Russet Wolves MTG Card


Russet Wolves - Dark Ascension
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Wolf
Released2012-02-03
Set symbol
Set nameDark Ascension
Set codeDKA
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number102
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byChristopher Moeller

Key Takeaways

  1. Russet Wolves supports strategies with multiple creatures, bolstering offensive synergies and card draw opportunities.
  2. While lacking in resource acceleration, the wolves can establish early board presence to protect life and deter opponents.
  3. Despite a three mana cost for a 3/3 creature, the card’s straightforwardness fits certain decks and limited formats well.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Russet Wolves themselves don’t directly provide card advantage, they can contribute to strategies that do. For example, they work well with effects or abilities that benefit from the presence of multiple creatures, helping to fuel both offensive strategies and potential synergies that might draw cards.

Resource Acceleration: Although not providing direct resource acceleration, playing Russet Wolves can help establish a board presence early in the game. A solid presence can deter opponents and protect your own life total, indirectly benefiting your resource management in the long run by maintaining your life as a resource.

Instant Speed: Despite being a creature card without flash, Russet Wolves can still play a role in instant speed interactions. They could be used in tandem with cards that allow you to flash in creatures, thus surprising an unprepared opponent and potentially swinging the game in your favor at a critical moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks for players using Russet Wolves in their deck is the absence of card synergy that requires discarding as part of their play, which might leave owners of the card at a resource disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Russet Wolves come with a requirement for red mana to play. This cost can restrict deck building, only fitting comfortably within red-oriented or multicolor decks that can accommodate red mana efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, a 3/3 creature might not present the most advantageous stats, especially considering other options available in the MTG universe. Players often look for cards that provide more utility or a stronger board presence at this cost.


Reasons to Include Russet Wolves in Your Collection

Versatility: Russet Wolves shines in decks that leverage the ability of creatures with a decent power level. Its 3/3 body for four mana makes it a solid choice in limited formats or casual wolf-themed decks where curve and creature abilities are pivotal.

Combo Potential: As a creature with the werewolf subtype, Russet Wolves can be a key component in werewolf synergy decks. It can work in tandem with cards that benefit from tribal interactions or with mechanics that support creature-based strategies.

Meta-Relevance: For players looking to evolve their deck with the current meta, understanding where a straightforward card like Russet Wolves fits can be critical. While not a top-tier competitive card, its straightforwardness and absence of complex mechanics can serve as a reliable and predictable play in the right environment.


How to beat

Russet Wolves may seem like a straightforward creature card in MTG, but it can pose a threat if left unchecked on the battlefield. Its three-power stat for a four-mana cost feels balanced, yet when coupled with the numerous wolf and werewolf synergies available in the game, these creatures can quickly become formidable. To effectively combat Russet Wolves, consider utilizing removal spells that can take them out before they grow out of control. Instant-speed spells like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push offer efficient ways to deal with these creatures before your opponent has the chance to buff them or benefit from their presence.

Control tactics can also suppress the wolves’ threat, with cards such as Counterspell or Essence Scatter to prevent them from even entering the play area. In a defensive strategy, having creatures with greater toughness on your side can provide a solid line of defense, blocking and outlasting the wolves’ attacks. Lastly, if playing in a format with access to sweepers or board-wipe cards, keeping one handy can clear out multiple threats, including Russet Wolves, especially after the opponent has committed to a full board. By remaining proactive and aware of when to play your answers, you can keep Russet Wolves from overrunning your game.


Cards like Russet Wolves

Russet Wolves offer MTG players an uncomplicated yet reliable creature option. Standing alongside similar cards in the four-mana creature slot, such as Hill Giant, both deliver the straightforward battlefield presence of a 3/3 body. Russet Wolves, though, gain an edge by featuring the trample ability, allowing its damage to potentially spill over defenders and impact the opponent directly, crucial in tight matches.

Another card worthy of comparison is Llanowar Elves – not so much for size but for strategy. While the Elves don’t offer the same level of aggression due to their 1/1 stature, they provide mana ramp, accelerating gameplay and enabling larger threats ahead of schedule. Conversely, Russet Wolves fit into a deck that aims to keep a steady pressure with formidable creatures.

Evaluating the role of such creatures within their respective deck archetypes emphasizes Russet Wolves’ place as a solid choice for players who value the capacity to punch through defensive lines. Although it doesn’t boast versatility like some other creatures, its precise purpose in a game plan can’t be overlooked.

Hill Giant - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Hill Giant - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Llanowar Elves - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Russet Wolves by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Keldon Warlord - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Crimson Manticore - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Márton Stromgald - Ice Age (ICE)
Reckless Embermage - Mirage (MIR)
Wildfire Emissary - Mirage (MIR)
Flowstone Giant - Tempest (TMP)
Rathi Dragon - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Bombers - Stronghold (STH)
Warmonger - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Bloodfire Kavu - Apocalypse (APC)
Whipkeeper - Odyssey (ODY)
Anger - Judgment (JUD)
Nalathni Dragon - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Everquill Phoenix - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Goblin Goon - Legions (LGN)
Lesser Gargadon - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Krark-Clan Engineers - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Ogre Taskmaster - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Russet Wolves MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Russet Wolves and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Russet Wolves has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

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