Acorn Catapult MTG Card


Token generation with Acorn Catapult can incrementally turn the game in your favor. Squirrel tokens from the catapult enhance resource acceleration and deck synergy. Acorn Catapult’s versatility is curtailed by specific mana costs and high activation.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

, : Acorn Catapult deals 1 damage to target creature or player. That creature's controller or that player puts a 1/1 green Squirrel creature token onto the battlefield.

The Kalonian word for "ammunition" is the same as the word for "bait."


Cards like Acorn Catapult

Acorn Catapult is an intriguing card that brings a unique tactical flair to Magic: The Gathering gameplay. When searching for cards with a kinship to Acorn Catapult, we land upon cards like Goblin Bombardment and Blasting Station, which also specialize in the art of dealing damage through sacrificing creatures or other means. Goblin Bombardment offers no cost to its activation but requires the sacrifice of a creature to deal damage. Blasting Station presents a similar function but with the added step of untapping whenever a creature comes into play.

Comparatively, Acorn Catapult doesn’t require sacrificing creatures making it versatile as it can be used with any available mana. Another card worth mentioning is Staff of Nin, granting the ability to ping creatures or players while also drawing extra cards each turn. However, its higher casting cost puts it at a slower pace than the Acorn Catapult. This catapult has the unusual twist of creating Squirrel tokens when creatures are dealt damage, introducing potential synergy with token-strategy decks.

Evaluating these cards closely, we notice that Acorn Catapult carries its own weight in a deck that favors versatile direct damage and token generation. It is an asset for players who enjoy playing with incremental advantages and creature interactions.

Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Blasting Station - MTG Card versions
Staff of Nin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Blasting Station - MTG Card versions
Staff of Nin - MTG Card versions

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Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
Coercive Portal - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Nevinyrral's Disk - MTG Card versions
Sword of the Paruns - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Acorn Catapult can be a resourceful tool when it comes to populating the board with creature tokens. Every activation has the potential to add another permanent to your side, incrementally tipping the scale in your favor during the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, the squirrel tokens generated by Acorn Catapult can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration. They can serve as fodder for various sacrificial mechanics or convoke, turning creatures into potential resources for casting larger spells sooner than typical.

Instant Speed: While the Acorn Catapult itself does not operate at instant speed, it synergizes well with cards that do. It can set up defenses or create unexpected blockers during your opponent’s turn, or simply be used at the end of their turn to maximize mana efficiency and keep pressure on the opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Acorn Catapult card requires you to allocate resources wisely, which includes not only tapping the card itself but also having an additional creature to target. This can be a hindrance if your board is empty or if you have other plans for your creatures.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a specific mana requirement of three generic and one green, Acorn Catapult may not find a home in multicolored or colorless decks. This restriction can limit its versatility and make it a less suitable pick for decks not heavily investing in green mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a four-mana price tag, players may find Acorn Catapult’s effect, dealing 1 damage to create a 1/1 squirrel token, less mana-efficient compared to other tokens or damage dealing options available in the game. In competitive play, where every mana point is critical, its cost-to-benefit ratio may deter inclusion in many decks.


Reasons to Include Acorn Catapult in Your Collection

Versatility: Acorn Catapult is a unique artifact that can seamlessly integrate into decks that appreciate a repeatable source of damage and token generation. It can support strategies from token spamming to pinging opposing creatures or planeswalkers.

Combo Potential: This card creates 1/1 green Squirrel creature tokens which have synergy with numerous token-centric cards, allowing for creative and potentially game-winning combos by bolstering your creature army or enabling sacrifice mechanics for added benefits.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Acorn Catapult can provide consistent board control while also enhancing your side with additional creatures. The potential for disruption and board presence it offers makes it a sleeper hit in the right meta environments.


How to beat

Acorn Catapult is an intriguing artifact card that can add a twist to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to deal damage and generate Squirrel creature tokens can create a unique dynamic in gameplay. When facing an opponent wielding this card, the key is to anticipate and mitigate its token-generating ability. Removing creatures from the board so the Catapult cannot target them for token creation is a savvy strategy. Another effective tactic is to employ artifact destruction spells such as Naturalize or Abrade to remove the Catapult from play directly, thus nipping the potential Squirrel problem in the bud.

Cards that prevent token generation altogether, like Illness in the Ranks or Tocatli Honor Guard, can also be a thorn in the side of Acorn Catapult users. Moreover, cards with lifelink can help offset the ping damage caused by the Catapult, allowing you to maintain a healthy life total while dealing with the pesky Squirrels. By using these strategies and keeping the battlefield clear of unnecessary creatures, you can prevent your opponent from capitalizing on the full potential of Acorn Catapult and maintain control of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Acorn Catapult MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2011 and The List, 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 Acorn Catapult and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Acorn Catapult Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2011-06-17. Illustrated by Jesper Ejsing.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 2412003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
22020-09-26The ListPLST CMD-2412003NormalBlackJesper Ejsing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Acorn Catapult has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Acorn Catapult card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2011-09-22 If the ability resolves, but the damage is prevented or redirected, the targeted player or the controller of the targeted creature puts the Squirrel token onto the battlefield, regardless of how much damage was dealt or what the damage was ultimately dealt to.
2011-09-22 If the permanent or player is an illegal target when the ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. No Squirrel will be created.