Giant Warthog MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Boar Beast
Abilities	Trample
Released	2002-05-27
Set symbol
Set name	Judgment
Set code	JUD
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	118
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Kev Walker

Key Takeaways

The Warthog’s bulk requires opponents to use resources, granting players indirect card advantage.
Combining cards for ramp strategies can counterbalance the Warthog’s high mana cost.
Though demanding specific mana, its power justifies inclusion in multicolored decks.

Text of card

Trample

"When the Ancestor saw the cruelty her human children were capable of, Her fury shook the world. From this outburst sprang the warthogs." —Nomad myth

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Giant Warthog doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its substantial presence on the battlefield can lead to advantageous board states. Through its bulk and power, it forces opponents to deal with it, potentially depleting their hand and granting you an indirect card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: In decks dedicated to the power of green mana, the Giant Warthog can be an asset in ramp strategies. By utilizing various mana dorks or land search mechanics, you can accelerate its deployment, thereby speeding up your resource development and overwhelming opponents with early large threats.

Instant Speed: Although the Giant Warthog itself does not harness the power of instant speed, its inclusion in a deck with green’s vast pool of instant-speed tricks means you can adapt to your opponent’s moves while advancing your board position. The possibility of flashing in creatures or buffing the Warthog during combat can throw opponents off balance, leveraging its formidable stature at crucial moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Giant Warthog demands a player to discard a card to unleash its full potential. For players tight on hand resources, this requirement can become a daunting hurdle, potentially derailing their strategy by reducing available options.

Specific Mana Cost: A critical element to consider is Warthog’s specific mana cost, requiring both green and other colors. For those running a tight mana base or a multicolored deck, securing the appropriate mana combination to cast the creature on curve might prove challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to bring this creature onto the battlefield is not insignificant. Given its cost, players need to weigh the Warthog against other creatures in the same mana range, as alternative cards could provide more impactful effects or stats that affect the board immediately upon entry.

Reasons to Include Giant Warthog in Your Collection

Versatility: The Giant Warthog can adapt to various deck builds due to its straightforward power as a creature. Its trample ability ensures it can push through blockers, making it a solid choice for decks needing high-power creatures.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with effects that enhance creature abilities, plus its trample can be deadly when paired with buffs and equipment that increase its damage output.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where ground-based combat prevails, the Giant Warthog can serve as a formidable threat against opponents, holding its own in the battle and demanding answers.

How to beat

Giant Warthog brings a considerable presence to the battlefield with its trample ability, posing a real challenge for players facing off against it. In the realm of MTG, countering such a card requires strategic tactics. One of the most effective ways to deal with this creature is through direct removal spells. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can handle the Warthog before its trample damage becomes a threat. Additionally, using creatures with deathtouch serves as an excellent defensive strategy as they can block and destroy the Warthog regardless of its size.

Enchantment-based control options also provide an answer, with cards like Pacifism preventing the Warthog from attacking or blocking effectively. Moreover, edict effects, forcing the opponent to sacrifice a creature, bypass the Warthog’s bulk and potentially remove it from the game. Board sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation offer a reset button, clearing the Warthog along with other creatures on the board.

Ultimately, versatility in your deck’s answers is key when preparing for potential threats like Giant Warthog. By incorporating a mix of removal, control elements, and strategic blockers, you proficiently navigate through the challenges posed and maintain the upper hand in your MTG duels.

Cards like Giant Warthog

The Giant Warthog strides into the MTG arena as a robust creature card that fans of Green’s creature-heavy strategy might find appealing. It bears resemblance to cards like Nessian Wilds Ravager which also presents a formidable creature presence. Both cards offer sizeable power and toughness, making them decent contenders on the battlefield. Yet, the Giant Warthog is distinct in its straightforwardness—no additional mechanics, just a solid creature to deploy.

Exploring further analogies, Stampeding Rhino comes into play. It also serves as a beefy body with the stampede ability, granting it trample and letting you power through blockers. The Warthog, while lacking trample, still presents a steadfast option for those looking for reliable creatures. Sunder Shaman is another mighty creature, boasting not only substantial stats but a helpful ability to destroy opposing artifacts or enchantments when it deals combat damage.

Upon reviewing and comparing card utilities and board impact, Giant Warthog holds its ground with simple efficacy, fitting well into a deck that favors solid, cost-effective creatures. Its uncomplicated nature appeals to players who value brute strength in their Green creature line-up.

Nessian Wilds Ravager - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Giant Warthog 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

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Giant Warthog MTG card by a specific set like Judgment, 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 Giant Warthog and other MTG cards: