Sporeback Troll MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Troll Mutant |
| Abilities | Graft |
| Released | 2006-05-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dissension |
| Set code | DIS |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
| Number | 94 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
Graft 2 (This creature comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever another creature comes into play, you may move a +1/+1 counter from this creature onto it.) : Regenerate target creature with a +1/+1 counter on it.
Cards like Sporeback Troll
Sporeback Troll is a unique creature in the realm of MTG, enhancing strategies that revolve around +1/+1 counters. Visually similar to creatures like Ironshell Beetle, both offer the option to deposit these power-boosting counters upon entry to the battlefield. Yet, the troll’s Regenerate ability offers sustainability, allowing it to persist where the beetle cannot.
Comparing it to Trollbred Guardian, another card with a synergy for counters, Sporeback Troll is notably more cost-effective, enabling earlier plays. Although Trollbred Guardian enables an Adapt mechanism, which further accentuates the +1/+1 approach, the immediate impact of Sporeback Troll’s Regeneration can constantly thwart removal threats.
Moreover, when discussing cards with regenerative capabilities, we can’t overlook Thrun, the Last Troll. Thrun boasts not only regeneration but also can’t be countered and has hexproof. These are prime features, yet come at a higher mana cost compared to the Sporeback Troll. Thus, the troll serves as a budget-friendly and versatile staple for counter-centric decks, presenting an admirable blend of resilience and cost-efficiency in MTG gameplay.
Cards similar to Sporeback Troll by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sporeback Troll can be particularly valuable in grindy matchups where the creature’s ability to regenerate can outlast removal spells, effectively saving crucial threats and maintaining card advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly a mana accelerator, by protecting key creatures involved in mana generation, Sporeback Troll indirectly aids in preserving your resource acceleration assets, ensuring your ramp strategy remains uninterrupted.
Instant Speed: The regenerate ability of Sporeback Troll can be activated at instant speed, offering flexibility to respond to threats during your opponent’s turn and safeguarding your creatures at critical moments of interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside to Sporeback Troll is the necessity of having to discard a card for generating any significant advantage. This proves to be burdensome especially when your hand is depleted or if each card in hand is pivotal for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The tailored mana cost for deploying Sporeback Troll involves green mana. This specialization can restrict deck building, forcing inclusion in only green or green-centric multicolor decks, thereby reducing its overall flexibility in gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The creature’s value is also impacted by its mana cost. In a game where board presence and tempo can define victory, the mana cost of Sporeback Troll might be considered too steep when other cards may provide similar or enhanced abilities for less, leading to more efficient play options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sporeback Troll is adaptable to various deck builds that thrive on counter strategies. Its ability to give +1/+1 counters not only strengthens creatures but also synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on those counters.
Combo Potential: This card, embedded in the right build, could unlock significant potential as part of a combo. Its regeneration ability ensures it stays on the field, providing ample opportunities to accumulate and utilize +1/+1 counters for various synergistic effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where combat interactions are frequent, Sporeback Troll’s regeneration makes it a tenacious addition, capable of enduring where other creatures might falter. It’s particularly relevant in games where resilience can tip the scales in your favor.
How to beat
Sporeback Troll is an intriguing creature card that can be a real nuisance in Magic: The Gathering matches due to its regeneration ability. This power to recover from damage can make it seem virtually indestructible during combat scenarios. To effectively overcome this resilient adversary, tackling it outside of combat is key. Employing removal spells that exile it or prevent regeneration, such as Path to Exile or Crib Swap, can prove highly effective. Alternatively, cards that decrease the Troll’s toughness to zero, like Dismember or Fatal Push, will ensure it can’t make use of its regeneration skill.
Another strategy involves manipulating your opponent’s mana pool. Since regeneration requires mana, forcing your opponent to tap out or utilizing cards that limit mana generation can render the Sporeback Troll’s ability ineffective. Strategies that skirt combat altogether are also worthwhile; these can include winning through combo plays, accumulating an overwhelming board presence, or leveraging direct damage spells and abilities that can target the player directly, thus bypassing the Troll’s defenses.
Approaching the game with these methods in mind will help ensure that the Sporeback Troll doesn’t hinder your path to victory. Understanding the importance of timing and the right removal resources are crucial in managing creatures with regeneration abilities on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sporeback Troll MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Sporeback Troll 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 Sporeback Troll has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |