Marath, Will of the Wild MTG Card
2013-11-01 - Number 198
2020-11-20 - Number 527
2002-06-24 - Number 86200
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Elemental Beast |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- Marath allows for consistent board state advancement with its versatile token and counter-based abilities.
- Despite a demanding mana cost, Marath’s instant speed responses can surprise opponents and disrupt their plans.
- Inclusion in decks brings utility, favoring adaptability and enhancing combo potential, vital in shifting metas.
Text of card
Marath, Will of the Wild enters the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the amount of mana spent to cast it., Remove X +1/+1 counters from Marath: Choose one — Put X +1/+1 counters on target creature; or Marath deals X damage to target creature or player; or put an X/X green Elemental creature token onto the battlefield.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Marath, Will of the Wild provides a consistent way to utilize excess mana by creating creature tokens, placing +1/+1 counters, or dealing damage to any target. This flexibility ensures that you’re always advancing your board state or impacting the game to your benefit.
Resource Acceleration: With the ability to create tokens, Marath acts as a form of resource acceleration. By investing mana into Marath’s abilities, you’re effectively expanding your army on the battlefield, which can lead to overwhelming your opponent with a multitude of creatures.
Instant Speed: Marath’s abilities can be used at instant speed, providing strategic depth to your gameplay. This allows you to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn or end step, potentially creating surprise blockers or removing key threats at crucial moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Marath requires you to remove +1/+1 counters to activate its abilities, akin to a discard mechanism. This could potentially deplete its power and leave it susceptible on the board.
Specific Mana Cost: Marath asks for a precise blend of red, green, and white mana. This can pose a challenge in mana-fixing, particularly outside of its native Naya domain.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Entering the battlefield with a cost of three mana which includes three different colors, Marath might be slower to cast, compared to other commanders that offer a more aggressive early game plan.
Reasons to Include Marath, Will of the Wild in Your Collection
Versatility: As a commander, Marath, Will of the Wild offers a unique blend of flexibility in deck building. It can adapt to an array of strategies, making it a staple for players who appreciate the ability to respond to various in-game scenarios. Utilize Marath for token generation, direct damage, or as a key piece in +1/+1 counter decks.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, Marath becomes a powerhouse, engaging in infinite combos with cards like Ivy Lane Denizen or Cathars’ Crusade. The ability to manipulate counters and spawn creatures infinitely isn’t just fun – it’s a game-ender in many situations.
Meta-Relevance: In commander circles that favor evolution and adaptive tactics, Marath holds its ground. The card’s utility keeps it relevant despite shifts in the meta, providing a consistent edge in multiplayer games where versatility and ingenuity win the day.
How to beat
Marath, Will of the Wild stands out in the MTG realm as a dynamic commander capable of adjusting to various board states. Its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters, deal direct damage, or create creature tokens, gives it versatility rarely matched. The card’s capacity for recurring growth each time it rejoins the battlefield from the command zone poses a challenging conundrum for opponents.
To effectively counter Marath’s flexibility, a strategy centered on removal and control is key. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells can disrupt your opponent’s plays. Consider employing cards that restrict the number of counters that can be placed on creatures or that negate abilities, such as Solemnity or Cursed Totem. Graveyard hate enchantments or artifacts will also hinder Marath by preventing its ability to return stronger each time.
Therefore, it is critical to have a game plan that can adapt to Marath’s multifaceted threats. Keeping a watchful eye on the graveyard and being prepared with responses to Marath’s entrance to the battlefield can ensure you maintain control over the game’s flow despite the wild nature of Marath’s abilities.
Cards like Marath, Will of the Wild
In the pantheon of commander staples, Marath, Will of the Wild stands as a versatile option in MTG. Marath parallels Ooze tribal cards like Biogenic Ooze due to its ability to create creature tokens. Where Marath shines is in its flexibility, allowing you to distribute +1/+1 counters or even dealing damage directly to target creature or player, a trait not found in straightforward token generators like Biogenic Ooze.
Contrasting Marath with Ghave, Guru of Spores reveals similarities in their counter manipulation abilities. Both can spawn tokens; however, Ghave’s ability lacks the direct damage component, giving Marath an edge in direct board interaction. Another peer to consider is Animar, Soul of Elements, which also grows with counters and assists in creature casting. Animar’s protection from white and black and cost reduction effect present a different approach to value generation compared to Marath’s direct impact and resource conversion versatility.
Essentially, while other cards may offer token generation or use +1/+1 counters, Marath’s unique combination of token creation, counters distribution, and potential for direct damage provide a dynamic toolkit for MTG players looking to command a game with both adaptability and power.
Cards similar to Marath, Will of the Wild by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Marath, Will of the Wild MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2013, 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 Marath, Will of the Wild and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Printings
The Marath, Will of the Wild Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-11-01 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson.
| # | Release | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 86200 | 2015 | normal | black | Tyler Jacobson | ||
| 2 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 198 | 2003 | normal | black | Tyler Jacobson | |
| 3 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 527 | 2015 | normal | black | Tyler Jacobson |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Marath, Will of the Wild has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Marath, Will of the Wild card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-02-01 | If Marath enters the battlefield without being cast, then no mana was spent to cast it. It will therefore enter the battlefield without any +1/+1 counters. If no other effects are increasing its toughness at that time, it will subsequently be put into its owner's graveyard as a state-based action. |
| 2014-02-01 | The amount of mana you spent to cast this creature is usually equal to its mana value. However, you also include any additional costs you pay, including the cost imposed for casting your commander from the command zone. |
| 2014-02-01 | You can't choose to pay extra mana to cast a creature spell unless something instructs you to. |
| 2020-11-10 | You announce the value of X as you activate the ability, and all instances of X in the activation cost are equal to the announced value. For example, if you choose 2 as the value of X, then you pay 2 and remove two +1/+1 counters to pay the cost. |
