Savage Firecat MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Cat |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
| Number | 218 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dave Dorman |
Text of card
Trample Savage Firecat comes into play with seven +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever you tap a land for mana, remove a +1/+1 counter from Savage Firecat.
Cards like Savage Firecat
Savage Firecat traps a unique slot in the realm of creature cards available to Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. Its power can be likened to the formidable Ball Lightning, a creature known for its swift and impactful presence. Like Ball Lightning, Savage Firecat boasts a hefty attack capability. Nevertheless, what sets the Savage Firecat apart is its built-in trample ability, which empowers it to potentially deal excess damage to an opponent even when blocked.
Exploring further, we find creatures such as Spark Elemental that also share the principle of impactful, but short-lived battlefield dominance. However, it trades off longevity for an inexpensive summoning cost, unlike the Savage Firecat which requires a strategic build-up of resources to unlock its full potential. Another comparable card is Groundbreaker, which mirrors the hit-and-run strategy and trample trait, yet differentiates itself with its triple green mana requirement for a flash presence that can surprise an unprepared opponent.
The interplay of these choices highlights the depth in Magic: The Gathering’s roster of creatures. With Savage Firecat, players gain a mighty attacking asset that, with the right setup, can ignite a path to victory with its overwhelming power and resilience beyond a single turn.
Cards similar to Savage Firecat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Savage Firecat provides a significant presence on the battlefield. Though it doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its sheer strength forces opponents to answer it, potentially leading them to expend more resources than they would like.
Resource Acceleration: While the Savage Firecat itself doesn’t accelerate your mana resources, it synergizes well with cards that increase your mana production, allowing you to capitalize on its trample ability sooner and pay for its upkeep cost more comfortably.
Instant Speed: Savage Firecat’s ability to swing games can be further enhanced by pairing it with instant-speed spells that boost its power. This strategy can create unexpected threats during combat and apply pressure at crucial moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Savage Firecat demands you to discard a card from your hand when it comes into play. This prerequisite can set you back, especially when your hand is already depleted or when the discarded card is crucial to your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: To summon the Savage Firecat, you’re looking at a cost that’s not only demanding in terms of quantity but also specificity. The requirement for a particular combination of mana can strain your deck if not properly supported by the right lands or mana-producing spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in with a considerable mana investment, the Savage Firecat may compete for a slot against other creatures that offer immediate impact or require less mana. This can be unsettling during early game stages or when facing opponents applying early pressure.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Savage Firecat offers a dynamic play option for decks that thrive on maintaining a slim hand size. Its power scales with fewer cards in hand, making it a strong late-game play in strategies designed to empty their hand quickly.
Combo Potential: The card’s trample ability, when paired with spells or abilities that reduce your hand size, can lead to unexpectedly large damage swings. It’s an excellent pair with cards that have “Hellbent” or similar mechanics that reward having an empty hand.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where efficiency and high-impact creatures are key, Savage Firecat can be a surprise threat. Its scalability makes it relevant both in aggressive red decks and in those moments when you need a powerful creature to close out a game.
How to beat
The Savage Firecat is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, known for its potential for explosive damage thanks to its trample ability combined with a power that increases with each card drawn. Playing against it requires strategic removals and careful management of your own hand size.
Effective tactics involve using instant speed removal cards, which can be cast before the opponent’s draw step, thus preventing the Firecat from gaining those crucial power boosts. Ensuring you have enough blockers to mitigate the trample damage is also key, as is the ability to quickly rebuild your board after dealing with this fiery feline.
It’s also smart to employ cards that limit hand sizes or force discards, which can be particularly crippling to the Firecat’s power. By controlling the flow of the game and the size of both players’ hands, you can neutralize the Savage Firecat’s threat and maintain an advantage over your opponent. Successful mitigation of this MTG card’s strengths will certainly bolster your defensive strategy and pave the way to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Savage Firecat MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Savage Firecat 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Savage Firecat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |