Root Elemental MTG Card

Scourge (SCG)
2003-05-26 - Number 127

Root Elemental - Murders at Karlov Manor Commander (MKC)

Murders at Karlov Manor Commander (MKC)
2024-02-09 - Number 182

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Elemental
Abilities	Morph
Power	6
Toughness	5

Key Takeaways

Root Elemental offers card advantage by dropping creatures into play unexpectedly when morphed.
Combining well with resource acceleration, it ramps up creature summoning dramatically.
Activated at instant speed, Root Elemental’s morphing can strategically shift game dynamics.

Text of card

Morph (You may play this face down as a 2/2 creature for . Turn it face up any time for its morph cost.) When Root Elemental is turned face up, you may put a creature card from your hand into play.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Root Elemental enables a unique form of card advantage by allowing you to put a creature card from your hand directly onto the battlefield when Root Elemental is morphed. This bypasses the need for casting the creature and can effectively surprise opponents by bringing high-cost creatures into play earlier than expected.

Resource Acceleration: Although Root Elemental itself doesn’t directly generate additional mana or ramp, it synergizes well with cards that support resource acceleration. By bypassing mana costs for creatures, the Root Elemental can significantly speed up your gameplay. This makes it a great addition to decks that focus on summoning large creatures quickly.

Instant Speed: Root Elemental’s morph ability can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to reveal it at the most opportune moment during a game. Whether it’s during combat, at the end of your opponent’s turn, or in response to an action, the sudden appearance of a large creature can swing the game in your favor without advance warning to your opponent.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To summon Root Elemental, you’ll need to sacrifice another card from your hand, which can be costly if your hand is already thin on resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Root Elemental demands a specific combination of mana to cast, including two green sources, potentially restricting its inclusion in multicolored or flexible mana base decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its six mana cost, Root Elemental may arrive too late in the game, whereas other creatures could be on the battlefield advancing your position for less investment.

Reasons to Include Root Elemental in Your Collection

Versatility: Root Elemental adds a significant creature presence and can be fit into decks that capitalize on summoning large creatures or those that utilize the Morph mechanic to surprise opponents.

Combo Potential: This card provides immense synergy with abilities that put creatures onto the battlefield without casting them, enabling powerful interactions and surprise plays when combined with the right setup.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate or where control decks are prevalent, Root Elemental’s ability to put a substantial body on the table directly from your hand can swiftly shift the balance of power.

How to beat Root Elemental

Root Elemental presents a challenge with its intrinsic ability to put creature cards directly onto the battlefield. This bypasses typical casting procedures and can establish a formidable presence rapidly. Tackling Root Elemental effectively requires a proactive approach to disrupt this synergy.

Counterspells prove to be an effective method to suppress Root Elemental’s initial entry to the battlefield. Spell Pierce or Negate can serve as a budget-friendly option for this purpose. Removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile provide an after-the-fact solution by exiling Root Elemental, preventing any further exploitation of its ability.

Moreover, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field entirely, nullifying the advantage garnered from Root Elemental’s summoned creatures. Remember to keep board control and maintain a hand equipped with reactive measures to ensure Root Elemental’s potential impact is kept in check.

Cards like Root Elemental

Root Elemental serves as an intriguing presence among creature cards in MTG. It draws parallels with other cards such as Verdurous Gearhulk, which can also have a powerful impact on the game by distributing +1/+1 counters. However, Root Elemental offers a unique sneaky play by allowing you to play another creature card for free when you morph it, which can significantly shift the momentum of the game. Verdurous Gearhulk, though impactful, doesn’t provide the same level of surprise or potential board development.

Similarly, Sagu Mauler is worth considering. With a built-in hexproof and trample, Sagu Mauler guarantees a level of protection and potential damage not shared by Root Elemental. Although it lacks the free play element, its resilience against targeted spells is notable. The discussion would be incomplete without mentioning Whisperwood Elemental, which not only provides a steady stream of creature tokens but can also turn the tides by sacrificing itself to protect your creatures from a board wipe.

Ultimately, in evaluating creatures that can turn games around with their unique abilities, Root Elemental measures up due to its potential for explosive plays and transformative board presence.

Whisperwood Elemental - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Root Elemental by color, type and mana cost

Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions

Nemata, Grove Guardian - MTG Card versions

Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions

Silvos, Rogue Elemental - MTG Card versions

Seshiro the Anointed - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Root Elemental MTG card by a specific set like Scourge and Murders at Karlov Manor Commander, 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 Root Elemental and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Root Elemental Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Anthony S. Waters.