Stampeding Wildebeests MTG Card
1997-02-03 - Number 121
2007-07-13 - Number 300
2007-07-13 - Number 300★
2014-12-05 - Number 9
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Antelope Beast |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Trample During your upkeep, return a green creature you control to owner's hand.
Prayers for rain are answered with the thunder of hooves.
Cards like Stampeding Wildebeests
In deciphering the dynamics of green creature spells within MTG, Stampeding Wildebeests is often likened to other cards that facilitate return mechanics to a player’s hand. This card, known for its “return a green card” feature during the upkeep, shares similarities with Roaring Primadox, which requires the return of a creature without any color restriction each upkeep. Both create an ongoing cycle beneficial for triggering enter-the-battlefield effects repetitively.
Another parallel is drawn with Wirewood Symbiote, although this elf primarily aids by untapping another creature and is limited to once per turn. The Symbiote’s synergies with elves make it exceptional, and while it doesn’t trigger on upkeep, it presents a similar potential for recurring value. Likewise, Temur Sabertooth offers a robust comparison. In addition to its return-a-creature ability, it grants that creature indestructibility, though at a higher activation cost, further cementing repeated exploitations of beneficial creature effects.
Despite these comparisons, Stampeding Wildebeests stands out owing to its green-centric return mechanic, which can elegantly orchestrate game strategies based on green permanents and the persistent exploitation of “enter the battlefield” effects. Players valuing such recurring tactics will find Stampeding Wildebeests to be a vital component in their arsenal.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stampeding Wildebeests offers a unique deck cycling mechanic, enabling you to return a green creature to your hand each upkeep. This can be particularly advantageous when pairing with creatures that have enter-the-battlefield effects, effectively maximizing utility and keeping a steady flow of options in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly a resource acceleration card, Stampeding Wildebeests can indirectly contribute to this aspect by allowing recurring use of creatures with land ramp abilities. By bouncing and replaying creatures that fetch lands, you can ensure a more consistent land drop each turn, accelerating your mana resources over the course of a match.
Instant Speed: While Stampeding Wildebeests itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its recurring ability can set you up for successful plays. By returning instant-speed utility creatures to your hand, you can ensure that you always have access to reactive answers or end-of-turn threats, helping you to maintain momentum and dictate the pace of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When Stampeding Wildebeests is brought onto the battlefield, one of the conditions placed on its controller is to return a green card to their hand during each upkeep. This can pressure the player into a cycle of discard and retrieval that could deplete advantageous board presence or needed hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Stampeding Wildebeests is limited to two colorless and two green mana, which can restrict deck-building options. Players not committed to a green-centric deck may struggle to consistently meet this requirement and thus limit its utility in multi-colored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Stampeding Wildebeests might be considered a costly choice for the 2/2 stats it offers. Considering alternatives in the same mana range, players might find creatures with more impactful abilities or superior stats, making the Wildebeests a potential underperformer in more efficient decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Stampeding Wildebeests is a dynamic addition to any green deck, as it opens up avenues for repeated use of enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects and accelerates creature-based strategies with its consistent board presence.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergistic play, particularly with permanents that have beneficial ETB triggers. It enables players to reuse those effects every turn, forming the backbone of powerful combo engines in casual and kitchen-table formats.
Meta-Relevance: As the game ebbs and flows, cards that can reutilize other card abilities remain perpetually useful. With strategies focusing on value-generating creatures, Stampeding Wildebeests maintains its relevance by providing continuous utility and pressure on the battlefield.
How to beat
Stampeding Wildebeests presents an interesting challenge in Magic: The Gathering gameplay. Recognized amongst the roster of creatures, this card calls for a specific approach to overcome its in-game effect. Every turn you are mandated to return a green creature to your hand, which can be a double-edged sword.
Devising a strategy against Stampeding Wildebeests hinges on recognizing this effect as an opportunity. One could leverage removal spells to keep the opponent’s battlefield clear, thereby nullifying the Wildebeests’ ability to capitalize on its own strength. Consider instant-speed removal options like Path to Exile or Lightning Bolt, allowing for a quick response to the Wildebeest’s summoning, or even in response to its triggered ability.
Counterplay could also involve using the card’s drawback to your advantage. Force your opponent to deploy the Wildebeests early and maximise your disruption before they can establish a presence that benefits from its recurring ability. A carefully timed board wipe, such as Wrath of God, can reset the playing field and diminish the impact of the Wildebeests’ return to the battlefield mechanic, allowing you to maintain control of the game tempo.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stampeding Wildebeests MTG card by a specific set like Visions and Tenth Edition, 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 Stampeding Wildebeests and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Stampeding Wildebeests Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-02-03 and 2014-12-05. Illustrated by Randy Gallegos.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-02-03 | Visions | VIS | 121 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 300 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 300★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 4 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana | GVL | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stampeding Wildebeests has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Stampeding Wildebeests card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The ability that returns a creature doesn’t target anything. You can return a creature with shroud or protection from green, for example. You don’t decide which creature to return until the ability resolves. If you control no other green creatures, you must return Stampeding Wildebeests itself. |
| 2004-10-04 | You choose a creature and return it all during resolution of the triggered ability. This means that if you have two Wildebeests, there is no way to end up returning only one creature. |