Deeproot Elite MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Merfolk Warrior
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Boosts Merfolk’s board presence, tipping scales in your favor with each merfolk cast.
  2. Instant speed ability allows strategic plays, disrupting opponents’ plans with unexpected threats.
  3. Essential for merfolk strategies, and flexibility makes it a valuable collection addition.

Text of card

Whenever another Merfolk enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on target Merfolk you control.

"You think I stand alone? I have the forest at my call, the waters at my back. I outnumber you."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deeproot Elite can become a game-changer by bolstering your board presence each time another Merfolk enters the battlefield under your control. This steady boost to your creatures can quickly tip the scales in your favor, effectively netting you more value from each Merfolk spell you cast.

Resource Acceleration: While Deeproot Elite itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters among Merfolk can accelerate your damage output significantly. This can lead to winning the game much faster by strengthening your merfolk army efficiently.

Instant Speed: Although Deeproot Elite is a creature card without flash, its triggered ability works at instant speed. This means any Merfolk you cast during your opponent’s turn, possibly through flash or other instant-speed effects, will still benefit from the Elite’s ability. Such interactions can create unexpected threats and advantages during your opponent’s end step, disrupting their plans and maintaining momentum on your side.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deeproot Elite doesn’t directly require discarding cards, but its synergistic value increases significantly with playing other Merfolk. Without a steady stream of tribe members to cast, it may not reach its full potential, indirectly pressuring players to maintain card advantage or risk diminishing returns.

Specific Mana Cost: Deeproot Elite necessitates green mana for casting, potentially restricting its inclusion exclusively to green or green-centric multi-color decks. This mana specificity means players need to carefully consider mana base to ensure it can be played on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana isn’t prohibitive, in a format where speed can be critical, there are times that Deeproot Elite’s cost may compete with other impactful two-drops or essential setup plays. Finding the right moment to deploy it without losing tempo against more aggressive strategies can be challenging.


Reasons to Include Deeproot Elite in Your Collection

Versatility: Deeproot Elite showcases great flexibility by enhancing various Merfolk tribal decks, allowing it to fit seamlessly into existing strategies or inspire new ones. Its ability to place +1/+1 counters on other Merfolk you control can strengthen your board presence regardless of the specific build.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergistic environments, where its interaction with other Merfolk and proliferate effects can quickly escalate the power level of your aquatic army. It has the potential to turn an ordinary Merfolk creature into a significant threat.

Meta-Relevance: Given Merfolk’s consistent popularity and resilience in the evolving MTG scene, adding Deeproot Elite to your collection could be a strategic move. Its effect on the board can alter the tide of the game, making it a card worth considering if Merfolk decks are prevalent or expected to rise in the current metagame.


How to Beat Deeproot Elite in MTG

Deeproot Elite holds a unique position among creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. As a cornerstone for Merfolk decks, this card thrives by stacking +1/+1 counters each time another Merfolk enters the battlefield. To successfully challenge a Deeproot Elite, players must focus on strategies that prevent or remove the counters’ accumulation.

One effective method is utilizing removal spells targeting Deeproot Elite before it can grow out of control. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can disrupt your opponent’s game plan, especially if played in response to a Merfolk spell, negating the Elite’s ability. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God, also clear the path by removing all creatures, including those buffed by Deeproot Elite.

Another angle of attack involves hinderance via counter spells. By keeping mana open, you can efficiently counter your opponent’s Merfolk spells, keeping the field clear and Deeproot Elite’s ability irrelevant. Adopting a control playstyle with a mix of these tactics can tilt the odds in your favor, keeping this formidable card in check during matchups.


BurnMana Recommendations

Maximizing your MTG tactics involves more than just knowing your cards; it’s about understanding their synergies and strategic impacts. Deeproot Elite, with its potential to solidify a Merfolk presence on the battlefield, presents a perfect example of this nuanced gameplay. Each new Merfolk brings not just reinforcements but a tangible escalation in threat level when Deeproot Elite is in play. As you curate your collection and refine your deck, consider the insights shared on leveraging this card’s capabilities—whether it’s enhancing individual creatures or orchestrating a sudden merfolk onslaught. Dive deeper into Merfolk strategy with us and discover how this card can be a keystone in your aquatic arsenal. Enhance your game and thrive with strategic play—learn more with us today.


Cards like Deeproot Elite

Deeproot Elite carves its niche in MTG as a linchpin for merfolk decks, capitalizing on the tribe’s momentum. It draws parallels with other creature-based buffs like Merfolk Mistbinder, which straightforwardly increases the power and toughness of merfolk creatures. However, Deeproot Elite’s strength lies in its flexibility, allowing you to distribute +1/+1 counters as you see fit with each merfolk’s entrance—a perk not shared by Mistbinder.

Metallic Mimic is another card that sustains a tribal theme, granting +1/+1 counters to creatures of a chosen type entering the battlefield. Similar in strategy to Deeproot Elite, Mimic also offers a preset boost, but lacks the ongoing counter distribution. Then, examining Hadana’s Climb, a transformative card that elevates a single creature before potentially flipping into a land, we see a focus on individual creature enhancement, divergent from Deeproot Elite’s cumulative, wide-reaching tribal synergy.

In essence, Deeproot Elite stands out in MTG for those looking to dynamically reinforce their merfolk squad, accentuating its value as a crafty role player amidst similar cards dedicated to tribal enhancement.

Merfolk Mistbinder - MTG Card versions
Metallic Mimic - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Mistbinder - Rivals of Ixalan (RIX)
Metallic Mimic - Aether Revolt Promos (PAER)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deeproot Elite MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Deeproot Elite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Deeproot Elite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 1272015normalblackWinona Nelson
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2372015normalblackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deeproot Elite 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 Deeproot Elite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2018-01-19 Deeproot Elite's ability can target the Merfolk that caused it to trigger. It can also target Deeproot Elite itself.

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