Wandering Wolf MTG Card
2012-05-04 - Number 202
2018-06-08 - Number 216
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Wolf |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Creatures with power less than Wandering Wolf's power can't block it.
Humans still feared wolves, though no connection between them and the curse of lycanthropy had ever been proved.
Cards like Wandering Wolf
Wandering Wolf is an intriguing creature card that offers a particular tactical advantage within Magic: The Gathering. It bears comparison to Llanowar Elves, which is also a low-cost creature. The distinction lies in the Elves’ ability to tap for mana, providing a utility that the Wandering Wolf lacks. Instead, Wandering Wolf’s strength lies in its ability to become unblockable by creatures with less power, a trait reflecting its predatory design and strategic finesse in gameplay.
In the same realm of hard-to-block creatures, Invisible Stalker presents a solid comparison, equipped with hexproof and unblockability. Invisible Stalker ensures it remains a constant threat without offering an easy target for removal or blockers. While it doesn’t grow like the Wolf, its resilience in the game is noteworthy. Another creature worth mentioning is the elusive Soltari Trooper, which also cannot be blocked except by creatures with shadow, though its lower toughness makes it more vulnerable than our Wandering Wolf.
Clearly, Wandering Wolf can stand its ground among creatures designed to slip past defenses. Its unique balance between being a creature that’s tricky for opponents to neutralize and its potential to swing games undetected makes it a valuable creature card in Magic: The Gathering’s vast roster.
Cards similar to Wandering Wolf by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wandering Wolf can contribute to card advantage in games, especially when paired with equipment or enchantments that draw cards upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of resource acceleration, Wandering Wolf’s ability to potentially avoid blockers makes it easier to connect with effects that generate additional resources upon hitting an opponent.
Instant Speed: Although Wandering Wolf does not have any abilities that function at instant speed, its inherent ability to be less likely to be blocked can synergize with other cards in your deck that operate at instant speed, such as combat tricks or flash creatures, creating unexpected turns and maintaining pressure on your opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Wandering Wolf demands the player to discard another creature card, which could present a challenge during tight gameplay scenarios or when the hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires a mix of both green and colorless mana to cast. For players running multicolored decks, especially those that aren’t heavy on green, it could be tough to manage the mana requirements consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be seen as steep for its base stats and abilities, Wandering Wolf competes with other creatures and spells that may offer more impact on the battlefield for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wandering Wolf boasts an intrinsic ability to be unblockable by creatures with less power, making it a solid fit for decks emphasizing evasive strategies. Its presence can apply consistent pressure in decks geared towards chip damage.
Combo Potential: This creature has synergy with buffs and equipment, amplifying its potential to be an unstoppable force. Combining it with cards that increase its power turns it into a serious threat that can evade most blockers with ease.
Meta-Relevance: As the battlefield evolves with creatures of varying power levels, Wandering Wolf maintains relevance. It can become an essential tool in games where board control and unblockable creatures are crucial for gaining an advantage over your opponent.
How to Beat
Wandering Wolf presents a challenge with its ability to be unblockable by creatures with less power. This characteristic makes it an intriguing player on the battlefield, often slipping through opponents’ defenses. To effectively counter this elusive creature, it’s essential to understand your deck’s options for removal or power-based control.
One strategy includes utilizing spells that can target creatures regardless of power levels. Cards that can exile creatures, such as Path to Exile, or destroy them, like Doom Blade, bypass the limitations set by Wandering Wolf’s ability. Alternatively, boosting your creatures’ power to surpass that of the Wolf is another solution, allowing your defenses to intercept it effectively.
Taking these approaches into consideration, you can tailor your strategy to deal with Wandering Wolf without letting it dictate the flow of the match. While it can be a thorn in your side if unaddressed, a well-prepared deck with the right control elements will have no issue keeping this creature in check. Remember, sometimes the best offense is a good defense.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wandering Wolf MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Battlebond, 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 Wandering Wolf 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
Printings
The Wandering Wolf Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Tomasz Jedruszek.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 202 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek | |
| 2 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 216 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tomasz Jedruszek |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wandering Wolf 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 Wandering Wolf card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-05-01 | The comparison of power is only done when blockers are declared. Increasing the power of a blocking creature (or decreasing the power of Wandering Wolf) after this point won’t cause any creature to stop blocking or become unblocked. |