Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Werewolf Horror |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Released | 2016-07-22 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Eldritch Moon |
| Set code | EMN |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 142 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zack Stella |
Text of card
When Smoldering Werewolf enters the battlefield, it deals 1 damage to each of up to two target creatures. : Transform Smoldering Werewolf.
"Never thought I'd see the day I'd be wishing to see just a plain old werewolf." —Raf Gyel of the Quiver of Kessig
Cards like Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf
The versatility of the Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf card in MTG makes for an interesting point of comparison against other transforming creatures. Much like the classic werewolf cards, Smoldering Werewolf affords players a dual utility – starting as a creature capable of dealing damage upon entry, then evolving into an even more formidable beast with the potential for overwhelming power.
Take Breakneck Rider // Neck Breaker as a parallel; it too transforms but harnesses a different set of abilities, boosting other attacking creatures instead of dealing direct damage. The aspect of surprise with Smoldering Werewolf is matched by the strategy afforded by Breakneck Rider’s inspiring effect on the battlefield when flipped. Another creature worth noting is Gatstaf Arsonists // Gatstaf Ravagers, which begins with a hefty power and brings forth even greater strength upon transformation, but lacks the immediate impact Smoldering Werewolf has when it enters the fray.
When analyzing transformational dynamics and immediate board presence, the duality of Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf offers a unique blend of initial damage and subsequent powerhouse potential, ensuring its place as a compelling choice among MTG flipping creatures.
Cards similar to Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf provides a unique advantage as it can deal damage to multiple creatures upon entering the battlefield. This ability potentially removes smaller threats from the board, keeping your hand full while diminishing your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: While the card itself does not directly accelerate resources, its dual-faced nature lets you play Smoldering Werewolf initially and then upgrade to Erupting Dreadwolf later. This second form’s power increase does not require additional card investment, effectively saving resources while enhancing your board presence.
Instant Speed: Though Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf operates at sorcery speed, its flip mechanic can be a game-changer during your turn. The surprise transformation can catch an opponent off guard, disrupt their strategy, and swing the momentum in your favor, much like instant-speed interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf demands a transform trigger, requiring an additional step for optimization which could be cumbersome when aiming for streamlined play.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost necessitates both red and generic mana, potentially restricting its inclusion in multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of four, this card competes with other impactful four-drop creatures and spells across various MTG formats, which could make it a less favorable choice during deck construction.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf offers dynamic gameplay as it can adjust to various game stages. Initially, it can serve as a creature control tool, and after transformation, it becomes a considerable threat on the board.
Combo Potential: Its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield makes it a key piece in combinations aiming to manipulate creature states while also escalating to a powerful attacker after flipping into Erupting Dreadwolf.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf proves to be particularly efficient. Its dual-functionality allows it to stay relevant and impactful across different meta shifts.
How to beat
When facing the double-faced menace of Smoldering Werewolf and its transformed version, Erupting Dreadwolf, strategy is key to overcoming this fiery foe. This creature card initially enters the battlefield eager to scorch small foes with its ‘When this creature enters the battlefield, it deals 1 damage to up to two target creatures’ ability. The cunning MTG player must therefore avoid playing creatures with a single toughness or ensure they are able to withstand a sudden flare-up.
Preventing its transformation into Erupting Dreadwolf is crucial—this more formidable form threatens with a potent ability to deal 2 damage to our opponent or a planeswalker if we attack with two or more wolves or werewolves. This demands a quick and decisive answer. Utilize removal spells efficiently, as timing is essential. Spells like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can exile Smoldering Werewolf before it transforms, sidestepping the larger threat altogether. Alternatively, deploying creatures with reach or flying can keep Erupting Dreadwolf in check, blunting its offensive capabilities on the battlefield.
Play wisely, and you will extinguish this card’s threat, maintaining control over the game’s pace and safeguarding your chances for victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon, 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 Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smoldering Werewolf // Erupting Dreadwolf card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | Erupting Dreadwolf’s triggered ability resolves before blockers are chosen. A creature dealt lethal damage this way won’t be around to block. |
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |
| 2016-07-13 | If you transform Smoldering Werewolf into Erupting Dreadwolf after it has attacked, Erupting Dreadwolf’s triggered ability won’t trigger that combat. |