Ravaging Horde MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Released	1999-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Three Kingdoms
Set code	PTK
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	118
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	White
Illustred by	Liu Jianjian

Key Takeaways

Ravaging Horde provides card advantage by eliminating multiple opposing creatures in a single move.
Its ability to cast at instant speed gives players a way to disrupt opponents during their turn.
The card’s versatility and combo potential make it a powerful addition to various deck types.

Text of card

When Ravaging Horde comes into play, destroy any one land.

Upon his return to the capitol after taking soldiers to loot a nearby peaceful town, the prime minister, Dong Zhou, boasted of it as a victory over bandits.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ravaging Horde enables its controller to potentially remove multiple threats with one card, essentially generating card advantage by dealing with several of an opponent’s creatures in a single action.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to the acceleration of resources, Ravaging Horde can indirectly aid in maintaining board dominance. By clearing the way for your attacks, it can help ensure that your other cards that are focused on resource acceleration can do their work without interference.

Instant Speed: The speed at which Ravaging Horde can be cast grants you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn. This can turn the tide of a game by removing key creatures before they can contribute to your opponent’s plans or before buffs can be applied.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of the Ravaging Horde is the potential need to discard cards which can deplete your hand, especially if you’re trying to maintain board presence and options.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a commitment to red mana sources, making it less versatile for decks that run multiple colors and might not always have the required mana available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card comes with a higher mana investment, which could be seen as a drawback considering there are cards with similar effects that might be cast for less; this could potentially slow down your game tempo.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ravaging Horde stands out due to its ability to seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes. Its role in controlling the board by targeting and eliminating creatures can support both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other cards that capitalize on creature removal, such as those that trigger upon the death of creatures or reward you for damaging opponents’ resources.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-heavy decks are prevalent, Ravaging Horde proves to be a valuable asset. Its capacity to disrupt opponent’s board development maintains its relevance within such a meta landscape, giving you a strategic edge.

How to beat

The Ravaging Horde card introduces a formidable presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to wreak havoc each time it attacks can seem overwhelming, especially in a game that’s tipping in its favor. It’s essential for players to strategize meticulously to combat this menace. The key lies in preventing the Horde from exploiting its full potential by neutralizing it before it can deal substantial damage or completely establish board dominance.

One effective tactic against the Ravaging Horde is to employ removal spells that can target it directly before it accumulates too many counters or overwhelms you with tokens. Spells like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can be invaluable for dealing with the Horde swiftly. Additionally, countering the Horde before it even hits the field with counterspells such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto can save you from future headaches. Board wipes, such as Day of Judgment or Damnation, can also be instrumental when facing multiple creatures that have stemmed from the horde’s influence.

While confronting this challenging card, remember that timely intervention is critical. Keeping removal or countermeasures in hand can make all the difference between victory and defeat when facing the relentless pressure of the Ravaging Horde.

Cards like Ravaging Horde

Unleashing chaos with Ravaging Horde into the battlefield instantly shifts the dynamics of the game. This creature card mirrors the aggressive nature of Goblinslide and Hordeling Outburst, both of which are adept at introducing a flurry of creatures onto the field. Yet, Ravaging Horde stands out by offering not just a singular token creation but also the potential for repeatable damage each turn, closely resembling the impact of Guttersnipe whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell.

Comparatively, we can look at Embermage Goblin, which shares the ability to deal damage to any target. While Embermage Goblin requires a mana investment for each shot, Ravaging Horde can be more mana-efficient over time if it is able to survive and continue attacking. On another note,Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin also amplifies the token generation strategy but is directly tied to the number of times it attacks, potentially providing a larger army in a shorter span, albeit without the direct damage component.

The strategic depth in choosing creatures like Ravaging Horde lies in the balance between a growing army and the consistent pressure it applies on opponents. Ravaging Horde’s fusion of token generation and offensive capabilities allows it to carve a unique spot in the aggressive MTG deck archetypes.

Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ravaging Horde by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ravaging Horde MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Ravaging Horde and other MTG cards: