Nut Collector MTG Card


Nut Collector creates a Squirrel token each turn, ideal for generating value and expanding board presence. Demands a green mana focus and card discard, possibly restricting deck flexibility and hand size. Excels in creature-based, green-centric strategies, with notable combo and meta-relevance potential.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Druid
Abilities Threshold
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

At the beginning of your upkeep, you may put a 1/1 green Squirrel creature token into play. Threshold All Squirrels get +2/+2. (You have threshold as long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)


Cards like Nut Collector

Nut Collector is a unique creature card within MTG that provides players with a steady stream of Squirrel tokens every upkeep, given the right conditions. It shares similarities with other token-generating cards, such as Deep Forest Hermit, which creates a band of Squirrel tokens upon entering the battlefield. While the Hermit offers an immediate board presence, Nut Collector’s strength grows over time, making it a potential threat if unchecked.

Another relative in terms of long-term value is Tendershoot Dryad. This card similarly excels in a token-centric strategy, producing Saprolings during every upkeep. Each also has a secondary effect when a certain condition is met, like Ascend for Tendershoot Dryad. However, Nut Collector edges out with a permanent buff to Squirrels, enhancing its role in tribal decks.

Comparing these creatures highlights the nuances of MTG deck building strategies, balancing immediate impact against ongoing board development. Nut Collector, with its gradual token generation and buffing ability, caters to players who enjoy nurturing a growing threat that can eventually overwhelm opponents.

Deep Forest Hermit - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions
Deep Forest Hermit - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nut Collector by color, type and mana cost

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Fangren Pathcutter - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Liege - MTG Card versions
Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Autumn Willow - MTG Card versions
Ancient Silverback - MTG Card versions
Sulam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Nemata, Grove Guardian - MTG Card versions
Gang of Elk - MTG Card versions
Kavu Howler - MTG Card versions
Crashing Centaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Warthog - MTG Card versions
Rhox - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions
Terra Stomper - MTG Card versions
Feral Throwback - MTG Card versions
Brontotherium - MTG Card versions
Elvish Aberration - MTG Card versions
Force of Nature - MTG Card versions
Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Fangren Pathcutter - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nut Collector offers sustained value by generating a 1/1 green Squirrel token at the end of each turn, effectively amassing an army over time without extra investment, particularly advantageous in attrition battles.

Resource Acceleration: As the battlefield fills with tokens, cards that leverage creature count for mana generation or other synergies become significantly more potent, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: Though Nut Collector itself doesn’t have instant speed, it pairs exceptionally well with flash enablers, allowing for an end-of-turn surprise that bolsters your board presence precisely when your opponents least expect it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For deck strategies that focus on maintaining a full grip of cards, the Nut Collector can be less than ideal. Its activation necessitates discarding a card from your hand, potentially putting you at a disadvantage if your deck synergizes around having numerous cards in hand or if you are already struggling with card availability.

Specific Mana Cost: With Nut Collector demanding green mana for both its casting and squirrels’ ability activation costs, this card can be restrictive when it comes to deck building. Players not running green-centric or sufficiently mana-flexible decks might find it challenging to consistently muster the necessary resources, thus limiting its playability across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Nut Collector’s ability to create squirrel tokens is intriguing, its comparatively higher mana cost can be prohibitive. In the fast-paced environment of modern MTG, where efficiency is paramount, the cost to get Nut Collector on the battlefield and to utilize its ability may be too steep in comparison to other options that either come into play sooner or provide more immediate value upon hitting the board.


Reasons to Include Nut Collector in Your Collection

Versatility: Nut Collector thrives in green-based decks that revolve around creature synergies. Its innate ability to strengthen your board with squirrel tokens each upkeep makes it a valuable piece in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card interacts well with effects that double token production or benefit from creatures entering the battlefield. Pairing Nut Collector with cards that capitalize on token swarms can lead to devastating turns and overwhelming advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where slower, grindier games prevail, Nut Collector can become a key player. Over time, it provides increasing value, making it a target that demands an answer and can easily take over a game if left unchecked.


How to Beat Nut Collector

Nut Collector is a unique card in the sphere of creature-based strategies in MTG. Its ability to bolster your board with an ever-growing army of Squirrel tokens at each upkeep can quickly become overwhelming. Facing such a card requires a clear approach. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation are highly effective, resetting the board and halting the token production. Spot removal is less effective against Nut Collector due to the redundancy of the tokens it creates.

Control strategies shine against such continual threats. By countering the Collector on cast with spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak, you can prevent it from ever hitting the board. Enchantment removal, such as Disenchant, is also a valuable tool if the card has resolved, as it can directly target the Collector’s ability. Artifact removal can be critical if your opponent is using token-doubling effects like Parallel Lives.

Strategic patience and timing are key. It’s imperative to interrupt the Nut Collector’s effect before it accumulates value, making preemptive measures or instant-speed responses your best bet. By playing smart and keeping the board under control, you can overcome the overwhelming force that is Nut Collector.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is about understanding the nuances of each card, and Nut Collector is no different. It offers powerful advantages in creature-based strategies but requires careful consideration due to its specific demands. If you’re looking to build a deck that leverages growing threats, Nut Collector could be a worthy addition. Having the right information can turn a good deck into a great one. For more insights on deck building, card synergy, and tactical play, join our community for in-depth strategies and tips. Enhance your MTG experience and make each game count with knowledgeable guidance from seasoned players.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nut Collector MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey 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 Nut Collector and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nut Collector Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-10-01OdysseyODY 2591997NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22020-09-26The ListPLST ODY-2591997NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
32023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 4402015NormalBorderlessAdam Rex
42023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3471997NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
52023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 1712015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nut Collector has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to Squirrels may become lethal if the number of cards in your graveyard falls below seven.