mind will help players effectively neutralize the explosive power of a Saproling Burst.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Saproling Burst MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis and World Championship Decks 2000, 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 Saproling Burst and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Saproling Burst Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-02-14 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Carl Critchlow.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-02-14 | Nemesis | NEM | 113 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow | |
| 2 | 2000-08-02 | World Championship Decks 2000 | WC00 | jk113 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Carl Critchlow | |
| 3 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | jt113 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Carl Critchlow | |
| 4 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 230 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Carl Critchlow |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Saproling Burst has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Saproling Burst card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Each token knows which Saproling Burst it came from. |