Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper MTG Card


Transitioning from blocker to threat, the card offers sustained in-game dominance without additional hand investment. Indirect resource acceleration bolsters board control, enabling strategic freedom and opponent outpacing. Despite the lack of instant transformation, initial defensive strength sets up for a game-changing presence.
Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper - March of the Machine
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Dog Warrior
Abilities Trample
Released2023-04-21
Set symbol
Set nameMarch of the Machine
Set codeMOM
Power 4
Toughness 3
Number43
Frame2015
LayoutTransform
BorderBlack
Illustred byDenys Tsiperko

Text of card

Trample

"Your precious dragonlords repressed your instincts, cur. You were born a hunter. Evolve, and hunt again." —Benzir, archdruid of Temple Might


Cards like Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper

The Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper card offers a multi-faceted approach to battlefield control. When we consider cards like Rumbling Rockslide from the realm of red sorceries in MTG, which deals damage based on the number of lands you control, Tarkir Duneshaper becomes notable for its modus operandi of tapping a target creature. It gives a strategic advantage by controlling opponents’ creatures without having to remove them directly.

Burnished Dunestomper is akin to formidable green creatures such as Stampeding Wildebeests or Thragtusk, which are known for their impactful presence on the board. However, this card distinguishes itself with its beefy stats and the fact that it enters the battlefield untapped, allowing for immediate defense or aggression. Its land-returning requirement is a downside not shared by Thragtusk, but the size advantage could be critical in games where board presence is paramount.

In essence, both faces of this versatile card have their predecessors within the game, yet they stand out with unique tweaks to manage the play area effectively, potentially swinging the momentum in the player’s favor. As such, they certainly have a place among the valued cards within their respective roles.

Rumbling Rockslide - MTG Card versions
Stampeding Wildebeests - MTG Card versions
Thragtusk - MTG Card versions
Rumbling Rockslide - MTG Card versions
Stampeding Wildebeests - MTG Card versions
Thragtusk - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tarkir Duneshaper’s transform ability into Burnished Dunestomper can result in significant card advantage. By turning a formidable late-game blocker into an even more potent threat, you can press your advantage without having to invest additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Burnished Dunestomper’s presence on the battlefield enhances your resource acceleration. Its sheer size can help control the board, allowing you to dictate the pace of the game and potentially freeing up your mana for other strategic plays. This form of indirect resource acceleration is pivotal in outpacing your opponent.

Instant Speed: The transformation from Tarkir Duneshaper to Burnished Dunestomper does not occur at instant speed, but the defensive capabilities Tarkir Duneshaper offers before the transformation can provide the instant speed interaction necessary to survive in a fast-paced game, setting up for the more impactful Burnished Dunestomper to take over.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper requires the player to discard a card, which could be detrimental when you’re already managing a lean hand size. In heated games where each card counts, being forced to throw one away might set you back more than you’d like.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost is strictly color-fixed, demanding specific energy types that could complicate casting in a multi-colored deck. If your mana base isn’t perfectly tuned, you could find yourself unable to summon this creature when you need it most.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the steeper side, this card competes with numerous others that might bring more immediate impact or versatility to the field. This cost can be a significant consideration, especially in formats where speed and efficiency are paramount.


Reasons to Include Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper in Your Collection

Versatility: Tarkir Duneshaper boasts an adaptable skillset, making it a solid fit in decks that favor land synergies or those that benefit from morph mechanics.

Combo Potential: Its transformation into Burnished Dunestomper provides opportunities for surprise attacks and can catch opponents off-guard, integrating well with strategies that take advantage of turning cards face-up.

Meta-Relevance: With the evolving metagame, a flexible card like Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper can adapt to various strategies, offering utility and surprise elements that can be pivotal in current deck builds.


How to beat

Confronting the dual-faced Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper in your MTG matches necessitates a strategic approach. As a shaping force on the battlefield, Tarkir Duneshaper buffs other Elementals you control, making early elimination critical to prevent opponent board domination. Its strength lies in this synergistic power boost, so targeting specific Elemental creatures or employing removal spells before these buffs take effect can curb your adversary’s momentum.

On its reverse, Burnished Dunestomper presents an entirely different challenge. A formidable presence with its ability to avoid death once per turn, it requires decisive action. A sound tactic involves forcing multiple threats consecutively, exhausting its protective ability, and then aiming for removal. Board wipes or spells that don’t target, like “Settle the Wreckage,” prove especially potent as they circumvent its survival trait. Mitigating the power of the Duneshaper and carefully timing your interactions with the Dunestomper can tip the scales in your favor, ensuring victory against these imposing cards.

Whether facing the enhancing abilities of the Tarkir Duneshaper or the resilience of the Burnished Dunestomper, insightful play and vigilant card management are your tools to success, allowing you to dismantle their potential and secure your standing in the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tarkir Duneshaper // Burnished Dunestomper has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal