Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket MTG Card


Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket - Zendikar Rising
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set nameZendikar Rising
Set codeZNR
Number216
Frame2015
Layoutmodal_dfc
Borderblack
Illustred bySidharth Chaturvedi

Key Takeaways

  1. A versatile choice, fitting seamlessly into different green-focused MTG deck strategies for adaptability.
  2. Offers enduring creature enhancements, crucial for counter-based synergies in MTG gameplay.
  3. Counts as a valuable card in an evolving meta, maintaining consistency in MTG decks.

Text of card

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature.

"When you understand nature's ways, you're never unarmed." —Eyza, Joraga guide


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vastwood Fortification offers dual functionality, giving players an extra option to either use the card as a land or a spell. This flexibility ensures that the card can always be played, preventing situations where the card would be a dead draw and instead contributing to maintaining hand effectiveness.

Resource Acceleration: When played as a land, Vastwood Fortification provides green mana without entering the battlefield tapped, which keeps your mana resources on curve. In longer games, converting it into a +1/+1 counter can be the pivotal point to accelerate your board presence.

Instant Speed: The instant nature of Vastwood Fortification allows for surprise combat tricks, making it a versatile tool during the heat of battle. Being able to cast it anytime gives you the upper hand by bolstering a creature right when it counts—perhaps turning the tides during an opponent’s turn or in response to an action.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Vastwood Fortification can serve as a flexible spell, it lacks any discard requirements, which is good; this section is not applicable for this card as it does not require the player to discard cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Vastwood Fortification requires green mana, making it a card that’s primarily slotted into decks that are based around green mana or those that have the means to produce or fix mana towards green. Decks that do not run green may find this card unusable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: As a single green mana spell, the card’s cost may seem low; however, when considering its effect – putting a +1/+1 counter on a target creature – some players might find this to be a relatively high investment for the effect, particularly in fast-paced games where tempo is crucial.


Reasons to Include Vastwood Fortification in Your Collection

Versatility: Vastwood Fortification shines as a card that seamlessly fits into various green deck strategies. Whether you’re looking to bolster your creatures in an aggressive deck or fortify your defenses in a more control-oriented setup, this card can adapt as needed.

Combo Potential: The +1/+1 counter it provides can be critical for enhancing synergies with abilities that react to counters, such as strengthening creatures with ‘evolve’ or ‘modular’ or bolstering the long-term value of ‘persist’ creatures after they return to the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: Given the unexpectedly swift shifts in the competitive scene, Vastwood Fortification’s dual nature as both a land and a spell ensures that it retains value in an evolving meta, helping decks remain consistent and resilient in the face of diverse threats.


How to beat

Vastwood Fortification is known for its dual utility in Magic: The Gathering. This card can be a game-changer by transforming a modest creature into a formidable threat with its +1/+1 counter. The instant speed of this Green spell allows for surprising combat tricks and can unexpectedly turn the tide during battles. Moreover, it doubles as a land when needed, offering flexibility in play.

Countering this threat requires strategic play. An effective way is to remove creatures before they get buffed using spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile. Wait to use removal until your opponent commits to casting Vastwood Fortification, ensuring you neutralize the threat and cause them a loss of a card. Another approach is using counter-magic when they attempt to play Vastwood Fortification, such as with Dovin’s Veto or Negate, which specifically target noncreature spells. Additionally, you can mitigate its impact by maintaining board control and reducing the number of potential targets for the +1/+1 counter. Walking the fine line of offensive pressure while keeping up defensive capabilities is key against decks wielding this versatile card.

While Vastwood Fortification carries the element of surprise and flexibility, knowledge of its tactical applications and keeping the board clear of easy targets can significantly reduce its impact on the game’s flow.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG enthusiasts, the strategic depth of Vastwood Fortification makes it a multifaceted card worthy of consideration for your green decks. Its ability to flex as land or instant spell adds a layer of adaptability to your game. As a player always looking for ways to enhance your deck’s performance, understanding the nuances and applications of this card can lead to a more dynamic playstyle. Are you intrigued by the synergies and tactical benefits Vastwood Fortification can offer to your creature-focused strategies? We encourage you to explore further and integrate this versatile card into your collection, unlocking new possibilities and edges in your duels. Dive deeper with us, and refine your MTG prowess today.


Cards like Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket

Vastwood Fortification holds a unique spot in the realm of green instant spells in MTG, paralleling other cards aimed at bolstering creature strength. It’s akin to Titanic Growth, which also offers a sudden boost in power and toughness. Vastwood Fortification, however, is more subtle, providing a permanent +1/+1 counter rather than the temporary +4/+4 offered by Titanic Growth. This permanence can be a game-changer in creature-centric decks.

Comparable to Vastwood Fortification is the card Giant Growth, which has been a staple in boosting creature stats. Like Vastwood, it’s a low-cost instant, but it provides +3/+3 until end of turn. This makes Giant Growth preferable for a decisive, short-term battle advantage. Conversely, Vastwood’s enduring benefit could lead to long-term dominance on the battlefield.

Assessing these options, players find Vastwood Fortification a reliable inclusion in decks that aim for lasting creature enhancement, especially when considering its synergy with counter-centric strategies in the MTG landscape. Its flexibility as both a land and a spell through its modal double-faced card nature further seals its strategic advantage.

Titanic Growth - MTG Card versions
Giant Growth - MTG Card versions
Titanic Growth - Magic 2012 (M12)
Giant Growth - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket by color, type and mana cost

Fog - MTG Card versions
Natural Selection - MTG Card versions
Lifelace - MTG Card versions
Berserk - MTG Card versions
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Crumble - MTG Card versions
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Seedling Charm - MTG Card versions
Shrink - MTG Card versions
Choking Vines - MTG Card versions
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Emerald Charm - MTG Card versions
Worldly Tutor - MTG Card versions
Magnify - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Might - MTG Card versions
Serene Sunset - MTG Card versions
Divergent Growth - MTG Card versions
Kodama's Might - MTG Card versions
Fog - Magic 2012 (M12)
Natural Selection - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Lifelace - Revised Edition (3ED)
Berserk - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Giant Growth - The Brothers' War (BRO)
Crumble - World Championship Decks 1997 (WC97)
Crop Rotation - The List (PLST)
Sandstorm - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Seedling Charm - Mirage (MIR)
Shrink - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Choking Vines - Weatherlight (WTH)
Crossbow Ambush - Stronghold (STH)
Reclaim - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Emerald Charm - World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)
Worldly Tutor - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Magnify - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Gaea's Might - Dominaria United (DMU)
Serene Sunset - Judgment (JUD)
Divergent Growth - Scourge (SCG)
Kodama's Might - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vastwood Fortification // Vastwood Thicket card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2020-09-25 A modal double-faced card can’t be transformed or be put onto the battlefield transformed. Ignore any instruction to transform a modal double-faced card or to put one onto the battlefield transformed.
2020-09-25 If an effect allows you to play a land or cast a spell from among a group of cards, you may play or cast a modal double-faced card with any face that fits the criteria of that effect.
2020-09-25 If an effect allows you to play a specific modal double-faced card, you may cast it as a spell or play it as a land, as determined by which face you choose to play. If an effect allows you to cast (rather than “play”) a specific modal double-faced card, you can’t play it as a land.
2020-09-25 If an effect instructs a player to choose a card name, the name of either face may be chosen. If that effect or a linked ability refers to a spell with the chosen name being cast and/or a land with the chosen name being played, it considers only the chosen name, not the other face’s name.
2020-09-25 If an effect puts a double-faced card onto the battlefield, it enters with its front face up. If that front face can’t be put onto the battlefield, it doesn’t enter the battlefield.
2020-09-25 In the Commander variant, a double-faced card’s color identity is determined by the mana costs and mana symbols in the rules text of both faces combined. If either face has a color indicator or basic land type, those are also considered.
2020-09-25 The converted mana cost of a modal double-faced card is based on the characteristics of the face that’s being considered. On the stack and battlefield, consider whichever face is up. In all other zones, consider only the front face. This is different than how the converted mana cost of a transforming double-faced card is determined.
2020-09-25 There is a single triangle icon in the top left corner of the front face. There is a double triangle icon in the top left corner of the back face.
2020-09-25 To determine whether it is legal to play a modal double-faced card, consider only the characteristics of the face you’re playing and ignore the other face’s characteristics.

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