Ghastbark Twins MTG Card


Ghastbark Twins - Core Set 2019
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Treefolk
Abilities Trample
Released2018-07-13
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2019
Set codeM19
Power 7
Toughness 7
Number181
Frame2015
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byZack Stella

Key Takeaways

  1. The Twins bolster board dominance with trample and significant damage potential.
  2. High mana cost may limit early game presence and strain mana resources.
  3. Inclusion in decks adds formidable defense and meta-relevant utility.

Text of card

Trample (This creature can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.) Ghastbark Twins can block an additional creature each combat.

They grow closer with every passing season.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When discussing the Ghastbark Twins in the MTG realm, we must highlight the ability of this card to create significant presence on the board. The twins’ innate trample attribute ensures that any surplus damage not absorbed by blockers directly affects the opponent, often forcing them to deplete more resources than they would prefer to stave off this formidable force.

Resource Acceleration: This card underscores resource acceleration by enabling you to reliably deploy a singular, powerful creature rather than multiple smaller entities. This simplifies the management of your battlefield and conserves your hand, allowing for sustained pressure and strategic late-game deployments.

Instant Speed: Although the Ghastbark Twins themselves do not operate at instant speed, their seven-mana casting cost means they may be strategically unleashed during the latter stages of the game. This timing can effectively capitalize on an opponent’s exhausted resources, leading to a higher impact entrance onto the battlefield.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing the Ghastbark Twins requires adherence to a specific discard mechanism that could deplete valuable hand resources. This can pose a problem when every card you hold has the potential to turn the tide of the game. Strategically, the loss of card advantage can put you behind, especially in the early to mid-game when establishing board presence is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes a mix of generic and green mana, the Ghastbark Twins card isn’t always the easiest to summon. This cost can potentially conflict with the mana availability in multicolored decks, making it occasionally burdensome to utilize unless you’ve specifically tailored your mana base to accommodate such demands.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of seven mana to cast, the Ghastbark Twins fall into the category of higher-cost creatures. Although its abilities may justify the cost in prolonged games, there are a number of other creatures and spells available that could be considered more mana-efficient for establishing control or presenting an immediate threat to opponents earlier in the match.


Reasons to Include Ghastbark Twins in Your Collection

Versatility: Ghastbark Twins offers a robust option for decks looking to exert pressure with formidable creatures. Its reach ability allows it to defensively cover both ground and aerial threats, providing substantial utility in various game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on creature size. Its ability to block an additional creature each turn can be combined with effects that punish blocked or blocking creatures, or that benefit from creatures surviving combat.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive decks prevail, the Ghastbark Twins can be a significant obstacle for your opponents due to their sheer size and defensive capabilities. They can effectively anchor your defensive line while also posing a serious threat if left unchecked on the battlefield.


How to beat

Ghastbark Twins may appear foreboding with its trample ability and notable 7/7 stature. Unlike straightforward removal spells that can easily target smaller creatures, the Twins demand an evolved strategy. Dealing with this hefty entity from Magic: The Gathering requires a combination of precision and power. Prioritizing cards that can either match its power level or bypass its combat abilities is key. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can sweep the Twins away without needing to confront them directly in combat. Alternatively, utilizing cards that force sacrifice, such as Liliana’s Triumph, sidesteps its trample ability entirely by not engaging it in battle. Remember, while Ghastbark Twins may dominate the field with sheer force, smart card choices and tactical maneuvers will ensure your victory. Planning ahead and having these answers in your deck will keep the looming threat of the Ghastbark Twins at bay, securing your place in the game.


Cards like Ghastbark Twins

Ghastbark Twins stands out as a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of some classic heavy hitters in green’s vast arsenal. With its ability to block two creatures, it shares a similarity with cards like Sentinel Spider, which also boasts vigilance and a notable web of defense. Where Ghastbark Twins differs, is in the sheer size, boasting a formidable 7/7 on the stats line, eclipsing the Spider’s 4/4.

Another related card is Grave Titan, a creature that doesn’t block multiple creatures but compensates by producing 2/2 Zombie tokens on entering the battlefield and whenever it attacks. Although not as large as the Twins, Grave Titan’s ability to swiftly populate the board makes it a force to be reckoned with. Dungrove Elder is another comparison point, a card that can potentially grow as large as Ghastbark Twins depending on the number of Forests you control, while also enjoying the protection of hexproof.

When weighing the utility and strength of similar creature cards, Ghastbark Twins may appeal to players who fancy a straightforward, high-powered card that can stand its ground against multiple attackers, adding a layer of defensive resilience in green-dominated decks.

Sentinel Spider - MTG Card versions
Grave Titan - MTG Card versions
Dungrove Elder - MTG Card versions
Sentinel Spider - Magic 2013 (M13)
Grave Titan - Magic 2011 (M11)
Dungrove Elder - DCI Promos (PDCI)

Cards similar to Ghastbark Twins by color, type and mana cost

Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Penumbra Wurm - Ultimate Masters (UMA)
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - Odyssey Promos (PODY)
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - Judgment (JUD)
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
Somberwald Beastmaster - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Cultivator Colossus - Innistrad: Crimson Vow (VOW)
Garruk's Horde - Welcome Deck 2017 (W17)
Krosan Tusker - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Hundroog - Legions (LGN)
Enormous Baloth - Legions (LGN)
Ancient Ooze - Scourge (SCG)
Cytospawn Shambler - Dissension (DIS)
Panglacial Wurm - The List (PLST)
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - Tenth Edition (10E)
Duskdale Wurm - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Avenger of Zendikar - Jumpstart 2022 (J22)
Pelakka Wurm - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Engulfing Slagwurm - Scars of Mirrodin (SOM)
Kalonian Behemoth - Salvat 2011 (PS11)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ghastbark Twins MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019, 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 Ghastbark Twins and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ghastbark Twins has restrictions

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

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