Angler Turtle MTG Card


Angler Turtle’s hexproof and toughness make it a resilient force, advantaging long-term board strategy. Its specific mana requirements might limit deck diversity but ensure a strong blue mana commitment. Versatile in control decks, Angler Turtle transforms each combat phase to its controller’s favor.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Turtle
Abilities Hexproof
Power 5
Toughness 7

Text of card

Hexproof Creatures your opponents control attack each combat if able.

It is ancient, immense, and irresistible.


Cards like Angler Turtle

The Angler Turtle is an intriguing creature card in the vast universe of Magic the Gathering. This card shares the stage with other high-cost sea creatures such as Nezahal, Primal Tide, that also command a significant presence on the battlefield. While Nezahal boasts card draw and uncounterability, Angler Turtle has its unique lure ability, forcing all creatures to attack each turn if able.

Looking at Lorthos, the Tidemaker, we see another colossal ocean dweller. Lorthos, like the Angler Turtle, can dictate combat phases by tapping down potential blockers or threats. Yet, unlike Angler Turtle, it doesn’t influence your opponents’ creatures to engage every turn. The subtle but influential power of the Turtle lies in its ability to disrupt your opponents’ strategy, potentially leading them into unfavorable attacks.

Finally, the Whale Shark is another comparable card. Although not as imposing in power and toughness, it offers a trade in resilience for a card draw ability, rewarding the player whenever a noncreature spell is cast. However, the Angler Turtle demands immediate attention with the lure effect, demonstrating its unique role in MTG as a force that shapes every combat it participates in.

Nezahal, Primal Tide - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Nezahal, Primal Tide - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Angler Turtle. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Simic RampSimic Ramp GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Angler Turtle, you not only have an imposing presence on the board but also benefit from its ability to deter opponents from attacking. By giving your opponents something to think twice about, you effectively protect your other valuable cards, indirectly contributing to your card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Angler Turtle isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, but its high toughness and hexproof ensure it stays on the battlefield, which means your resources remain untapped for other strategic plays or threats. As a result, it affords you more flexibility and staying power in the long game, allowing you to deploy resources with more efficacy.

Instant Speed: Although Angler Turtle isn’t an instant, its sheer presence can influence the pace and flow of the game. As a creature that opponents can’t easily remove, it allows you to operate at a pace you’re comfortable with, saving your instant speed spells for the most opportune moments without the pressure of having to defend your life total as urgently.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Angler Turtle’s abilities come into play without a discard cost, which is a positive for those who prefer to maintain a full grip of cards. However, the absence of such a requirement means that it doesn’t strategically interact with graveyard mechanics or spells that benefit from discarding.

Specific Mana Cost: The Angler Turtle card demands a dedicated mana cost of six generic and one blue, which requires a significant commitment to blue resources. This might limit deck variety and reduce its playability in decks not heavily focused on blue mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana cost of seven, Angler Turtle stands on the higher end of the curve. This may delay its deployment in a match, potentially giving faster, lower-cost creatures a chance to establish board presence or pressure the player before Angler Turtle can be cast.


Reasons to Include Angler Turtle in Your Collection

Versatility: Angler Turtle can be a game-changer in any deck looking for a defensive powerhouse. With its hexproof ability, it serves as an excellent choice for blue-based control or midrange decks that aim to protect their key creatures while setting up for a win.

Combo Potential: Angler Turtle’s unique ability to force opponents to attack each turn opens up numerous combo possibilities. It pairs well with cards that benefit from forced combat, allowing clever players to capitalize on this feature for strategic advantage.

Meta-Relevance: As the battlefield becomes increasingly competitive, Angler Turtle can provide a crucial edge. It’s particularly impactful against decks that would prefer to keep creatures back for defense or strategies that rely on not attacking. By dictating combat phases, Angler Turtle ensures that even the most passive of opponents have to engage on your terms.


How to Beat Angler Turtle

Angler Turtle presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This high-powered creature not only offers a substantial body but also compels all creatures to attack each turn if able, which can disrupt your strategy significantly. To navigate this effectively, it’s crucial to keep removal spells or board wipes at the ready. A well-timed removal like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can effectively handle the turtle before its ability becomes a problem. Additionally, countering it upon casting with spells like Counterspell or Negate ensures it never becomes a threat on the board. Don’t forget to consider strategies that don’t rely heavily on creatures, as this will mitigate the impact of Angler Turtle’s forced aggression and preserve your defenses.

Ensnaring your opponent’s strategy with enchantments like Pacifism or creatures with deathtouch also serves as an excellent countermeasure. These methods ensure that even if your creatures are forced to attack, they won’t be easily lost in combat. Incorporating versatile responses will not only help you overcome such formidable cards as Angler Turtle but will also refine your deck to tackle a variety of challenging scenarios in the diverse world of Magic the Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Angler Turtle MTG card by a specific set like Treasure Chest and M19 Gift Pack, 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 Angler Turtle and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Angler Turtle Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-11-16 and 2022-10-14. Illustrated by Alex Konstad.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-11-16Treasure ChestPZ2 707692015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
22018-11-16M19 Gift PackG18 GP22015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7132015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
42022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 232015NormalBlackAlex Konstad

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Angler Turtle has restrictions

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