Volcanic Rambler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Released | 2015-07-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic Origins |
| Set code | ORI |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 167 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Vincent Proce |
Text of card
: Volcanic Rambler deals 1 damage to target player.
It moves through lava with the force of an erupting volcano.
Cards like Volcanic Rambler
Volcanic Rambler is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering that finds its niche amongst players with a taste for direct damage strategies. It shares some characteristics with other creature cards like Cinder Pyromancer and Thermo-Alchemist. Each of these shares a key theme – the ability to deal damage directly to each opponent. However, Volcanic Rambler demands a substantial six mana to play and offers the potential for repeated damage thanks to its activated ability, which can target any player.
Comparatively, Cinder Pyromancer requires less mana to get into play and similarly deals damage to a player whenever you cast a red spell. Thermo-Alchemist stands out with its defender ability and also deals damage to each opponent when it becomes untapped. Thermo-Alchemist is even more mana-efficient and can often be activated multiple times within a single turn cycle.
Looking at the broader landscape of direct-damage MTG cards, Volcanic Rambler isn’t the most mana-efficient but its versatility can be leveraged in long game formats where mana resources are plentiful and the ability to keep punching damage through turn after turn can pay off.
Cards similar to Volcanic Rambler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While the Volcanic Rambler may not directly grant card draw, its repeatable damage ability can systematically clear out smaller creatures, effectively providing a form of card advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: The Volcanic Rambler doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the traditional sense. However, its relatively low mana cost for its damage-dealing ability can free up mana resources for other strategic plays throughout the game.
Instant Speed: Although Volcanic Rambler’s ability is activated at sorcery speed, having access to a creature with a burn ability adds flexibility to your gameplay, letting you choose the most opportune moment to apply pressure or remove an opponent’s threat within your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Volcanic Rambler demands a card be discarded to activate its ability. During gameplay, this can be a setback, especially when your hand is already stretched thin managing other strategies or retaining key cards for later use.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card comes with a precise mana cost that necessitates red mana, which can pose restrictions for deck building. If your deck doesn’t consistently produce red mana, you may find this card sitting idle in your hand more often than on the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its six mana cost reflects its potential to deal direct damage to players, other cards in the same mana range could potentially provide you with greater versatility or immediate board impact, making Volcanic Rambler less optimal in competitive settings.
Reasons to Include Volcanic Rambler in Your Collection
Versatility: The Volcanic Rambler card offers flexibility to red-focused deck builders. Capable of maneuvering through defense lines with its ability, it complements strategies that pivot on pressurizing opponents with continuous damage.
Combo Potential: While the Rambler itself isn’t a linchpin in complex combos, it can be a useful piece alongside cards that capitalize on creature presence, especially in decks that aim to overwhelm with creature numbers.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that favors long matches and board development, Volcanic Rambler stands its ground. It’s particularly apt in games that escalate beyond early removal, allowing its ability to shine in the later stages.
How to Beat Volcanic Rambler
The Volcanic Rambler card presents an imposing challenge with its ability to deal direct damage to opponents. Players might feel overwhelmed by its six mana cost creature that seems hard to counter effectively on the battlefield. Nonetheless, there are certain strategies savvy players can deploy to neutralize this fiery foe. Effective removal spells are key. Consider low-cost options like Fatal Push or Path to Exile for immediate removal. Cards that force a sacrifice, such as Diabolic Edict, bypass the need to tackle tough creatures head-on.
Additionally, making use of counter spells when the Rambler is cast can prevent it from even entering the battlefield — a preemptive approach that saves you from its potential havoc. If Volcanic Rambler has already made it to the field, employing a chump blocker strategy can be wise. Since this mighty creature lacks trample, any small creature can intercept the damage, buying you precious time to draw into a better solution.
Understanding the dynamics of managing high-cost creatures and timing your responses well can turn the Volcanic Rambler from a towering threat to a manageable one, allowing you to maintain control of the game and ultimately claim victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Volcanic Rambler MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins, 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 Volcanic Rambler 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Volcanic Rambler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |