Kalonian Tusker MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Beast
Released	2013-07-19
Set symbol
Set name	Magic 2014
Set code	M14
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	182
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Svetlin Velinov

Key Takeaways

The Tusker’s efficient design enables a solid board presence, requiring opponents to invest more to counter it.
Its specific mana cost can limit its playability in multicolor decks, needing careful mana base planning.
Versatile and impactful, it solidifies early-game advantage in aggressive green decks and meta play.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kalonian Tusker stands out for its efficiency, offering substantial board presence without the downside of additional card cost. This two-mana powerhouse doesn’t just trade one-for-one but often requires your opponent to use more resources to deal with it, indirectly contributing to card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Though Kalonian Tusker does not directly accelerate resources like a mana dork or ramp spell, its low casting cost effectively accelerates your board state. You’re deploying a significant threat on turn two, which puts pressure on your opponent and can lead to a more advantageous use of future resources.

Instant Speed: While Kalonian Tusker doesn’t operate at instant speed, it remains relevant by allowing you to keep mana available for other instant-speed interactions during your opponent’s turn. Following up a turn two Tusker with instant-speed removal or countermagic can maintain a strong early tempo advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kalonian Tusker boasts an impressive body for its cost, it does not impose a discard requirement, yielding a straightforward yet predictable gameplay that lacks the potential strategic depth of cards with additional cost considerations.

Specific Mana Cost: One drawback of this creature is its specific mana requirement. Deploying a Kalonian Tusker demands exactly two green mana, which can be restrictive and problematic in multicolored decks that may not always have the necessary green mana sources readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In the landscape of MTG, where mana efficiency is key, the fixed two mana cost of Kalonian Tusker might be an obstacle in faster-paced games or in decks aiming for peak mana optimization. Though a 3/3 for two mana is solid, in certain cases, players may opt for creatures that provide additional abilities or interactions for a similar cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Kalonian Tusker is a strong addition for decks that demand an aggressive early presence. As a 3/3 for two green mana, it’s efficiently costed for its stats, fitting seamlessly into Green Stompy or other creature-centric decks.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with various buffs and counters strategies. Its substantial base power and toughness make it an ideal target for spells and abilities that add +1/+1 counters, potentially turning it into a formidable threat very quickly.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that often rewards fast, impactful plays, the Kalonian Tusker holds its ground against many popular strategies. It can pressure control decks early on and can be a valuable creature in the fight for board dominance against other creature-heavy decks.

How to Beat Kalonian Tusker

Kalonian Tusker stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a green creature known for its simplicity and efficiency. The Tusker’s main draw is its generous power and toughness, offering a substantial 3/3 for just two green mana. This can put considerable early game pressure, especially since most two-mana creatures don’t match up to its stats, and it dodges the common Lightning Bolt removal.

Nevertheless, overcoming the Tusker can be achieved through effective control and removal strategies. Spells like Fatal Push and Path to Exile offer efficient means of disposing of this creature without suffering a mana disadvantage. For decks that might struggle to apply early removal, it might be wise to employ chump blockers to mitigate damage while setting up for a more potent board sweep, like Damnation or Wrath of God, which can turn the tide in your favor.

Utilizing cheaper, high-value creatures can also compete effectively against the Tusker. Cards like Snapcaster Mage or Tarmogoyf, while often serving different roles, provide the utility and scalability necessary to challenge or even surpass the Tusker’s early game presence on the battlefield.

Cards like Kalonian Tusker

Kalonian Tusker is a creature that stands out among green staples in Magic: The Gathering. This card offers a solid body as a 3/3 for just two mana, making it a strong early-game play. In terms of comparison, Strangleroot Geist shares a similar mana cost and also gives you a 3/2 creature but with the added value of haste and undying, providing longevity in the game.

Likewise, Leatherback Baloth is another card that comes to mind with its impressive stats of a 4/5 for three mana, representing another efficient green creature. Although it’s slightly more expensive than the Tusker, its larger size can be a considerable advantage on the battlefield. Tarmogoyf is yet another example, known for its potential to become a massive threat based on the variety of card types in each graveyard for a low-cost investment.

However, what makes Kalonian Tusker particularly attractive is its straightforward cost and absence of additional requirements or conditions to achieve its full potential. This simplicity, paired with its significant power level for its cost, allows for immediate board presence and pressure, securing its place in decks seeking to capitalize on early-game momentum.

Cards similar to Kalonian Tusker by color, type and mana cost

Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions

Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions

Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions

Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions

Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions

Oran-Rief Survivalist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kalonian Tusker MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014, 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 Kalonian Tusker and other MTG cards: