Sawtusk Demolisher MTG Card


Sawtusk Demolisher provides card advantage by destroying noncreature permanents and generating a Beast token. Essential to creature-based strategies, it falls short when played without creatures or in multicolor decks. Combining its removal ability with creature upgrades, it represents a versatile tool in many MTG matches.
Sawtusk Demolisher - Commander 2020
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Beast
Abilities Mutate,Trample
Released2020-04-17
Set symbol
Set nameCommander 2020
Set codeC20
Power 6
Toughness 6
Number64
Frame2015
LayoutMutate
BorderBlack
Illustred byAaron Miller

Text of card

Mutate (If you cast this spell for its mutate cost, put it over or under target non-Human creature you own. They mutate into the creature on top plus all abilities from under it.) Trample Whenever this creature mutates, destroy target noncreature permanent. Its controller creates a 3/3 green Beast creature token.


Cards like Sawtusk Demolisher

Sawtusk Demolisher finds its niche within the world of creature-based removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often paralleled with the likes of Terastodon, which offers a strong resemblance with its ability to destroy noncreature permanents. Yet, Sawtusk Demolisher brings a unique twist with its mutate ability, allowing players to not only remove an opponent’s permanent but to also upgrade an existing creature on their battlefield, signaling a dual threat.

Also within this sphere is Acidic Slime. This card bears the deathtouch keyword and achieves a similar goal by destroying target artifacts, enchantments, or lands. However, Acidic Slime lacks the mutate feature and has a lower power level, lacking the potential for explosive board presence that Sawtusk Demolisher provides when merged with another creature. While Sawtusk Demolisher has a higher mana cost, the utility and board impact it carries often justifies the investment for many players.

In evaluating Sawtusk Demolisher against its counterparts, this card shows a formidable balance between creature enhancement and noncreature permanent removal, offering a unique and varied strategic approach in gameplay, setting it apart in the MTG ecosystem.

Terastodon - MTG Card versions
Acidic Slime - MTG Card versions
Terastodon - MTG Card versions
Acidic Slime - MTG Card versions

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Autumn Willow - MTG Card versions
Ancient Silverback - MTG Card versions
Sulam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Nemata, Grove Guardian - MTG Card versions
Gang of Elk - MTG Card versions
Kavu Howler - MTG Card versions
Crashing Centaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Warthog - MTG Card versions
Rhox - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions
Terra Stomper - MTG Card versions
Feral Throwback - MTG Card versions
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Elvish Aberration - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sawtusk Demolisher shines in scenarios where you want to establish a commanding presence on the board. When you mutate onto a creature, you not only get a powerful body in play but you also get to destroy a target noncreature permanent. This naturally leads to card advantage as you take out your opponent’s resources while developing your own.

Resource Acceleration: The aftermath of the demolisher’s entry doesn’t stop at sheer destruction. Each time you successfully mutate, it creates a 3/3 green Beast creature token which can bolster your offensive line-up or become essential blockers. These additional creatures can be instrumental in ramping up your power on the board rapidly, applying pressure with a growing creature army.

Instant Speed: While Sawtusk Demolisher itself isn’t an instant, the mechanic of mutate can be applied at instant speed if the creature being mutated has flash. Combining Sawtusk Demolisher with flash-enabled creatures can catch opponents off-guard, allowing for tactical plays that undermine their strategies at crucial moments during the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As a mutate card, Sawtusk Demolisher requires creatures on the battlefield to be effective. Without a target for its mutate ability, it remains a card with unmet potential, akin to having to discard it due to lack of use.

Specific Mana Cost: With its specific need for green mana, Sawtusk Demolisher doesn’t fit as easily into multi-color decks as more flexible options. This can hinder deck building, especially for those looking to integrate multiple color synergies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to cast Sawtusk Demolisher is considerable. In the six-mana slot, players might find that other creatures or spells could provide more immediate board presence or value, especially in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sawtusk Demolisher is a dynamic card that can be pivotal in various deck archetypes. Due to its mutate ability, it enables numerous interactions and fits seamlessly into creature-based decks needing a boost in impacting the board state.

Combo Potential: When playing Sawtusk Demolisher, its ability to destroy noncreature permanents upon mutation can be exploited for repeated advantage. Combined with cards that return creatures to hand or library, it can form powerful loops that continuously clear opponents’ threats.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to handle a wide range of problematic permanents, Sawtusk Demolisher holds its own in diverse metagames. It’s particularly useful when enchantments, artifacts, or planeswalkers dominate the field, making it a smart choice for keeping decks competitive.


How to Beat Sawtusk Demolisher

Dealing with the Sawtusk Demolisher in your Magic the Gathering matches requires a well-thought-out strategy. This powerful beast brings the impactful mutate ability to the table, which can turn the tide of the game by destroying your opponent’s permanents. However, there are effective ways to overcome it. Instant speed removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Heartless Act can disrupt the mutate stack before the abilities trigger. This preemptive approach can be invaluable, as it prevents your opponent from gaining the upper hand with additional creature presence or beneficial triggers.

Another effective strategy is to maintain a strong board presence with creatures that can block Sawtusk Demolisher or any mutated creature pile it might create. By keeping blockers with high toughness or those with abilities that negate combat damage, you can minimize the impact of the Demolisher’s attacks. Additionally, running cards that can exile graveyards like Relic of Progenitus or Scavenging Ooze will prevent your opponent from recasting creatures using graveyard synergies, which is a common tactic in decks that feature mutate mechanics.

Remember, staying vigilant about your opponent’s board and being ready to disrupt their plans is crucial when facing off against cards that carry as much weight as the Sawtusk Demolisher. Mastering these tactics will greatly enhance your resilience against such formidable opponents.


BurnMana Recommendations

Magic the Gathering enthusiasts keen on building dominating board states will find the Sawtusk Demolisher a worthy addition to their decks. Its ability to clear the way for victory while mutating to strengthen your line-up can be quite the game-changer. This duality supports varied gameplay, simultaneously elevating creature potency and hampering foes. Remember, its advantages can be substantially amplified in specific deck builds focused on creature-based strategies and recurring mutation. If you’re looking to refine your deck’s competitive edge or curious about incorporating this potent creature into your arsenal, delve into our resources. Discover in-depth strategies, card analyses, and advanced play tips that can transform your MTG experience and guide you to thrilling triumphs on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sawtusk Demolisher MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2020, 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 Sawtusk Demolisher and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sawtusk Demolisher has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-04-17 If the target noncreature permanent is an illegal target by the time Sawtusk Demolisher’s last ability tries to resolve, the ability won’t resolve. No player will create a Beast token. If the target is legal but not destroyed (most likely because it has indestructible), its controller does create a Beast token.