Task Force MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 52
2022-12-02 - Number 113
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Rebel |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever Task Force becomes the target of a spell or ability, it gets +0/+3 until end of turn.
They are the reflection of Rushwood's glow on the edge of a wooden sword.
Cards like Task Force
The Task Force card brings an interesting twist to the array of creature support options in Magic: The Gathering. Much like its counterpart, Cradle Guard, it boasts a toughness resilience that’s valuable in prolonged matches. Both cards have the ability to withstand considerable damage, making them reliable defensive choices. However, Task Force stands out by virtue of its ability to rapidly increase its toughness through specific triggers which interact with abilities or spells that target it, marking a distinct advantage over Cradle Guard which lacks such an interactive element.
Deftblade Elite is another creature with a comparable support role, offering tactical control by allowing you to choose which creatures block. While not directly enhancing toughness, the Elite’s proactive battlefield manipulation can be equivalent in effect to Task Force’s passive toughness gain. Task Force, though, shines in its potential for toughness increment with synergistic card combinations, which can lead to overwhelming defensive walls not easily replicated by Deftblade Elite.
Evaluating them closely, Task Force provides a solid contribution to decks focusing on defensive fortitude and combo potential. Its unique mechanic to increase toughness in response to triggers nudges it into a niche role where it can outshine similar cards under the right conditions and strategic deck construction.
Cards similar to Task Force by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Task Force offers a strategic edge by strengthening your creatures substantially. Each time a spell or ability targets Task Force, it gains a permanent boost, essentially granting you an increasing value in the form of creature stats throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: Although Task Force doesn’t directly ramp your mana, its synergy with other cards can lead to potent combos, effectively accelerating your path to victory by enabling interactions that overpower or outpace your opponent’s resources.
Instant Speed: Task Force’s ability to be buffed at instant speed means it fits seamlessly into play styles that thrive on flexibility and surprise. It is an efficient tool to create a formidable defensive line, reacting swiftly to the ever-changing battlefield of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Task Force requires the player to discard a card to activate certain abilities, putting them at a potential disadvantage, particularly in situations where hand size is critical to maintaining game presence.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s mana cost is restrictive, demanding a precise combination of mana types which can hinder its inclusion in multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be considered steep relative to its immediate impact on the game, Task Force can be overshadowed by creatures of similar cost that provide more immediate value or have a larger presence on the battlefield upon casting.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Task Force is a flexible card that seamlessly integrates into various deck archetypes. It shines in life-gain strategies and as a resilient creature in white defensive builds.
Combo Potential: This card is well-known for its ability to create infinite life combinations when paired with cards like Nomads en-Kor. It’s a staple for combos that seek to exploit its ability to amass life points.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive decks are prevalent, Task Force can be a critical piece of the puzzle, providing a buffer with its potential for high toughness, making it harder for opponents to achieve a quick victory.
How to beat
Task Force is a unique creature card that can create challenges for players aiming to secure victory. Known for its ability to quickly ramp up its toughness, Task Force becomes a formidable blocker or a key component in life-gain combos. One efficient strategy to counteract this card is by using removal spells that bypass toughness altogether. This includes cards such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, which exile the creature regardless of its toughness. Additionally, utilizing counter spells can prevent Task Force from hitting the battlefield in the first place.
Another approach involves including cards in your deck that negate the activated abilities of creatures. By using cards like Cursed Totem or Linvala, Keeper of Silence, you can obstruct the ability-based strategies that Task Force often participates in. Encounter timing is also crucial; applying removal or countering key combo pieces before Task Force’s toughness becomes problematic can be the difference between a win or a loss. Dismember is a versatile option, as it can handle Task Force even after it has bolstered its toughness during the early or mid-game.
Considering these tactics, players can craft their strategy to directly address the resilience and the threat that Task Force poses on the battlefield, ensuring they maintain the upper hand in their duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Task Force MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Task Force 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
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Printings
The Task Force Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 52 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Gary Ruddell | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 113 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brian Valeza |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Task Force has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Task Force 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 +0/+3 bonus is added as a triggered ability upon the casting/activating of a spell or ability which targets this card. |