Deranged Whelp MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 125
2023-03-21 - Number 150
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Wolf |
| Abilities | Menace |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- A fierce addition for speed in MTG, it forces opponents to use resources or leave blockers behind.
- Its simple casting cost accelerates resource availability, leaving mana open for further early-game actions.
- Despite restrictive mana requirements, Deranged Whelp’s consistent early damage makes it a valuable collection piece.
Text of card
Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.)
"When you confront a wolf scorned by its pack, extra caution is the order of the day." —Raf Gyel of the Quiver of Kessig
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Deranged Whelp itself doesn’t draw cards, its presence can force the opponent to deal with it quickly due to its aggressive nature, potentially leading them to use up more resources than they would like to handle it.
Resource Acceleration: Deranged Whelp may not directly generate additional mana, but its low casting cost allows for a quick deployment, leaving mana available for other spells or threats early in the game.
Instant Speed: Though Deranged Whelp is a creature and not cast at instant speed, its menace ability makes it a threatening card that must be reckoned with every combat phase, keeping opponents on their toes and often requiring them to leave guards back unexpectedly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Holding a Deranged Whelp in your hand can be a double-edged sword. While the firepower it adds to your board is undeniable, this can often come at the expense of another valuable card. You may find yourself reluctantly parting with a useful spell or creature to satisfy the beast’s need to attack the moment it enters the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Deranged Whelp comes with a restrictive red mana requirement. This can make it challenging to cast in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key. In scenarios where your mana base isn’t perfectly aligned, the Whelp might find itself stuck in hand, growling in frustration rather than contributing to your onslaught.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to committing resources, the Whelp demands a considerable investment. There are other creatures in the MTG universe that come into play for less and can still make a significant impact without causing such a dent in your mana pool. It’s important to weigh the potential of immediate board presence against other options that might offer more strategic versatility for a similar cost.
Reasons to Include Deranged Whelp in Your Collection
Versatility: Deranged Whelp is a flexible card that can be easily incorporated into aggressive Red deck builds. Its ability to bring immediate pressure due to its menace trait allows it to evade blockers and provide consistent early game damage.
Combo Potential: This card is excellent for decks that capitalize on dealing damage. It can work in harmony with cards that benefit from creatures with evasion or enhance red’s aggressive strategy for a faster victory.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where quick, aggressive plays are crucial, Deranged Whelp has its place. It’s especially relevant in an environment where slower, control decks are prevalent, offering an early threat that must be dealt with promptly.
How to beat
Deranged Whelp, a quick and aggressive creature card, can pose an early game threat in Magic: The Gathering. This card, known for its menace ability, makes blocking it a tactical challenge for an opponent without two or more creatures on the board. When facing this pesky whelp, prioritize removing it swiftly before it can chip away at your life total. Utilizing cheap removal spells like Shock or Fatal Push can effectively counter this threat. Additionally, setting up early blockers with sufficient power to withstand its assault helps mitigate the risks it presents.
Control strategies can also be efficient against it, as can area-of-effect “board wipe” spells that clear multiple creatures at once. The key to overcoming a card like Deranged Whelp lies in denying it opportunities to deal recurring damage and in stabilizing your board to be resilient against such aggressive starts. Remember, maintaining board control and removal options in your deck is crucial when up against quick aggro creatures that threaten with abilities like menace.
While Deranged Whelp can be intimidating on paper, understanding its weaknesses and having the right answers in your deck can ensure that you stay one step ahead in the duel.
Cards like Deranged Whelp
Deranged Whelp is an intriguing creature in the pantheon of red aggressive creatures in MTG. It bears resemblance to other two-mana red creatures that aim to quickly chip away at an opponent’s life total. Like the notorious Keldon Marauders, Deranged Whelp enters the battlefield ready to dish out quick damage, with the Marauders having an exit damage ability. What sets our Whelp apart is its inherent menace, making it a tricky target for blocking and thereby assuring some level of damage gets through.
Considering another similar card, Goblin Guide offers the same speed for aggressive strategies, yet it offers the opponent a potential card advantage, something Deranged Whelp skillfully avoids. Monastery Swiftspear also shares the two-mana slot. Although the Swiftspear doesn’t have menace, it has prowess, a feature that can potentially yield even greater damage but requires a sequence of noncreature spells to do so. Deranged Whelp’s advantage is in its simplicity and reliability to remain a constant threat without additional setup.
Analyzing these creatures side by side, Deranged Whelp maintains a unique position for players who desire consistently threatening two-drop creatures that can slot into the red deck without the gamble of giving opponents extra resources or needing a spell-heavy deck to maximize impact.
Cards similar to Deranged Whelp by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Deranged Whelp MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Shadows over Innistrad Remastered, 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 Deranged Whelp 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 MTG Products
Printings
The Deranged Whelp Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Zoltan Boros.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 125 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros | |
| 2 | 2023-03-21 | Shadows over Innistrad Remastered | SIR | 150 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Deranged Whelp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
