Ridgescale Tusker MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Pangolin Beast
Power 5
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Creates card advantage by enhancing multiple creatures without drawing extra cards.
  2. Indirectly accelerates resources by pressuring opponents early in the game.
  3. Bolsters your creatures, offering a surprise factor and a tactical advantage.

Text of card

When Ridgescale Tusker enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each other creature you control.

"Each creature holds a solution to a problem, a lesson to be learned." —Oviya Pashiri, sage lifecrafter


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Ridgescale Tusker enters the battlefield, its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters among creatures you control can turn the tide by enhancing multiple creatures’ power and toughness. This immediate bolstering of your board presence can equate to a significant card advantage without the need for drawing extra cards, as you effectively magnify the value of cards already in play.

Resource Acceleration: Although Ridgescale Tusker itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, the presence of a more formidable board earlier in the game can pressure your opponents and slow down their strategy. This indirect form of acceleration forces opponents to deal with a beefed-up battlefield sooner than they might expect, thereby giving you a tactical edge.

Instant Speed: Despite Ridgescale Tusker not having flash or an ability that can be used at instant speed, the concept of instant speed can still be applied to its strategic deployment. By playing the Tusker pre-combat or following up after your opponent’s actions, you’re able to create sudden shifts in board power dynamics. This unexpected boost can serve as a powerful surprise factor, mimicking some of the tactical advantages of instant-speed plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Ridgescale Tusker does not have this as a downside, it’s important to consider the resources you’ll be using on the turn you play this creature. Ensuring that you have adequate card advantage is key before committing five mana to the board.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires both green mana and general mana, Ridgescale Tusker may not always be the perfect fit. Decks that struggle to produce the right mana balance can find it challenging to play this card at the most opportune moment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The five mana cost of Ridgescale Tusker can be steep in fast-paced games. In the spots where maximizing mana efficiency is crucial, players might look for lower-mana-cost creatures that have an immediate board impact or offer other utility.


Reasons to Include Ridgescale Tusker in Your Collection

Versatility: Ridgescale Tusker’s ability to distribute +1/+1 counters amongst creatures you control makes it a flexible addition to a wide range of green decks, from those focusing on counter synergies to those needing a solid finisher in limited formats.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters, working harmoniously with mechanics like proliferate or creatures with modular abilities, enhancing the board with each cast.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Ridgescale Tusker can serve as a key component to outpace opponents, offering substantial value by bolstering your entire creature line-up in a single move.


How to beat

Ridgescale Tusker is a robust creature card that brings a significant presence to the battlefield in MTG. When it enters play, its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters among other creatures you control can quickly turn the tide to your favor, bolstering even the smallest of creatures into formidable threats. To counter this, control strategies are key. Removal spells that can deal with the Tusker before the counters are distributed can mitigate its impact significantly. Using instant-speed removal like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can efficiently remove the Tusker in response to its ability, leaving the opponent’s board without the extra power and toughness.

Another effective method to handle Ridgescale Tusker is to utilize board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation that clear the board of all creatures, effectively resetting the battlefield. Lastly, keep an eye on combat tricks and additional buffs that might come with the Tusker, ensuring your removal or board control strategy aligns with the opponent’s potential plays. Successfully navigating these tactics can mean the difference between victory and being overrun by a suddenly empowered army courtesy of the Ridgescale Tusker’s influence on the game.


Cards like Ridgescale Tusker

Ridgescale Tusker is an impactful creature card in MTG that can dominate the battlefield. A close relative in terms of functionality is the popular card Armada Wurm. Just like Ridgescale Tusker, it provides immediate board presence not only through its substantial size but also by delivering additional value when it enters the battlefield. The Wurm brings along a 5/5 Wurm creature token with trample, whereas the Tusker spreads +1/+1 counters among other creatures you control.

Another card worth mentioning is Juniper Order Ranger. While the Ranger itself isn’t as burly as the Tusker, it offers a similar counter distribution effect. However, the Ranger’s ability is triggered upon other creatures entering the battlefield under your control, providing a different kind of ongoing value compared to the one-time effect of the Tusker.

Ivorytusk Fortress stands out as well for its synergy with +1/+1 counters. While it doesn’t distribute counters like Ridgescale Tusker, creatures you control with counters on them unlock added utility as they can untap each of your turns, allowing for relentless offense and defense.

In conclusion, while Ridgescale Tusker is not unique in its effect of empowering creatures, its blend of a sturdy creature body and immediate impact through distributing counters offers significant advantages for creature-focused decks in MTG.

Armada Wurm - MTG Card versions
Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ivorytusk Fortress - MTG Card versions
Armada Wurm - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Juniper Order Ranger - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Ivorytusk Fortress - Khans of Tarkir Promos (PKTK)

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

Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Panther Warriors - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Seedborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Cockatrice - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Ironroot Treefolk - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Elvish Bard - Alliances (ALL)
Durkwood Boars - Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)
Elven Riders - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Panther Warriors - Portal (POR)
Redwood Treefolk - Weatherlight (WTH)
Spined Wurm - Stronghold (STH)
Rabid Wolverines - Exodus (EXO)
Deadly Insect - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Vintara Elephant - Prophecy (PCY)
Crashing Boars - Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
Kavu Climber - Masters 25 (A25)
Kavu Chameleon - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)
Spring-Leaf Avenger - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Okina Nightwatch - Arena League 2005 (PAL05)
Consuming Blob - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Seedborn Muse - Murders at Karlov Manor Commander (MKC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ridgescale Tusker MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Kaladesh 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 Ridgescale Tusker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ridgescale Tusker Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 1212015normalblackWinona Nelson
22020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 1772015normalblackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ridgescale Tusker has restrictions

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

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