Boreal Druid MTG Card


Accelerates resource access, critical for decks needing to deploy high-cost spells earlier. Offers versatility for Elf-centric decks, aiding in executing powerful combo sequences. Competition with similar cards like Llanowar Elves depends on specific deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSnow Creature — Elf Druid
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Add to your mana pool.

Some creatures are bound to the cold by Rimewind magic. Others seek it out, adapted by two thousand years of the Ice. The Boreal, where Heidar's frigid sway is strongest, is home to both.


Cards like Boreal Druid

Boreal Druid, a resident of the frosty landscapes in the world of MTG, shares its mana acceleration capabilities with other one-cost creatures like Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic. Both of these creatures tap for green mana, which can be pivotal for overwhelming opponents early in the game. Unlike Boreal Druid, which provides colorless mana, Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic help color fix mana bases in monogreen or multicolored decks desiring an abundance of green mana.

Another kindred spirit is the Fyndhorn Elves, mirroring the functionality of the Llanowar Elves with an identical mana ability. However, each of these cards has its unique artwork and lineage, engraving them into the core of MTG history. Birds of Paradise goes a step further, offering not only mana acceleration but also a diverse color palette. While it doesn’t restrict mana to a single color, its flying ability grants it a higher utility as a blocker or an evasive attacker.

In essence, while Boreal Druid doesn’t offer the same color versatility as some of its kin, it stands out in colorless intense strategies or where snow synergies are prevalent. It is an efficient and vital cog in certain MTG deck archetypes, making it a solid choice for specific mana ramping tactics.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Elvish Mystic - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Elvish Mystic - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Boreal Druid by color, type and mana cost

Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Rime Dryad - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Willow Dryad - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogress - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Sacred Prey - MTG Card versions
Stampede Driver - MTG Card versions
Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Rime Dryad - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Willow Dryad - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogress - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Sacred Prey - MTG Card versions
Stampede Driver - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
AbzanAbzan Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro Canadian Highlander for Duals - Tundra Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Boreal Druid doesn’t directly net you extra cards, it belongs in a category of cards that indirectly contribute to card advantage. It enables faster deployment of your hand, effectively leading to a kind of virtual card advantage, as you can utilize more of your resources sooner than expected.

Resource Acceleration: As a one-mana creature that taps for one colorless mana, Boreal Druid acts as an excellent resource accelerator in MTG. This can be especially crucial in mono-green decks or any deck needing a ramp to cast high-cost spells ahead of the curve.

Instant Speed: Although Boreal Druid’s ability itself is not at instant speed, the ramp it provides allows you to keep mana open for other instant-speed interactions. Having an additional mana available after summoning a creature can be the difference between losing a creature to a removal spell and protecting it with a counterspell or pump spell.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Boreal Druid’s ability to generate mana does not come with a discard requirement, making it more straightforward than some other mana dorks.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s mana ability provides only colorless mana, which can be less flexible than generating a specific color, potentially limiting its utility depending on the deck’s strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Boreal Druid is low cost, one could argue that its ability to add only colorless mana to your mana pool might not always justify its spot over other one-mana creatures that provide colored mana, which could be more crucial in the early game.


Reasons to Include Boreal Druid in Your Collection

Versatility: Boreal Druid slots into a variety of deck archetypes, particularly those requiring a quick ramp up in mana. Its ability to provide an extra mana each turn makes it a valuable asset for strategies looking to deploy threats ahead of the curve.

Combo Potential: This card can be a key cog in combos, especially in Elf-centric or snow-mana decks. Its ability to generate additional mana can be the difference that enables the execution of a game-winning combo sequence.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed can determine the victor, Boreal Druid’s ability to accelerate your mana resources can give you a competitive edge. It’s especially useful in formats where early game presence leads to a higher chance of victory.


How to Beat

Boreal Druid offers players an affordable mana acceleration option in Magic: The Gathering. As a one-mana creature, it sets itself apart by being able to tap for colorless mana, making it a utility player in many decks, especially those focusing on ramping up quickly. Despite its usefulness, there are several ways to counteract this card’s influence in a game.

Removal spells are the most direct way to address Boreal Druid. Since it’s a creature with only a single toughness point, cards like Shock or Fatal Push can easily remove it from the battlefield with minimal cost. Another effective strategy is to use creature control elements such as Pacifism or Arrest, which can neutralize the Druid without destroying it, circumventing any abilities or effects that trigger when the creature dies.

Moreover, players can outpace the ramp provided by Boreal Druid by utilizing their own efficient mana dorks or artifacts that provide similar or better acceleration. By matching or exceeding the tempo of the Druid’s controller, opponents can mitigate the advantage gained from the early ramp. In essence, while the Boreal Druid can provide substantial early game benefits, its impact can be diminished or bypassed with the right strategies and cards.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the Boreal Druid’s place in MTG not only enhances your strategic depth but also adds a potent tool to your arsenal. It’s not just about the raw power of a card, it’s how you employ it within the tapestry of your deck that counts. Consider how the Boreal Druid fits into your overall strategy; whether enabling high-impact plays early on or freeing up your mana for crucial instant-speed responses. Remember, every card has potential, and with insight and creativity, you can harness the Boreal Druid’s abilities to gain that competitive edge. Dive deeper into MTG strategy with us and discover how Boreal Druid can unlock new possibilities in your game plan.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Boreal Druid MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Boreal Druid and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Boreal Druid Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Dan Dos Santos.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-07-21ColdsnapCSP 1052003NormalBlackDan Dos Santos
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 632003NormalBlackDan Dos Santos
32020-09-26The ListPLST CSP-1052003NormalBlackDan Dos Santos

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Boreal Druid has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal