Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Werewolf
Abilities Transform
Power 4
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Ulrich provides dual utility and card advantage through a mana-free transformation into Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha.
  2. His flip into a powerful werewolf can significantly accelerate your game without additional resource investment.
  3. Strategically timing Ulrich’s transformation can mimic instant-speed interactions, enhancing flexible gameplay.

Text of card

Whenever this creature enters the battlefield or transforms into Ulrich of the Krallenhorde, target creature gets +4/+4 until end of turn. At the beginning of each upkeep, if no spells were cast last turn, transform Ulrich of the Krallenhorde.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ulrich of the Krallenhorde provides a unique form of card advantage by being a creature that can flip into Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha, creating a two-for-one situation. Each form offers a different utility, and the ability to transform at no mana cost keeps your hand filled with other strategic plays.

Resource Acceleration: When you transform Ulrich of the Krallenhorde into its other side, Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha, you receive an immediate boon to your board state. This werewolf can act as a powerful tempo swing, placing your opponents on the back foot and accelerating your path to victory without expending extra resources.

Instant Speed: While Ulrich himself does not operate at instant speed, his transformative nature demands strategic timing, similar to casting at instant speed. By playing other spells or withholding them, players can control when Ulrich transforms, leveraging this dynamism much like the flexibility provided by instant speed interaction.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside is the necessity to discard a card for Ulrich’s transformative trigger. While transforming this werewolf leader can be a game-changer, the requirement can deplete your hand, especially if your strategy doesn’t include significant card draw to replenish your resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Ulrich of the Krallenhorde comes with a specific mana cost that includes both red and green mana. This makes him less versatile across various deck builds. Decks that aren’t built around a Gruul (red-green) mana base may struggle to accommodate him without modifying their mana sources extensively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Ulrich may arrive too late in some matches to have an immediate impact. In an environment where the pace of gameplay is critical, there are other creature options that may come into play sooner and provide a more immediate board presence or other benefits that justify their cost.


Reasons to Include Ulrich of the Krallenhorde in Your Collection

Versatility: Ulrich of the Krallenhorde offers a dynamic presence on the battlefield, easily slotting into Werewolf tribal decks while also serving as a standalone threat in any green and red deck. The card’s ability to transform into Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha, gives it a level of flexibility that can adapt to various game situations.

Combo Potential: This legendary creature can synergize with strategies that capitalize on flipping mechanics. Its transformation triggers not only impact the board by strengthening your creatures but can also disrupt your opponent’s plays through targeted removal of key threats.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-based strategies common in the current meta, having a card like Ulrich that can both empower your side and keep your opponent’s board in check makes it a practical inclusion in decks that wish to remain competitive while also bringing a taste of Innistrad’s feral might to the table.


How to beat

Ulrich of the Krallenhorde stands as a formidable presence in the realm of creature-based decks within Magic: The Gathering. As a versatile card that can flip to become Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha, it definitely demands a strategy to counter effectively. One clear tactic is to manage the battlefield, maintaining control over the creatures that could potentially trigger Ulrich’s transformation by either removing them prior to the flip or countering the creatures as they’re cast.

Spot removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can efficiently deal with Ulrich before he becomes an even greater threat on the flip side. Counter spells also play a crucial role here; by using a well-timed Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto, players can prevent Ulrich from entering the battlefield in the first place. Additionally, if Ulrich manages to transform, board wipes such as Wrath of God can reset the field, negating the buffs and board presence that Ulrich of the Krallenhorde aims to establish.

In summary, keeping a tight hold on the board state and having a suite of removal or counter spells ready to deploy are key strategies when looking to claim victory over a deck featuring the powerful Ulrich of the Krallenhorde.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the ebbs and flows of the battlefield is crucial in MTG, and cards like Ulrich of the Krallenhorde offer a unique blend of flexibility and power. Understanding how to integrate such dynamic creatures into your deck can tip the scales in your favor. As you absorb the strategies and pitfalls surrounding Ulrich, we encourage you to stretch the limits of your deck-building creativity. Dive deeper into the world of transformative cards and werewolf synergies, finding new ways to outpace your opponents. Unlock the full potential of your MTG collection and bring new strength to the table. Learn more with us as you navigate the landscape of opportunity that Ulrich brings to your game.


Cards like Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha

Delving into the realm of transformative creatures in MTG, Ulrich of the Krallenhorde finds companionship with cards that mirror his mechanic of flipping into a more powerful form. Similar to how Ulrich transforms into Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha under the right conditions, we can look at the card Huntmaster of the Fells. Huntmaster, like Ulrich, shifts form after a trigger condition is met, yet it provides immediate incremental value upon entering the battlefield and with each transformation, rewarding players with 2 life and a 2/2 Wolf creature token, as well as dealing 2 damage to a target when transforming back.

Another card with akin properties is Arlinn Kord, a planeswalker that also hails from the same set as Ulrich. Upon using her abilities, she can become Arlinn, Embraced by the Moon, echoing the dichotomy of human and werewolf forms found in Ulrich and bringing versatility with her creature and planeswalker dynamics.

The comparison between these MTG cards underscores a common design philosophy at play: embracing the dual nature of characters within the set and providing layered strategic options. While each card offers a distinct approach to the werewolf concept, Ulrich of the Krallenhorde stands out with his ability to empower other creatures and act as a formidable beater on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha by color, type and mana cost

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Sawback Manticore - MTG Card versions
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Sunastian Falconer - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Sawback Manticore - Mirage (MIR)
Segmented Wurm - Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
Serpentine Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Shivan Wurm - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Harbinger of the Hunt - Starter Commander Decks (SCD)
Quartzwood Crasher - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)
Streetbreaker Wurm - Guildpact (GPT)
Steam Spitter - Coldsnap (CSP)
Stonebrow, Krosan Hero - Salvat 2011 (PS11)
Scuzzback Marauders - Ultimate Masters (UMA)
Deus of Calamity - Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters (DDL)
Blitz Hellion - Alara Reborn (ARB)
Gorger Wurm - Alara Reborn (ARB)
Deadshot Minotaur - Alara Reborn (ARB)
Thromok the Insatiable - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Zhur-Taa Swine - RNA Guild Kit (GK2)
Zhur-Taa Ancient - Dragon's Maze (DGM)
Raging Swordtooth - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)
Regisaur Alpha - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and Eldritch Moon Promos, 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 Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2023-03-21. Illustrated by Slawomir Maniak.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-07-22Eldritch MoonEMN 1912015transformblackSlawomir Maniak
22016-07-22Eldritch Moon PromosPEMN 191s2015transformblackSlawomir Maniak
32023-03-21Shadows over Innistrad RemasteredSIR 2462015transformblackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ulrich of the Krallenhorde // Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2016-07-13 For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).
2016-07-13 If Ulrich is no longer on the battlefield as Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha’s first ability resolves, the targeted creature won’t deal or be dealt damage.
2016-07-13 If the targeted creature is an illegal target when Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha’s first ability tries to resolve, the ability doesn’t resolve.
2016-07-13 The abilities that transform a Werewolf back and forth look at the entire previous turn, even if the Werewolf with that ability wasn’t on the battlefield for some or all of that turn.
2016-07-13 To trigger the Werewolf’s back face’s transform ability, a single player must have cast two or more spells during the previous turn. If multiple players each cast just one spell during the previous turn, the ability won’t trigger.
2016-07-13 Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha’s last ability only triggers if a single player has cast two or more spells during the previous turn. If multiple players each cast just one spell during the previous turn, the ability won’t trigger.
2016-07-13 You choose the target of the Ulrich, Uncontested Alpha’s first ability as it goes on the stack, but you choose whether or not to fight as that ability resolves.

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