Words of Wilding MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Number | 305 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Wayne England |
Text of card
o1: The next time you would draw a card this turn, put a 2/2 green Bear creature token into play instead.
"Instinct is undaunted by terror, unchained by logic. It is the path from which all other paths diverge." —*Volume V, The Book of Life*
Cards like Words of Wilding
Words of Wilding is an intriguing enchantment in the landscape of MTG, offering a unique spin on token generation. It’s akin to effects found in Beast Whisperer, which similarly aids in creature development, although Whisperer leans towards drawing cards whenever a creature is cast. Words of Wilding, differentiates itself by allowing players to forgo their next draw to produce a Bear token, giving a way to populate the board while potentially partnering with strategies that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield.
Parallel to Words of Wilding, we have the card Bear Umbra. This aura enhances the capabilities of a single creature and provides additional mana during the attack phase, but doesn’t create creature tokens. Another comparable enchantment is Doubling Season, which doesn’t directly produce tokens by itself but doubles the effectiveness of token generation and counters, making it a powerhouse when combined with Words of Wilding.
Ultimately, Words of Wilding holds its ground as a distinct, versatile option in Magic: The Gathering. It provides strategic depth to decks focused on creature presence and synergizes with effects that benefit from the continuous manufacture of tokens, adding a layer of adaptability that could just tip the scales in a player’s favor.
Cards similar to Words of Wilding by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Words of Wilding. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Enchantress | Premodern | $1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Words of Wilding offers players a unique means of converting future card draws into immediate board presence. By paying one mana, players can replace their next draw with a 2/2 Bear creature token, translating into consistent creature generation and enhanced board state.
Resource Acceleration: This card provides a strategic advantage by allowing players to turn excess mana into tangible assets. As games progress, having the ability to morph unused mana and unneeded card draws into creatures can accelerate a player’s influence on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: While Words of Wilding itself is not an instant, its activated ability can be used at instant speed. This grants players the flexibility to create Bear tokens on an opponent’s turn, or in response to actions that would otherwise leave a card draw less impactful, maintaining the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the case of Words of Wilding, instead of drawing a card, you must pay 1 mana to replace that draw with a 2/2 Bear creature token. This replacement effect is not always beneficial, especially when seeking a specific answer or strategy piece that a card draw could potentially provide.
Specific Mana Cost: Words of Wilding requires one green and two generic mana. This mana combination necessitates a commitment to green mana sources, which may not always align with a deck’s mana base or color strategy, especially in multicolor decks that are not heavily green.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana just to put Words of Wilding onto the battlefield, plus the additional mana needed to activate its ability, it is a significant investment for an effect that is situationally useful. In formats where mana efficiency and card advantage are crucial, the cost of this enchantment may be a deterrent in comparison to other creature generators or draw engines.
Reasons to Include Words of Wilding in Your Collection
Versatility: Words of Wilding offers a unique ability to exchange card draw for token generation. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various strategies, fitting into decks that require a consistent board presence or seek to capitalize on creature-based synergies.
Combo Potential: With its ability to generate bear tokens, Words of Wilding can be a linchpin in combos that rely on creatures entering the battlefield or being sacrificed. Players can integrate it into intricate sequences for powerful payoffs.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creature strategies are prevalent or token generation can tip the scales, Words of Wilding proves to be a worthy inclusion. Its capacity to alter the dynamics of card draw rounds out toolboxes in creature-focused builds, providing tactical flexibility against various decks.
How to beat
Words of Wilding presents an intriguing challenge on the battlefield. It’s a niche enchantment with the unique ability to replace each card draw with the creation of a 2/2 green Bear creature token. This can rapidly escalate your board presence if unchecked. To overcome this card, prioritize enchantment removal spells, or disruption tactics are imperative.
A strategic gameplay example involves utilizing cards like Disenchant or Naturalize, which can swiftly dispatch enchantments without denting your mana pool. Furthermore, counter spells provide preemptive control, shutting down Words of Wilding before it can affect the game state. Efficient bear removal is also crucial. Playing cards that can deal with multiple creatures at once, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, ensures that the growing army of bears won’t overrun you.
In conclusion, to effectively counter the unique mechanics of Words of Wilding, you should focus on timing your removals and keeping versatile answers at hand. This maintans pressure on your opponent and prevents them from leveraging the card’s token-generating capability, keeping the game state in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Words of Wilding MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Words of Wilding 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 Words of Wilding has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Words of Wilding card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If multiple Words have been used prior to drawing a card, then you can choose which one to apply (and use up) each time you draw a card. |