Foxfire Oak MTG Card


Foxfire Oak - Shadowmoor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Treefolk Shaman
Released2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set nameShadowmoor
Set codeSHM
Power 3
Toughness 6
Number115
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDave Kendall

Key Takeaways

  1. Foxfire Oak can transform excess mana into game-changing power, making it a late-game asset.
  2. Its requirement for specific mana and high cost may limit its inclusion in some decks.
  3. Despite its cons, its instant ability activation can create surprising combat advantages.

Text of card

{RG}{RG}{RG}: Foxfire Oak gets +3/+0 until end of turn.

"The brethren shall blaze with unnatural fire, and the flame shall consume and purify our rage." —Treefolk catastrophe myth


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Foxfire Oak has the ability to generate a significant board presence with its power-boosting ability. Although it doesn’t draw cards directly, by investing mana into its activated ability, you can turn it into a formidable threat that can overwhelm opponents or turn the tide when blocking, giving you an edge in the long run.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration like adding mana or treasure tokens; however, it does offer a mana sink for when you have excess mana. This can be critical in the late game when you have resources to spare and need to make every card count.

Instant Speed: While Foxfire Oak itself isn’t an instant, its ability can be activated at instant speed. This means you can surprise your opponent by increasing its power before damage is dealt during the combat phase or even at the end of their turn to prepare for an aggressive move on your part.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Foxfire Oak necessitates that you relinquish another card to unleash its potential. This demand can backfire, particularly when your hand is dwindling and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: The Oak requires a precise mana combination to cast, which can be restrictive. Decks not aligned with its Green mana needs will find it difficult to utilize without tweaking their manabase.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature whose ability is contingent on additional mana investment, Foxfire Oak’s initial mana outlay is on the higher side. In the fast-paced MTG games, there are alternatives that may offer immediate impact without such costs.


Reasons to Include Foxfire Oak in Your Collection

Versatility: Foxfire Oak offers a dynamic edge to decks that thrive on mana sinks, allowing players to utilize excess mana for a substantial power boost.

Combo Potential: With the right build, this card’s power-boosting ability scales exceptionally well, particularly in conjunction with cards that untap creatures or double the effects of mana use.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board states can stall, Foxfire Oak can become a game-changer by transforming ample mana into overwhelming force, catching opponents off-guard.


How to beat

Foxfire Oak presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to boost its power for a burst of damage. To effectively counter this creature, prioritize removal spells that circumvent its potential power increase. Efficient spot removal cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch Foxfire Oak before the mana can be invested to enhance it. Board wipes such as Wrath of God remain a reliable fallback to clear multiple threats, including this beefy arboreal. It’s also helpful to manage your opponent’s mana sources, limiting their ability to pump Foxfire Oak. Cards like Damping Sphere that restrain mana generation can be instrumental. A proactive approach to keep the Oak from taking root in the first place, with counter spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak, can ensure it never becomes a threat on the board.

Furthermore, engaging in combat with creatures that can survive the Oak’s boosted attack, or utilizing deathtouch to ensure a trade, can serve as viable strategies. Timing is crucial; taking actions during your opponent’s upkeep can prevent them from accumulating the resources needed in their main phase. Through strategic play and the right answers, overcoming the resilience of Foxfire Oak is well within reach for any adept player.


Cards like Foxfire Oak

Foxfire Oak is an intriguing creature within Magic: The Gathering, delivering mana ramp potential mixed with combat abilities. It is akin to other mana dorks like Llanowar Elves, albeit with a greater mana investment. While Llanowar Elves offers a one-drop mana ramp, Foxfire Oak requires a larger setup with its activation cost/ability, fueling its power only during the late game.

Examining cards like Karametra’s Acolyte, we see another parallel where mana generation is tied to the number of forests you control. However, Foxfire Oak’s unique aspect lies in its potential to evolve into a colossal threat due to its power and toughness boosting ability. Verging into the realm of beaters, we find Ivy Elemental as a comparison that can enter the battlefield as a massive creature depending on the mana poured into it, yet it lacks the recurring nature of Foxfire Oak’s effect.

All considered, Foxfire Oak stands out with its dual role as both a mana accelerator in the right conditions and as an evolving powerhouse, offering flexible utility to decks that can afford its initial higher casting cost and support its growth.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Karametra's Acolyte - MTG Card versions
Ivy Elemental - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Karametra's Acolyte - MTG Card versions
Ivy Elemental - MTG Card versions

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Marhault Elsdragon - MTG Card versions
Livonya Silone - MTG Card versions
The Lady of the Mountain - MTG Card versions
Jerrard of the Closed Fist - MTG Card versions
Shambling Strider - MTG Card versions
Stangg - MTG Card versions
Rock Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Viashivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Rubblehulk - MTG Card versions
Sarinth Greatwurm - MTG Card versions
Dragon Broodmother - MTG Card versions
Phylath, World Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Gruul Nodorog - MTG Card versions
Wort, the Raidmother - MTG Card versions
Valleymaker - MTG Card versions
Cavern Thoctar - MTG Card versions
Valley Rannet - MTG Card versions
Dragonlair Spider - MTG Card versions
Ruination Wurm - MTG Card versions
Scab-Clan Giant - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Foxfire Oak MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Foxfire Oak and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Foxfire Oak has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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