Argothian Swine MTG Card


Argothian Swine excels in transforming static board states by converting noncreature permanents into creatures. React with instant speed for tactical plays, optimizing its use in various in-game situations. While it’s powerful, it requires strategic hand management and a commitment to green mana.
Argothian Swine - Urza's Saga
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Boar
Abilities Trample
Released1998-10-12
Set symbol
Set nameUrza's Saga
Set codeUSG
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number235
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRandy Elliott

Text of card

Trample

In Argoth, the shortest path between two points is the one the swine make.


Cards like Argothian Swine

Arbothian Swine is a creature that presents an interesting dynamic within Magic: The Gathering’s realm of green creatures. When comparing its trample ability to that of cards like Stampeding Rhino, we see the Swine bearing a similar potential for overrunning blockers, yet it comes with a twist. While the Rhino is a straightforward trampler, the Argothian Swine shines in environments rich with enchantments, converting them into pure damage.

Another comparable card is Outland Colossus, which has the renowned renown ability allowing it to become overly formidable after dealing combat damage to a player. Both creatures, the Swine and the Colossus, have their unique advantages – the Swine with its enchantment-hate synergy and the Colossus with the potential for exponential growth. The card Baloth Gorger also plays in the same weight class, offering flexibility in size through its kicker cost, though it misses the additional enchantment interaction provided by Argothian Swine.

Evaluating the utility and synergies of green creatures like Argothian Swine allows players to tailor their strategies. Using the Swine can be exceptionally powerful in the right deck, particularly against opponents heavily invested in enchantments, showcasing the pig’s potential for not just damage, but also tactical advantage on the battlefield.

Stampeding Rhino - MTG Card versions
Outland Colossus - MTG Card versions
Baloth Gorger - MTG Card versions
Stampeding Rhino - MTG Card versions
Outland Colossus - MTG Card versions
Baloth Gorger - MTG Card versions

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Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Alligator - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Saber Ants - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
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Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Argothian Swine shines in generating card advantage by potentially turning your opponent’s noncreature permanents into creatures, which you can then target with removal or affect with board wipes designed to deal with creatures, thus maximizing the efficiency of your cards.

Resource Acceleration: While the card itself may not produce mana or Treasure tokens, converting noncreature permanents to creatures can indirectly lead to resource acceleration if paired with other cards that benefit from controlling a greater number of creatures or sacrificing creatures for additional mana.

Instant Speed: The aspect of instant speed grants you the strategic upper hand by allowing you to wait for the most opportune moment to cast Argothian Swine. This reactive playstyle ensures you can adapt to the board state without committing to a strategy too early in the turn, maintaining versatility and the element of surprise in your gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Argothian Swine card necessitates discarding another card from your hand to unleash its potential. This action can be particularly detrimental during late-game scenarios when your hand is already depleted, making it harder to maintain a strong board presence and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s mana cost demands a strict combination of green mana. This requirement can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored or hybrid mana decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various playstyles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a demanding and somewhat bulky mana cost, Argothian Swine may not always represent the best value for a player’s mana investment. When evaluated against other creatures or spells at similar costs, the Swine might lag in terms of the benefits it brings to the battlefield, making it a less optimal choice in competitive gameplay scenarios.


Reasons to Include Argothian Swine in Your Collection

Versatility: Argothian Swine shines as a versatile card, capable of slotting into various deck archetypes. Its impact in games that focus on creature-based strategies or those that empower trample synergies is significant.

Combo Potential: The card can be a crucial component in combos, particularly in decks that exploit trample mechanics or benefit from having a high power creature on the board. It can enable surprise wins and synergize with various support cards.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment crowded with control decks or those relying on numerous small blockers, Argothian Swine can prove to be extremely effective. It can help maintain pressure on the opponent by forcing through damage, making it a valuable asset in the right meta.


How to beat

Armed with relentless trample ability, Argothian Swine can be a true nuisance on the battlefield for many MTG players. This powerful creature might seem daunting, but there are several smart strategies one can employ to neutralize its impact. The most straightforward method is to ensure that you have sufficient removal spells in your deck, such as Path to Exile or Murder, to eliminate the Swine before it can cause any significant damage.

Another tactic is to use enchantments that prevent the creature from attacking or blocking, such as Pacifism or Arrest. By controlling the Swine’s combat abilities, its effectiveness is vastly reduced. Alternatively, players can focus on building a strong defense with creatures that have a higher toughness than the Swine’s power, negating the potential trample damage it can deal. Lastly, utilizing counter spells helps to intercept the Swine as it enters the battlefield, preventing it from ever becoming a threat. By applying these techniques, one can successfully contain the power of Argothian Swine and maintain control over the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Argothian Swine MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Argothian Swine and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Argothian Swine has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal