Ursapine MTG Card
2005-08-22 - Number K49
2005-10-07 - Number 188
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Target creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
Cards like Ursapine
Ursapine is a unique card in the realm of creature buffs in Magic: The Gathering. It finds parallels with cards like Ridgescale Tusker, which also provides a boost to your other creatures. Yet, Ursapine offers versatility, enabling incremental increases of power for any creature through its activated ability. In contrast, Ridgescale Tusker offers a one-time boost upon entering the battlefield.
Comparable in function, we can look at Merfolk Skydiver. This creature similarly grows other creatures over time, though with a focus on +1/+1 counters. While Ursapine requires mana investment for each buff, Merfolk Skydiver’s proliferate mechanic can spread multiple counters with just one activation, affecting each creature you own with a counter already on it.
Then there’s Ivy Lane Denizen, another fitting comparison. While it offers a consistent way to add +1/+1 counters whenever another green creature enters the battlefield, Ursapine’s flexibility remains unmatched; it stands as a formidable option for players seeking to empower creatures at any stage of the game.
Examining their mechanisms and strategic purposes, Ursapine shines through with its customizable capacity for enhancing creatures, making it a valuable asset in many MTG green decks.
Cards similar to Ursapine by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ursapine provides a significant boost in card economy by potentially enabling repeatable triggered abilities or combo interactions each turn. This can lead to an overwhelming advantage as you effectively utilize more of your card resources compared to your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: If you pair Ursapine with creatures that tap for mana, you can effectively double their mana production for a turn, propelling you ahead in the resource game. This acceleration can be crucial for casting high-impact spells sooner than expected, giving you a leading edge in the match.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Ursapine at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions or end-of-turn decisions. This not only maintains the element of surprise but also allows you to maximize your mana usage by waiting for the most opportune moment to unleash its effect.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ursapine prompts players to discard a card to activate its key abilities, which can be counterproductive when hand advantage is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Ursapine demands a rigid green mana contribution to cast, making it less flexible and harder to include in multicolored deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: This card’s requirement of considerable mana investment can hinder early game momentum, as comparable alternatives may offer similar benefits for less.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ursapine offers adaptability for a range of green decks, with its scalable power-up feature it can serve as both an early presence on the board or a late-game finisher.
Combo Potential: Its ability to add a +1/+1 counter to a creature for each green mana spent makes it a formidable companion to decks focused on proliferate mechanics or counter synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where large creatures and trample strategies are prevalent, Ursapine can be a key player, holding its own against popular deck archetypes.
How to beat Ursapine
Ursapine is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can pose a significant threat to opponents with its ability to empower other creatures. With its capacity to distribute +1/+1 counters across the creatures you control, Ursapine can quickly escalate the power level on the board. Neutralizing this card involves strategic planning and the right timing.
To overcome this formidable card, players should focus on removal spells that can target Ursapine before its ability is activated. Instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can be particularly effective in disrupting your opponent’s game plan. Another tactic involves leveraging board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation that can reset the playing field, ensuring that Ursapine’s influence is short-lived.
Counterspells also serve as a valuable tool against Ursapine. By denying its entry onto the battlefield altogether, you avoid having to deal with its potential to buff other creatures. In essence, maintaining control of the board and being preemptive with your responses to threats are key components in outmaneuvering an opponent wielding Ursapine.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ursapine MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Ursapine 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 Ursapine Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2005-10-07. Illustrated by Jim Murray.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | K49 | 2003 | Normal | White | Jim Murray | |
| 2 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 188 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Murray |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ursapine has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |