Ursine Champion MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Berserker |
| Released | 2018-07-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Core Set 2019 |
| Set code | M19 |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 304 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alex Konstad |
Text of card
: Ursine Champion gets +3/+3 and becomes a Bear Berserker until end of turn. Activate this ability only once each turn.
"Would you rather feel the edge of blade or the sharpness of my fangs?"
Cards like Ursine Champion
Delve into the versatility and strength of Ursine Champion, a unique creature in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Sharing some similarities with cards that focus on adaptation and growth, Ursine Champion holds its own with the ability to become a more powerful creature through its Transform ability. In this aspect, it echoes the gameplay of flexible cards like Ravenous Chupacabra or Ainok Survivalist, which offer utility in altering their board presence. Yet, unlike these counterparts that trigger their abilities when the card enters the battlefield or is un-morphed, Ursine Champion requires a mana investment to unlock its potential.
Meanwhile, Skinshifter stands as a comparable card, offering the ability to change its creature type and stats within a turn. Though Skinshifter grants immediate and versatile battlefield adaptation without the need to transform permanently, Ursine Champion offers a persistent stat increase after its transformation. From another perspective, Khenra Charioteer provides a consistent board impact by granting trample to all your creatures, while Ursine Champion’s newfound strength focuses solely on itself after it becomes Berserk.
Gauging their effectiveness, Ursine Champion showcases a cost-effective transformation into an imposing creature, offering players a strategic depth in creature-based decks that seek to exploit timing and resource management, distinguishing itself among similar transformative cards in the game.
Cards similar to Ursine Champion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ursine Champion provides a unique form of card advantage by transforming itself into a more significant threat on the battlefield. This means you effectively get two cards worth of value from a single card, as the bear can become an enhanced creature without needing to draw additional resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly responsible for producing additional mana or resources, Ursine Champion allows you to apply pressure on the board without committing additional cards from your hand. By demanding answers from your opponent, it can indirectly lead to resource acceleration as they are forced to respond to its presence.
Instant Speed: The ability to upgrade Ursine Champion at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility to your game. You can hold your mana open for other spells or abilities and choose to activate the Champion’s transformation at the most opportune moment, such as at the end of your opponent’s turn or in response to removal, making it a versatile and unpredictable play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ursine Champion’s transform ability comes with the necessity of discarding a card, which could potentially set you back if your hand is already running thin. Ensuring you have a card to discard can sometimes limit your strategic options and reduce your hand advantage against the opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: With a demand for green mana, Ursine Champion requires a commitment to that color, making it less versatile. This limitation can be a downside in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key to a successful strategy. Decks not heavily invested in green may find it a less attractive choice.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To get the most value out of Ursine Champion, you’ll need to invest a significant amount of mana. While the initial cost may seem fair, the added mana to activate its transform ability could be seen as steep, especially when you consider available creatures with similar or better stats that require less investment, enhancing your board presence more efficiently.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ursine Champion stands out due to its ability to adapt to different play styles. Initially a modest 2/2 creature, it can become a significant threat when its transformation is activated, making it a flexible pick for various deck builds.
Combo Potential: With its transform mechanic, Ursine Champion synergizes well with decks that capitalize on creature buffs or those that benefit from having a powerful creature emerge in the mid to late game. Its ability to switch forms adds an extra layer of tactical depth.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that is ever-changing, having cards that can respond to a wide range of threats is key. Ursine Champion’s transformation gives players the capability to adapt to an array of game states, making it a valuable asset in shifting meta environments.
How to beat
The Ursine Champion is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering with its transformative bear-folk to bear prowess. It requires a strategic approach to efficiently overcome its mid-game power spike. A basic method to counteract Ursine Champion’s activated ability is through timely removal spells. Direct damage spells or destroy creature options played before the champion buffs itself are exceptionally effective. Timing is crucial; acting during your opponent’s upkeep or before they accumulate the required mana to activate can hinder their plans.
Moreover, enchantments that restrict a creature’s abilities can render the Champion a mere blocker, incapable of its monstrous transformation. Additionally, employing creatures with higher power and toughness can often dissuade an opponent from investing in their Ursine Champion’s ability, forcing them to keep it back as a defensive measure. Countering Ursine Champion involves anticipation of your opponent’s strategy and disrupting their tempo before they can leverage the Champion’s true potential on the battlefield.
In summary, with a mix of preemptive creature control and smart board presence, players can effectively neutralize the Ursine Champion, maintaining an advantage as they navigate the complexities of a Magic: The Gathering match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ursine Champion MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019, 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 Ursine Champion 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ursine Champion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |