Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Werewolf |
| Abilities | Transform |
| Released | 2011-09-30 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Innistrad |
| Set code | ISD |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 209 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kev Walker |
Text of card
At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Villagers of Estwald.
You can spot a werewolf-infested town by its lack of butcher shops.
Cards like Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald
Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald finds its place within the repertoire of transformative cards in MTG. It presents a parallel to the werewolf mechanic seen in Reckless Waif // Merciless Predator, which also flips from a human to a werewolf under similar conditions. What sets Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald apart is its sturdy stats post-transformation, providing a more considerable battlefield presence.
Daybreak Ranger // Nightfall Predator is another card worth comparing. Although it also utilizes the day/night mechanic, it boasts a useful ability to dispatch enemy creatures once flipped. This provides a tool for board control absent in Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald’s design. Meanwhile, Lambholt Elder // Silverpelt Werewolf offers a card draw advantage upon attacking, which Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald doesn’t share but compensates with higher power.
All things considered, in comparing these lycanthropic cards, Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald holds its ground with its straightforward transformation power boost, making it a solid choice for players keen on aggressive strategies without the added layers of utility some other werewolves carry.
Cards similar to Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald offers a unique two-for-one deal in terms of creatures. When you transform Villagers of Estwald into Howlpack of Estwald, you retain a creature card that adjusts to the dynamic of the game, effectively getting two types of creatures in one card space in your deck.
Resource Acceleration: Its ability to transform without any mana cost promotes efficient resource management. While other cards require mana to showcase their alter-ego, Villagers // Howlpack does so at no extra cost, ensuring your resources are available for other strategic moves.
Instant Speed: The daybound/nightbound mechanic allows the transformation into Howlpack of Estwald to occur naturally as the day/night status changes. This enhances strategic depth, as you can pass turns without casting spells to encourage it to become night, thus converting your Villagers into the Howlpack at instant speed without spending mana, reacting swiftly to the state of the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The transformation ability of Villagers of Estwald into Howlpack of Estwald is contingent on no spells being cast in a turn. This condition can be disadvantageous in formats where players habitually cast multiple spells per turn, preventing the werewolf transformation and keeping the card in its less formidable state.
Specific Mana Cost: Villagers of Estwald demands a deck with a green mana base. This mana specificity could restrict deck-building options, as the card may not synergize well with multicolored decks or those that depend heavily on a different color.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one green, players may find the initial form of Villagers of Estwald to be overpriced compared to other creatures with equivalent stats or abilities in the game. The wait for transformation into the more powerful Howlpack of Estwald may not always align well with the player’s strategy, particularly in fast-paced games.
Reasons to Include Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald in Your Collection
Versatility: Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald offers a dynamic role in deck building by starting as a reasonable creature for early game and then transforming into a powerful werewolf, making it adaptable for various phases of the game.
Combo Potential: With its transform ability, this card pairs well with mechanics that trigger on flipping or with effects that care about creature types, potentially unleashing unexpected synergies within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creatures play a central role, having a card that scales from a simple villager to a formidable werewolf ensures that your deck can respond to shifting battlefield conditions effectively.
How to beat
Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald presents a unique challenge in the game with its daytime and nighttime double-faced mechanics. On one side, Villagers of Estwald is a moderately formidable creature with the potential to become Howlpack of Estwald, a more powerful creature when night falls. To prevent or reverse this transformation, keeping a consistent play of spells is key. This means casting at least two spells during your turn to change it from night to day or at least one to prevent it from becoming night.
Removal spells are highly effective against the card; you can opt for instant-speed removal to disrupt the transformation process. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can handle the Villagers before they flip or deal with the Howlpack form efficiently. Timing your removal can also prevent your opponent from getting the upper hand during their untap step. Furthermore, creature-controlling effects such as Pacifism can neutralize Howlpack of Estwald without the need to flip it back.
The goal is to either manage your spells to control the day-night cycle or to use direct intervention to remove the threat before it becomes too great. By planning your strategy around these techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to face the challenges posed by Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald MTG card by a specific set like 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 Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald and other MTG cards:
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Villagers of Estwald // Howlpack of Estwald card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics). |