Mistform Warchief MTG Card


Mistform Warchief - Scourge
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Illusion
Released2003-05-26
Set symbol
Set nameScourge
Set codeSCG
Power 1
Toughness 3
Number43
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byGreg Hildebrandt

Key Takeaways

  1. As a tribal flex piece, Mistform Warchief seamlessly weaves into various creature types for strategic advantage.
  2. Its ability to cheapen Illusion creatures paves the way for a quicker, more oppressive board state.
  3. Changing creature types at instant speed, the Warchief adds a level of unpredictability in gameplay.

Text of card

Creature spells you play that share a creature type with Mistform Warchief cost less to play. : Mistform Warchief's type becomes the creature type of your choice until end of turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mistform Warchief provides a unique versatility in ably shifting its creature type to match the current need, effectively fitting into multiple tribe strategies and synergizing with various creature types. This enables smoother gameplay and potentially more powerful turns through enhanced tribal interactions – a subtle method for maintaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: This card, by virtue of its ability to discount the cost of other Illusion creatures, acts as a form of resource acceleration. Reducing the mana cost of creature spells can significantly speed up the pace at which you play your threats, thus applying pressure on your opponent more quickly.

Instant Speed: With the capability to change its creature type at instant speed, Mistform Warchief can adapt to surprises during an opponent’s turn or avoid removal by becoming a creature type your opponent might not anticipate, all without having to wait for your own turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mistform Warchief demands that you hold other Illusion cards to fully utilize its abilities, which can lead to a discard dilemma when your hand runs low.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring one blue mana, Mistform Warchief is primarily suited for blue-centered decks, potentially limiting its flexibility in multi-color deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana including one blue, Mistform Warchief may compete for the mana slot with other impactful three-mana creatures and spells, which could offer immediate board presence or effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mistform Warchief offers flexible utility, allowing you to adapt to a myriad of situations on the battlefield. Its ability to change creature types can integrate seamlessly into tribal decks, tapping into various synergies and buffs.

Combo Potential: This card harbors synergy possibilities for players who enjoy intricate combo plays. Its cost reduction for other Illusion spells combined with its shapeshifting ability opens the door for creative and potentially game-ending combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors tribal decks, the Warchief can be particularly potent. Its potential to slide into any tribal lineup and cut the costs of key creatures while masquerading as any creature type makes it a strong choice for decks looking to exploit the best tribal interactions.


How to beat

Mistform Warchief offers an intriguing dynamic to creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Its unique ability reduces the casting cost of other Illusion creatures, providing a significant advantage in tribal decks. However, this advantage can be mitigated. Knowing the right tactics can turn the tide of the battle against this shifty shapeshifter.

To effectively counter Mistform Warchief, it’s essential to disrupt its tribal synergy. Targeted removal spells are highly effective, as they can eliminate the Warchief before the cost-reduction effect becomes overwhelmingly advantageous. Another strategy involves leveraging board wipes to clear multiple creatures, including the Warchief, preventing the accumulation of a daunting Illusion army. Moreover, including spells that prevent creature abilities from activating or that punish the opponent for playing creatures can diminish the Warchief’s impact.

Utilizing these approaches skillfully will ensure that Mistform Warchief’s influence is short-lived, maintaining the pace of the game in your favor. In recognizing and preparing for the potential threats this card presents, players can weave a strategy that nullifies its strengths while capitalizing on its vulnerabilities.


Cards like Mistform Warchief

Mistform Warchief is a unique card within the vast array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. When considering its role, cards such as Adaptive Automaton come to mind. Just like Mistform Warchief, Adaptive Automaton is also a tribal lord, empowering creatures of a chosen type. Both cards carry the utility of fluidly fitting into various tribal decks, facilitating synergy amongst creatures sharing a type.

Another card that echoes the adaptability of Mistform Warchief is Brass Herald. While Brass Herald offers a boost in power and toughness, Mistform Warchief distinguishes itself with its cost-reduction ability for creatures of the chosen type, easing the summoning of larger tribal creatures earlier in the game. Yet, Brass Herald’s on-cast scry for more creatures of the chosen type shouldn’t be overlooked, offering valuable deck manipulation intertwined with its tribal enhancement.

Ultimately, Mistform Warchief’s versatile role as both an enabler for tribal strategies and a cost reducer sets a noteworthy benchmark in its category. It supports a proactive game plan, allowing for an accelerated deployment of tribal creatures, which can be a significant advantage in creature-centric decks.

Adaptive Automaton - MTG Card versions
Brass Herald - MTG Card versions
Adaptive Automaton - Magic 2012 (M12)
Brass Herald - Apocalypse (APC)

Cards similar to Mistform Warchief by color, type and mana cost

Wall of Water - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Apprentice Wizard - MTG Card versions
Homarid - MTG Card versions
Wall of Air - MTG Card versions
Daring Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Cloud Elemental - MTG Card versions
Time Elemental - MTG Card versions
Reef Pirates - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Shaman - MTG Card versions
Wind Drake - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions
Clam Session - MTG Card versions
Stronghold Biologist - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Wall - MTG Card versions
Phantom Warrior - MTG Card versions
Wormfang Drake - MTG Card versions
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions
Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions
Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - MTG Card versions
Wall of Water - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Prodigal Sorcerer - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Apprentice Wizard - The Dark (DRK)
Homarid - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Wall of Air - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Daring Apprentice - Mirage (MIR)
Cloud Elemental - Visions (VIS)
Time Elemental - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Reef Pirates - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Rootwater Shaman - Tempest (TMP)
Wind Drake - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Volrath's Shapeshifter - Stronghold (STH)
Clam Session - Unglued (UGL)
Stronghold Biologist - Nemesis (NEM)
Quicksilver Wall - Prophecy (PCY)
Phantom Warrior - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Wormfang Drake - Judgment (JUD)
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - Commander Legends (CMR)
Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mistform Warchief MTG card by a specific set like Scourge, 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 Mistform Warchief and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mistform Warchief has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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