Orochi Ranger MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Snake Warrior Ranger
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	235
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Hildebrandt

Key Takeaways

Orochi Ranger can significantly maintain card advantage with its creature deployment ability.
Its instant-speed actions allow for surprise tactics during an opponent’s turn.
Despite benefits, its discard reliance and mana cost can limit flexibility.

Text of card

Whenever Orochi Ranger deals combat damage to a creature, tap that creature and it doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.

"The young come to me, confused. They have been taught to respect the kami, and now they must fight them? I do not know what to say." —Sachi, to her father

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Orochi Ranger card aids in maintaining a robust hand presence by allowing you to deploy more creatures, effectively bolstering your card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Orochi Ranger’s ability to untap land is a subtle but powerful form of resource acceleration. It can unleash additional mana sources, enabling you to cast more spells or activate abilities sooner than expected.

Instant Speed: The prowess of this creature is its capability to act at instant speed, allowing for surprise blocks or unexpected interactions during your opponent’s turn, which can significantly shift the tide of a match in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback with Orochi Ranger is its reliance on having other cards to discard, potentially depleting your hand and limiting your options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The Orochi Ranger comes with a specific mana requirement that necessitates a commitment to green mana-generating sources, which might not always align with your deck’s color scheme.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the abilities of Orochi Ranger can be impactful, its casting cost is substantial when measured against other creatures with similar power and abilities, potentially slowing down your early game momentum.

Reasons to Include Orochi Ranger in Your Collection

Versatility: Orochi Ranger is a flexible card that can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes, particularly those that revolve around creature-based strategies or tribal synergies.

Combo Potential: This card has inherent potential to combo with effects that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or abilities that are triggered by dealing combat damage to a player.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the evolving gameplay environment, Orochi Ranger’s nimbleness and capability to serve multiple roles may make it a prudent choice for players looking to adapt to and contend with shifting metas.

How to beat Orochi Ranger

Orochi Ranger is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, bringing together green’s classic affinity for mana value with a potent defensive upside. Its capacity to act as a blocker while still enabling you to cast it as soon as it’s drawn makes it a versatile addition to any green-oriented deck. The Ranger stands notable for its ability to untap both during your own turn and an opponent’s.

To effectively counter Orochi Ranger, you’ll want to focus on removal. Instant-speed removal spells can be particularly effective, as they allow you to bypass its untapping capability between turns. Consider utilizing spells like Murder or Fatal Push to quickly dispatch the Ranger before it can impact the battlefield. Additionally, since Orochi Ranger thrives in decks teeming with creatures, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the way for your dominance on the board.

Ultimately, while Orochi Ranger poses a threat with its tactical flexibility and stamina, by being prepared with the right spells and strategies, you can mitigate its strengths and keep your opponent’s board under control. Removing key pieces like Orochi Ranger can pave the way for your victory in the match.

Cards like Orochi Ranger

Orochi Ranger brings a unique dynamic to creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Players might draw parallels with other snake cards like Sakura-Tribe Scout, which similarly offers the potential for mana acceleration through land plays. However, Orochi Ranger stands out due to its ability to strike more than once, tapping into the multi-faceted tactics of combat-oriented decks.

Another card deserving mention is Heir of the Wilds, which serves a similar role in aggressive decks. Although the Heir doesn’t share the snake subtype, it provides deathtouch and becomes more potent during combat when you’re attacking with a creature of power 4 or greater. Here, Orochi Ranger distinguishes itself with its double strike capability, offering more aggressive players an advantage in dealing damage early on.

Assessing creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering, Orochi Ranger finds its niche. It fulfills a role for players looking to dish out substantial early game damage while demanding a response from their opponents, making it a valued component in decks that capitalize on an aggressive creature strategy.

Cards similar to Orochi Ranger by color, type and mana cost

Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions

Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions

Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions

Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions

Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions

Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Orochi Ranger MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Orochi Ranger and other MTG cards: