Wolfkin Bond MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 178
2019-07-12 - Number 203
2019-11-07 - Number 1375
2022-12-02 - Number 741
2023-03-21 - Number 227
2020-09-26 - Number EMN-178
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature When Wolfkin Bond enters the battlefield, put a 2/2 green Wolf creature token onto the battlefield. Enchanted creature gets +2/+2.
Cards like Wolfkin Bond
Wolfkin Bond adds to the enchantment options for players looking to boost creature power in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel to cards like Talons of Wildwood, which also grants a power and toughness increase. Wolfkin Bond, however, edges it out slightly by creating a Wolf creature token upon entering the battlefield, giving players more board presence.
Another comparable spell is Rancor, famous for its ability to provide a more significant power boost and the added benefit of trample. While Rancor has a lower casting cost and can return to a player’s hand upon hitting the graveyard, it lacks the additional creature aspect that Wolfkin Bond provides. Then there’s Ancestral Mask, which can potentially offer a much larger power and toughness increase, but its effectiveness heavily relies on a high density of enchantments in play.
Comparing these, Wolfkin Bond presents a balanced mix of power enhancement and token generation, marking its place in decks that favor both enchantment strategies and creature tactics. Each card has its own niche, but Wolfkin Bond’s ability to leave behind a creature even if the enchanted creature is removed gives it a unique angle in gameplay.
Cards similar to Wolfkin Bond by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wolfkin Bond not only adds to your battlefield presence by bringing in a 2/2 Wolf creature token, it keeps your hand size stable. This is particularly beneficial when looking to bolster your board without losing card quantity, which can be crucial in the mid to late game.
Resource Acceleration: Although Wolfkin Bond itself does not directly provide additional mana or resources, the 2/2 Wolf it creates can be pivotal for strategies that benefit from having numerous creatures on the field. This can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration when synergized with cards that tap creatures for mana or sacrifice creatures for an effect.
Instant Speed: While Wolfkin Bond is an enchantment that requires sorcery speed, it can be a strategic inclusion in decks that can cast enchantments as though they had flash. In such decks, the ability to surprise your opponent by bolstering a creature and creating a token at instant speed during their turn or at the end of it can be a strong tactical advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Wolfkin Bond does not require you to discard as a cost. Therefore, this does not apply to the cons of this card.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting this enchantment requires a commitment of one green mana and four of any color. Players running multicolor decks may find it somewhat restrictive, limiting its flexibility around various mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For five mana, the enchantment grants an aura that provides a modest stat boost. Given other cards with similar or lower casting costs could bring more immediate impact to the battlefield, some may argue Wolfkin Bond asks for a significant investment with potentially limited payoff.
Reasons to Include Wolfkin Bond in Your Collection
Versatility: Wolfkin Bond can be seamlessly integrated into decks that capitalize on creature enhancement and those built around creature-based strategies. Its ability to grant an additional Wolf creature token upon entering the battlefield makes it a dual-action card that improves board presence.
Combo Potential: The aura provides not just a power and toughness boost but works well with decks that focus on token generation or benefit from creature-type synergies, particularly with Wolves and those that interact with aura spells.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature buffs can tip the scales in combat, Wolfkin Bond has its place, especially in formats where building a substantial board presence quickly is crucial for success.
How to beat
Wolfkin Bond brings an exciting element to creature enhancement in Magic: The Gathering. Once attached to a creature, it not only boosts their power and toughness but also brings a friend along – a 2/2 Wolf creature token. This can quickly tip the scales in a creature-heavy deck, fortifying your battlefield presence.
To counteract Wolfkin Bond’s influence, spot removal spells are your wisest bet. By targeting the enchanted creature with a kill spell like Doom Blade or Path to Exile, you can negate the bonus power and toughness and make the Wolf creature token far less threatening. Board wipes like Wrath of God can be equally effective, clearing the board of both the enchanted creature and its Wolf companion. Alternatively, enchantment removal such as Disenchant or Naturalize offers a direct solution to dismantling the aura itself, efficiently halting its impact.
By integrating these strategies, you ensure that Wolfkin Bond’s effect is kept in check, maintaining a balanced playing field and steering the game towards your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wolfkin Bond MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Core Set 2020, 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 Wolfkin Bond 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
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Printings
The Wolfkin Bond Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Lindsey Look.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 178 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 203 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1375 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | EMN-178 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look | ||
| 5 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 741 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look | |
| 6 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 227 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lindsey Look |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wolfkin Bond 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Wolfkin Bond card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-07-12 | If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Wolfkin Bond tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. It won’t enter the battlefield, so its ability won’t trigger. |
| 2019-07-12 | You need a creature for Wolfkin Bond to target as you cast it. It can’t enter the battlefield attached to the Wolf token it will create. |