Splatter Thug MTG Card
2012-10-05 - Number 105
2017-11-17 - Number 146
2019-02-15 - Number 58
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Abilities | First strike,Unleash |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
First strike Unleash (You may have this creature enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. It can't block as long as it has a +1/+1 counter on it.)
The mask isn't meant to hide his identity. It's meant to keep the viscera out of his eyes.
Cards like Splatter Thug
Within the diverse array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Splatter Thug offers an intriguing blend of aggression and resilience. Its semblance to other creatures like Fervent Cathar is undeniable. Both cards are red, cost three mana, and are poised to deal quick damage. Splatter Thug, however, boasts the Unleash ability, giving players the choice to have a beefier creature at the cost of blocking potential.
Comparisons can also be drawn with Gore-House Chainwalker, another creature with Unleash. The mana cost and power/toughness ratio are similar when both creatures are unleashed. Yet, Splatter Thug edges out with its base toughness, providing a slightly sturdier presence on the battlefield. Lastly, the comparison extends to Rakdos Cackler – a smaller yet efficient creature with Unleash. The Cackler’s low cost can be faster out of the gates, but Splatter Thug’s higher power level can make it more impactful in combat scenarios.
Assessing these creatures from the perspective of cost, power, and gameplay dynamics, Splatter Thug holds a solid position as a useful mid-game creature combining offensive capabilities with the flexibility to adapt to the board state.
Cards similar to Splatter Thug by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Splatter Thug may not directly provide card draw, its unleashed ability ensures it can serve as a consistently threatening presence on the battlefield. This enables you to pressure your opponent and potentially draw out key resources from their hand, subtly shifting the advantage your way.
Resource Acceleration: Splatter Thug fits snugly in aggressive decks that seek to maximize resource efficiency. Costing only three mana, it accelerates your game plan by getting a 3/3 creature on the board early. This allows players to capitalize on the tempo and push for board superiority without the need for substantial mana investment.
Instant Speed: While Splatter Thug itself is cast at sorcery speed, its contribution lies in how it meshes with instant-speed spells. Having a sturdy creature on the attack opens up strategic plays, enabling you to use your instant spells with more impact during the combat phase or on your opponent’s turn, maintaining momentum and keeping pressure high.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some creatures that offer strategic value upon entering the battlefield or when they die, the Splatter Thug does not give any card advantage or reward for its presence, potentially making it a less attractive option in situations where maintaining a full hand is key.
Specific Mana Cost: Splatter Thug’s casting cost demands both red and colorless mana, making it potentially difficult to play in multicolored decks that may not always have the right mana available at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Allocating three mana, including two that must be red, for a creature with its power level may not be as efficient as other creatures in the same cost range. This can affect how a deck is built and performs, especially in fast-paced games where maximizing mana use is crucial.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Splatter Thug brings flexibility to any red-centric deck, providing an option for aggressive strategies with his unleash ability that can turn him into a more potent attacker when needed.
Combo Potential: Beyond standalone aggression, this creature’s inherent power boost when unleashed can synergize with mechanics that pinpoint creatures with high power, opening up tactical plays across multiple red-based combo builds.
Meta-Relevance: Given the pace at which some formats evolve, the straight forward aggression offered by Splatter Thug can be pivotal, especially against decks that stumble on early defense, making it a relevant choice in games that reward early dominance on the battlefield.
How to beat
Splatter Thug is a formidable card that can pose a significant challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Known for its unleashed ability, it gives players the option to make it a more aggressive competitor at the cost of being unable to block. To effectively counter this creature, strategic thinking is crucial.
One of the keys to overcoming Splatter Thug is to utilize removal spells or effects that can bypass its increased power when unleashed. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder are quintessential answers that can remove this threat with little fuss. Alternatively, efficient blockers with deathtouch, such as Typhoid Rats, can deter a Splatter Thug from attacking, or equip your creature with instant-speed tricks to surprise your opponent during combat.
Controlling the pace of the game is also vital. Counterspells to prevent Splatter Thug from ever hitting the field and board wipes after it’s been unleashed can swing the momentum in your favor. Understanding when to trade creatures and how to leverage your life total as a resource against Splatter Thug’s aggression will ultimately help secure victory against this unruly creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Splatter Thug MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Iconic Masters, 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 Splatter Thug 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
Printings
The Splatter Thug Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 105 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 146 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 58 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Splatter Thug has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Splatter Thug card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | A creature with unleash can’t block if it has any +1/+1 counter on it, not just one put on it by the unleash ability. |
| 2013-04-15 | Putting a +1/+1 counter on a creature with unleash that’s already blocking won’t remove it from combat. It will continue to block. |
| 2013-04-15 | The unleash ability applies no matter where the creature is entering the battlefield from. |
| 2013-04-15 | You make the choice to have the creature with unleash enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter or not as it’s entering the battlefield. At that point, it’s too late for a player to respond to the creature spell by trying to counter it, for example. |