Unruly Catapult MTG Card


Creates card advantage and board control by converting tokens into direct damage at instant speed. Demands specific mana and card discards, possibly limiting its broader utility in decks. Potential game-changer in artifact and token synergistic decks, impacting board state and metagame.
Unruly Catapult - Wilds of Eldraine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Defender
Released2023-09-08
Set symbol
Set nameWilds of Eldraine
Set codeWOE
Power 0
Toughness 4
Number156
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byVincent Christiaens

Text of card

Defender : Unruly Catapult deals 1 damage to each opponent. Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, untap Unruly Catapult.

An autonomous, self-loading catapult had seemed like such a good idea.


Cards like Unruly Catapult

Unruly Catapult emerges as a novel entry within artifact build-arounds in Magic: The Gathering and finds its parallels among other cards that leverage artifacts. A comparable card is Reckless Fireweaver, which also harnesses the power of artifacts entering the battlefield to deal damage to opponents. The key difference lies in Unruly Catapult’s ability to consistently accumulate damage potential through its counter mechanism, as opposed to the Fireweaver’s one-time damage per artifact.

Then we have Disciple of the Vault, which shares the idea of exploiting artifacts, but triggers upon their demise. Although it deals damage in a similar fashion, Unruly Catapult offers a repeatable source of damage without needing to sacrifice precious resources. Also in this comparison is Ghirapur Aether Grid, which utilizes tapping of two artifacts to deal damage. The versatility of Unruly Catapult allows it to continually place pressure on opponents while serving as a formidable blocker on the ground.

Analyzing these relatives in the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem, Unruly Catapult holds a unique position with its incremental damage and board presence, asserting itself as a key player in artifact-focused strategies

Reckless Fireweaver - MTG Card versions
Disciple of the Vault - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Aether Grid - MTG Card versions
Reckless Fireweaver - MTG Card versions
Disciple of the Vault - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Aether Grid - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Unruly Catapult by color, type and mana cost

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Breya's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Cursed Mirror - MTG Card versions
Battlemage's Bracers - MTG Card versions
Komainu Battle Armor - MTG Card versions
Geistflame Reservoir - MTG Card versions
Granite Shard - MTG Card versions
Goblin Replica - MTG Card versions
Foriysian Totem - MTG Card versions
Vulshok Replica - MTG Card versions
Spin Engine - MTG Card versions
Weldfast Monitor - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Tank - MTG Card versions
Brimstone Trebuchet - MTG Card versions
Glittering Stockpile - MTG Card versions
The Reaver Cleaver - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Hammer - MTG Card versions
Bearded Axe - MTG Card versions
Gilded Assault Cart - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Tracker - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Red BurnMono-Red Burn Free formStandard Pauper Tournament Feb 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unruly Catapult can potentially generate card advantage by converting your numerous creature tokens into direct damage to your opponents or their creatures. This kind of advantage can snowball, especially in token strategies where creature numbers grow quickly.

Resource Acceleration: In token-centric decks, the Catapult acts as a resource acceleration tool. While it doesn’t directly provide mana or tokens, it makes every creature token on your battlefield a latent source of damage, effectively accelerating your game plan by utilizing tokens in a way that furthers your board state.

Instant Speed: The ability to launch a creature token at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn. This can deter attackers or eliminate key threats at crucial moments, and adds a layer of strategy as you manage your resources during the entire game round.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unruly Catapult necessitates discarding a card to activate its ability, which can be a notable hindrance, especially when your hand is running empty. Depleting your resources in this manner might leave you at a severe disadvantage during crucial stages of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation requires a precise blend of mana, which can sometimes be problematic in multicolored decks. The rigidity of its mana cost means that it slots less seamlessly into a variety of strategies, potentially limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to bring Unruly Catapult into play is relatively steep. For the mana used to cast and activate Unruly Catapult, players could potentially deploy more impactful cards that provide immediate benefits or more substantial board presence.


Reasons to Include Unruly Catapult in Your Collection

Versatility: Unruly Catapult offers a broad scope for utilization across numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to create and chuck Gnome tokens aligns it seamlessly within token generation strategies while also providing a means of board control.

Combo Potential: This card holds substantial synergy with decks that capitalize on artifact interactions or ones that leverage tokens. The Gnome tokens not only provide ammunition for the Catapult but can also be used in conjunction with sacrifice effects or artifact synergies to maximize your strategic impact.

Meta-Relevance: Given how Unruly Catapult can pressure opposing life totals while developing your board presence, it can serve as an asset in metas dominated by creature-centric decks or slow-paced control matchups. Its versatility in both offense and defense positions it as a savvy addition to your collection.


How to Beat

Unruly Catapult may appear unassuming at first glance, but in the right deck, it can pose a significant threat in the game of Magic: The Gathering. This artifact shines in decks that capitalize on token generation, turning each token into potential damage against opponents. To effectively counter Unruly Catapult, players should consider strategies that disrupt this synergy. Enchantment removal spells, such as Disenchant, can eliminate this artifact before it becomes a problem. Artifact removal is also key, with cards like Abrade offering a flexible solution by dealing with the Catapult or other threats.

Another strategy is to limit the number of tokens an opponent can create, which inherently reduces the Catapult’s impact. Board wipes like Wrath of God and board control cards can clear multiple tokens at once, making it harder for the opponent to accumulate the necessary critical mass for a powerful Catapult activation. Cards with the ability to counter or redirect the Catapult’s ability are also valuable, such as Redirect or Narset’s Reversal. These can turn an opponent’s offense into an advantage for you instead. By being one step ahead and having answers to both the Catapult and the tokens, you can nullify this threat and maintain control of the board.

Maintaining a clear board and ready removal in your arsenal are key to ensuring that Unruly Catapult doesn’t turn the tides of the match. With these strategies, MTG players can effectively counter the potential advantage offered by this sneaky artifact.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the deep strategic potential of Unruly Catapult. Whether you’re looking to enrich your token-based deck or seeking new artifact synergies to explore, this card holds a realm of opportunities to reshape the battlefield. Mastering its use can add a thrilling dynamic to your gameplay, as you convert simple tokens into critical hits against your adversaries. Yet, it’s essential to balance your strategies and navigate around its limitations for optimal play. Our insights and in-depth guides await to help you wield this card to its fullest. Enhance your MTG knowledge and refine your deck-building skills with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unruly Catapult MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Unruly Catapult and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unruly Catapult has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-09-01 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Unruly Catapult's activated ability causes the opposing team to lose 2 life.
2023-09-01 Players can cast spells and activate abilities (such as Unruly Catapult's own activated ability) after the triggered ability resolves but before the spell that caused it to trigger does.
2023-09-01 Unruly Catapult's triggered ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. It resolves even if that spell is countered.