Obosh, the Preypiercer MTG Card


Obosh the Preypiercer streamlines decks for quick, efficient threat deployment, making the most of your mana. While Obosh itself comes with a higher mana value, its constant damage-doubling effect can swiftly tip the scales. Understanding how to harness and counter Obosh’s abilities is crucial for an edge in MTG gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Hellion Horror
Abilities Companion
Power 3
Toughness 5

Text of card

Companion — Your starting deck contains only cards with odd mana values and land cards. (If this card is your chosen companion, you may put it into your hand from outside the game for as a sorcery.) If a source you control with an odd mana value would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.


Cards like Obosh, the Preypiercer

Obosh the Preypiercer brings a unique twist to deck construction strategies in Magic The Gathering. In the space of odd-CMC (Converted Mana Cost) amplifiers, Obosh stands alone, doubling damage dealt by odd-CMC sources. Comparing to cards like Torbran, Thane of Red Fell, which also increases damage output, the difference is evident. Torbran boosts red source damage by two, regardless of CMC, providing a more consistent but less explosive increase.

Furnace of Rath offers a similar effect, doubling the damage dealt by all sources, not just odd-CMC ones. However, this symmetrical effect also doubles the damage opponents deal, unlike Obosh’s one-sided onslaught. Then there’s Dictate of the Twin Gods, echoing Furnace of Rath’s effect with flash, allowing sneaky timing. While neither dictates deck construction like Obosh, their broader increases make them formidable albeit riskier choices.

To conclude, Obosh the Preypiercer’s presence reshapes an MTG player’s deck building and playstyle, offering a high-risk, high-reward strategy that centralized on odd-CMC spells. While other cards may offer damage increases, Obosh’s unique condition for doubling harm carves a niche in damage-centric decks.

Torbran, Thane of Red Fell - MTG Card versions
Furnace of Rath - MTG Card versions
Dictate of the Twin Gods - MTG Card versions
Torbran, Thane of Red Fell - MTG Card versions
Furnace of Rath - MTG Card versions
Dictate of the Twin Gods - MTG Card versions

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Spawn of Rix Maadi - MTG Card versions
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Master of Cruelties - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Obosh the Preypiercer offers an indirect but highly efficient form of card advantage. By doubling the damage of odd-cost cards, Obosh effectively allows the deck’s existing cards to work harder, reducing the need to draw into additional threats. This intensified pressure can quickly outpace an opponent’s resources.

Resource Acceleration: Although Obosh itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its companion requirement encourages the construction of a deck with a lower curve, focusing on deploying threats quickly and efficiently. This natural deckbuilding constraint often results in a more streamlined strategy, making it possible to utilize mana more efficiently throughout the game.

Instant Speed: While Obosh’s ability is not at instant speed, its influence on the game is always “on.” Whether you’re casting spells on your own turn or triggering abilities that deal damage whenever they may occur, Obosh’s presence on the field means the pressure is constant and potentially lethal. This passive yet persistent advantage can significantly impact an opponent’s strategy, as they must account for heightened damage at all times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Not applicable for Obosh the Preypiercer as it does not require discarding as part of its casting or effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Obosh the Preypiercer has a restrictive mana cost, needing an odd amount of mana to cast. This can create challenges when constructing a deck, as it limits the inclusion of even-costed cards to fully utilize its damage-doubling ability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of 5, Obosh the Preypiercer might come into play later than other impactful creatures or spells. This can be quite a setback, especially in fast-paced games where early advantages are crucial.


Reasons to Include Obosh the Preypiercer in Your Collection

Versatility: Obosh the Preypiercer isn’t confined to a single archetype. It can be a game-changer in decks that favor odd-cost spells, allowing players to deal double damage, which can quickly turn the tides of battle.

Combo Potential: The inherent ability of Obosh to amplify damage opens up numerous opportunities for combos. Especially in formats like Commander, it can dramatically increase the effectiveness of cards that deal damage based on the number of creatures or cards in hand.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where games can be a race to finish off an opponent, Obosh can be the key card that gives you the edge. Its relevance grows in metas that are slow to establish board presence, allowing for a swift and punishing strategy.


How to beat

Obosh the Preypiercer presents a unique challenge in MTG decks utilizing odd-costed cards to double the damage dealt. To successfully navigate against this formidable adversary, controlling the tempo of the game is key. Strategic removal of key creatures is essential before Obosh takes the field, minimizing the damage potential. Employing instant-speed interaction allows you to respond to threats on your terms and disrupt your opponent’s plans.

Safeguarding your life total is vital as Obosh can quickly halve it with just a few attacks. Effective life gain strategies or cards that prevent damage can be critical. Utilizing sweepers to clear multiple threats at once can level the playing field, especially against a board that’s gearing up to benefit from Obosh’s doubling ability. It’s also crucial to apply pressure and keep your opponent on the defensive, which can limit their opportunities to cast Obosh or capitalize on its ability.

Ultimately, when facing Obosh the Preypiercer, a well-timed response and a proactive approach to managing threats are your best bets. The balance between defense and aggression will dictate the pace and outcome of the match, and a keen understanding of your opponent’s strategy will lead to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Your journey through the realm of MTG is full of strategic twists and powerful plays. Amidst it all, Obosh the Preypiercer stands as a beacon of potential, ready to elevate your odd-cost cards to new heights of damage-dealing dominance. Whether sculpting a deck to harness the brute force of Obosh or seeking methods to counteract this mighty creature, your engagement with the game deepens. Dive into a world where strategy and knowledge are king, and every card is a step closer to mastery. Curious about optimizing your Obosh-driven deck or effectively defending against it? Let’s escalate your gameplay together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Obosh, the Preypiercer MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths Promos, 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 Obosh, the Preypiercer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Obosh, the Preypiercer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 808632015NormalBlackDaarken
22020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths PromosPIKO 228p2015NormalBlackDaarken
32020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths PromosPIKO 228s2015NormalBlackDaarken
42020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 3572015NormalBlackDaarken
52020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 2282015NormalBlackDaarken
62023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 1192015NormalBlackDaarken
72023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 1842015NormalBorderlessDenis Medri
82023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 542015NormalBorderlessDenis Medri
92023-04-21Multiverse LegendsMUL 184z2015NormalBorderlessDenis Medri

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Obosh, the Preypiercer has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-04-17 Before shuffling your deck to become your library, you may reveal one card from outside the game to be your companion if your starting deck meets the requirements of the companion ability. You can't reveal more than one. It remains revealed outside the game as the game begins.
2020-04-17 For spells with in their mana costs, use the value chosen for X to determine the spell's mana value. If a permanent or card in any other zone has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
2020-04-17 If a card in a player's library has in its mana cost, X is considered to be 0.
2020-04-17 If a creature with trample you control would deal combat damage to a blocking creature while you control Obosh, you must assign its unmodified damage. For example, a 3/3 creature with trample blocked by a 2/2 creature can have 1 damage assigned to the defending player. It will then deal 4 damage to the blocking creature and 2 damage to the defending player.
2020-04-17 If an effect such as that of Ravenous Gigantotherium asks you to divide damage among targets, you must divide the unmodified damage before doubling it.
2020-04-17 If more than one player wishes to reveal a companion, the starting player does so first, and players proceed in turn order. Once a player has chosen not to reveal a companion, that player can't change their mind.
2020-04-17 If multiple replacement or prevention effects try to modify damage that would be dealt to a permanent or player, the player or the controller of the permanent chooses the order in which they apply.
2020-04-17 If you reveal a companion outside the game, for as long as it remains there, you may pay any time you could cast a sorcery (that is, you have priority during your main phase and the stack is empty). Once you do, you put it into your hand and behaves like any other card you've brought into the game. For example, if it's discard, countered, or destroyed, it's put into your graveyard, remaining in the game. This is a change from previous rules.
2020-04-17 The companion ability has no effect if the card is in your starting deck and creates no restriction on putting a card with a companion ability into your starting deck. For example, Zirda may be in your starting deck even if your other permanent cards don't all have activated abilities.
2020-04-17 The companion's other abilities apply only if the creature is on the battlefield. They have no effect while the companion is outside the game.
2020-04-17 The requirements of the companion ability apply only to your starting deck. They do not apply to your sideboard.
2020-04-17 You may have one companion in the Commander variant. Your deck, including your commander, must meet its companion requirement. Your companion is not one of your one hundred cards.
2020-04-17 Your companion begins the game outside the game. In tournament play, this means your sideboard. In casual play, it's simply a card you own that's not in your starting deck.
2020-06-01 If you reveal a companion outside the game, for as long as it remains there, you may pay any time you could cast a sorcery (that is, you have priority during your main phase and the stack is empty). Once you do, you put it into your hand and behaves like any other card you've brought into the game. For example, if it's discarded, countered, or destroyed, it's put into your graveyard, remaining in the game. This is a change from previous rules.
2020-06-01 Once you put your companion into your hand, it behaves like any other card you’ve brought into the game. For example, if it’s countered or destroyed, it’s put into your graveyard, remaining in the game.
2020-06-01 Paying to put your companion into your hand is a special action. It doesn't use the stack and players can't respond to it. Once you take this action, you may cast that card if it's legal to do so before any other player can take actions.
2020-06-01 Wizards of the Coast has issued functional errata for the Companion mechanic. Instead of casting companions from outside the game: Once per game, any time you could cast a sorcery (during your main phase when the stack is empty), you can pay to put your companion from your sideboard into your hand. This is a special action, not an activated ability. It happens immediately and can’t be responded to. It can’t be countered or stopped by cards like Phyrexian Revoker. For more information please see https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/june-1-2020-banned-and-restricted-announcement
2023-04-14 The damage is dealt by the same source as the original source of damage. The doubled damage isn’t dealt by Obosh unless it was the original source of damage.