Traverse the Ulvenwald MTG Card


Traverse the Ulvenwald offers card advantage by efficiently searching for lands or creatures needed. Its instant speed casting allows players to maintain flexibility and react to the game dynamically. Fulfilling the delirium condition transforms it into a versatile tutor, elevating deck capabilities.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Delirium

Text of card

Search your library for a basic land card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle. Delirium — If there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard, instead search your library for a creature or land card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.


Cards like Traverse the Ulvenwald

Traverse the Ulvenwald is a versatile card that allows players to search their library for a basic land card, or reveal a creature or land card having delirium. It has similarities to cards like Lay of the Land and Rampant Growth, both of which enable land searching. Unlike Traverse the Ulvenwald, Lay of the Land lacks the potential to search for a creature card, but provides the basic land search at a lower cost. Rampant Growth sets itself apart by allowing the land to be put onto the battlefield tapped instead of in the player’s hand.

Another card worth mentioning is Sylvan Scrying, which permits the search of any land card, not just a basic one, offering greater versatility in land selection. However, it doesn’t grant the possibility of fetching a creature like Traverse the Ulvenwald’s delirium ability. Consider also Crop Rotation – a one-mana instant that also searches for any land card but requires sacrificing a land in return, something that neither Traverse the Ulvenwald nor Sylvan Scrying necessitates.

These comparisons highlight that while there are a number of land search options within the game, Traverse the Ulvenwald holds its own due to its delirium bonus, which can prove to be a significant tactical advantage in the right deck.

Lay of the Land - MTG Card versions
Rampant Growth - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Scrying - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions
Lay of the Land - MTG Card versions
Rampant Growth - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Scrying - MTG Card versions
Crop Rotation - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Traverse the Ulvenwald by color, type and mana cost

Hurricane - MTG Card versions
Stream of Life - MTG Card versions
Metamorphosis - MTG Card versions
Winter Blast - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Tutor - MTG Card versions
Fruition - MTG Card versions
Salvage - MTG Card versions
Rofellos's Gift - MTG Card versions
Thrive - MTG Card versions
Lay of the Land - MTG Card versions
Chatter of the Squirrel - MTG Card versions
Dwell on the Past - MTG Card versions
Insist - MTG Card versions
Primal Might - MTG Card versions
Scale Up - MTG Card versions
Ancient Stirrings - MTG Card versions
Glimpse of Nature - MTG Card versions
Gelatinous Genesis - MTG Card versions
Green Sun's Zenith - MTG Card versions
Corrosive Gale - MTG Card versions
Hurricane - MTG Card versions
Stream of Life - MTG Card versions
Metamorphosis - MTG Card versions
Winter Blast - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Tutor - MTG Card versions
Fruition - MTG Card versions
Salvage - MTG Card versions
Rofellos's Gift - MTG Card versions
Thrive - MTG Card versions
Lay of the Land - MTG Card versions
Chatter of the Squirrel - MTG Card versions
Dwell on the Past - MTG Card versions
Insist - MTG Card versions
Primal Might - MTG Card versions
Scale Up - MTG Card versions
Ancient Stirrings - MTG Card versions
Glimpse of Nature - MTG Card versions
Gelatinous Genesis - MTG Card versions
Green Sun's Zenith - MTG Card versions
Corrosive Gale - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Traverse the Ulvenwald. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Goryo's VengeanceGoryo's Vengeance ModernGoryo's VengeanceModern League 2024-04-09
Naya MidrangeNaya Midrange ModernNaya MidrangeModern Challenge 64 2024-04-27
Abzan GreasefangAbzan Greasefang PioneerAbzan GreasefangPioneer League 2024-04-08
Nykthos RampNykthos Ramp PioneerNykthos RampPioneer League 2024-04-24
Temur ControlTemur Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024
Gruul ProwessGruul Prowess ModernGruul ProwessModern Challenge 32 2024-04-09
Sultai MidrangeSultai Midrange ModernSultai MidrangeModern Preliminary 2024-04-16
Temur Storm Herald ComboTemur Storm Herald Combo PioneerTemur Storm Herald ComboPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-08
Temur ComboTemur Combo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 15 2024
Sultai MarvelSultai Marvel PioneerSultai MarvelPioneer League 2024-04-12

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Navigate through your deck with efficiency when you cast Traverse the Ulvenwald. By helping you search for a specific creature or land card once you have delirium, it ensures that you get the cards you need when you need them. This seamless selection secures an advantage that can propel you towards victory.

Resource Acceleration: This card thrives in enabling your mana base to evolve swiftly. Early in the game, it can set the stage for consistent land drops. Once delirium is activated, it allows you to grab any land—providing the perfect setup for executing high-impact plays or stabilizing your board presence with ease.

Instant Speed: Traverse the Ulvenwald can be cast at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond adaptively to the unfolding game. Keep your opponents guessing while you reserve your mana; then, at the perfect moment, search for the card that will change the game in your favor, all without missing a beat.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Utilizing Traverse the Ulvenwald often entails a prerequisite of achieving delirium, which can force players to strategically discard valuable cards early on to expedite its activation. This process might leave you at a disadvantage by depleting hand resources prematurely.

Specific Mana Cost: Traverse the Ulvenwald’s casting cost is specific to green mana. This requirement constrains deck-building options, making it a less flexible choice for multicolor decks that may have a tighter mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its powerful tutoring capability, Traverse the Ulvenwald comes with a substantial green mana cost which must be weighed against other cards with similar or lower mana investments that could offer immediate board presence or impact.


Reasons to Include Traverse the Ulvenwald in Your Collection

Versatility: Traverse the Ulvenwald offers a high degree of flexibility that is rarely matched by other cards. Whether you’re searching for a specific land to complete your mana base or a creature to swing the game in your favor, this card adapts to your needs seamlessly.

Combo Potential: In a deck that utilizes the Delirium mechanic, Traverse the Ulvenwald can become an invaluable tutor, fetching game-changing creatures or the missing piece of your combo puzzle. Its synergy with graveyard strategies elevates its status from a simple search card to a deck-building powerhouse.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to search for any land or creature once Delirium is active, Traverse the Ulvenwald remains relevant in a variety of meta environments. It smoothly transitions between aggressive, control, and combo decks, ensuring your plays stay sharp and responsive to the ever-evolving gameplay landscape.


How to beat

Traverse the Ulvenwald is a versatile card that shines in MTG, offering players the ability to search their library for a specific land or, if they meet the delirium condition, any creature card. Overcoming this powerful search tool requires strategic play. Disruption is key — using discard effects can effectively remove it from an opponent’s hand before it’s used. Graveyard hate cards are also effective, as they hamper the delirium condition, making it harder for your opponent to get the full value out of the card.

Counter measures should also be at the ready to deal with the searched-up threats. Hand information spells can give you the insight needed to prepare for what’s coming. Cards that shuffle an opponent’s library negate the benefit gained from Traverse the Ulvenwald’s tutor effect. Quick removals and broad sweepers maintain control over the board, rendering the searched-for creature less impactful.

Ultimately, staying one step ahead and disrupting the sequence of plays, crucial for Traverse the Ulvenwald’s optimal use, can be your best path to victory. By doing so, you limit the card’s effectiveness, keeping the playing field even and preventing your opponent from gaining an undue advantage.


BurnMana Recommendations

Traverse the Ulvenwald stands out as a card that masterfully enhances your deck’s consistency and resourcefulness in MTG. It’s a gateway to securing the exact lands or creatures your strategy demands. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to refine your strategy or a newcomer eager to discover the depths of deck-building efficiency, this card is a valuable asset. Embrace the full potential of its delirium ability by adapting it to your playstyle and watching your deck’s performance soar. Dive deeper into the intricacies and applications of Traverse the Ulvenwald with us, and make your deck more formidable than ever.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Traverse the Ulvenwald MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad Promos and Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Traverse the Ulvenwald and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Traverse the Ulvenwald Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Vincent Proce.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-04-08Shadows over Innistrad PromosPSOI 234s2015NormalBlackVincent Proce
22016-04-08Shadows over InnistradSOI 2342015NormalBlackVincent Proce
32023-03-21Shadows over Innistrad RemasteredSIR 2202015NormalBlackVincent Proce

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Traverse the Ulvenwald has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Traverse the Ulvenwald card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-04-08 Because you consider only the characteristics of a double-faced card’s front face while it’s not on the battlefield, the types of its back face won’t be counted for delirium.
2016-04-08 In some rare cases, you can have a token or a copy of a spell in your graveyard at the moment that an object’s delirium ability counts the card types among cards in your graveyard, before that token or copy ceases to exist. Because tokens and copies of spells are not cards, even if they are copies of cards, their types will never be counted.
2016-04-08 Some delirium abilities that appear on instants and sorceries use the word “instead.” These spells have an upgraded effect when they resolve if there are four or more card types among cards in your graveyard. They check that number only while they’re resolving and don’t count themselves, since they aren’t in your graveyard yet. You only get the upgraded effect, not both effects.
2016-04-08 The card types in Magic are artifact, creature, enchantment, instant, land, planeswalker, sorcery, and tribal (a card type that appears on some older cards). Supertypes (such as legendary and basic) and subtypes (such as Human and Equipment) are not counted.
2016-04-08 The delirium ability of Traverse the Ulvenwald allows you to find a nonbasic land card.
2016-04-08 The number of card types matters, not the number of cards. For example, Wicker Witch (an artifact creature) along with Catalog (an instant) and Chaplain’s Blessing (a sorcery) will enable delirium.