Pack Leader MTG Card


Protects dogs, thus maintaining board presence and affording card advantage through its attack-triggered drawing. Its cost and tribal specificity may limit deck-building flexibility and early game impact. Combative and meta relevance make it a resilient inclusion against prevalent aggressive strategies.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dog
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Other Dogs you control get +1/+1. Whenever Pack Leader attacks, prevent all combat damage that would be dealt this turn to Dogs you control.

He will be your loyal champion, and his pack your protectors. All he asks for is a full belly, a spot by the fire, and all the love in your heart.


Cards like Pack Leader

Pack Leader is a stand-out card for players who enjoy bolstering their canine comrades in Magic: The Gathering. As a lord for dog creatures, it’s akin to other tribal leaders like Goblin King and Merfolk Sovereign. It provides a +1/+1 boost to other dogs you control, quite like the way the Goblin King rallies goblins with a power increase. Albeit, Pack Leader also has a unique safeguard for your pooches, preventing combat damage to dogs during your turn.

Another comparable card is Always Watching, an enchantment that lends a similar +1/+1 bonus to non-token creatures and grants them vigilance. However, it lacks the protective characteristic of Pack Leader that’s critical in safeguarding your loyal hounds in battle. Lastly, we consider Metallic Mimic, a shapeshifter that boosts a chosen creature type while entering the battlefield. Though it’s versatile and can adapt to any creature type, it doesn’t offer the ongoing protection or leadership that Pack Leader presents to your loyal pack.

When evaluating the synergy and strategic value of similar tribal cards, Pack Leader certainly carves out a significant place in creature-focused decks, especially for those devoted to a dog theme in MTG. Its combination of empowerment and protection make it a favorable choice for ensuring your four-legged fighters stay in the fray.

Goblin King - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Always Watching - MTG Card versions
Metallic Mimic - MTG Card versions
Goblin King - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Always Watching - MTG Card versions
Metallic Mimic - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pack Leader by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pack Leader does an excellent job at protecting the creatures that matter in your deck, allowing for sustained pressure on the opponent without losing valuable assets. Its ability to draw a card when it attacks with other dogs provides continual card advantage, helping to keep your hand refreshed with options.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct accelerator, Pack Leader contributes to resource acceleration by safeguarding your other creatures, notably those with abilities that generate additional mana. This creates a board state where your resources are less likely to be disrupted.

Instant Speed: While Pack Leader itself does not operate at instant speed, its static ability has an immediate impact on the game by preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to Dogs you control. This translates into a form of “virtual haste,” allowing you to commit to aggressive plays with an assurance of your creatures’ safety—a tactical advantage that often feels like acting at instant speed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Pack Leader provides a valuable advantage for dog and Wolf creatures, it can become a liability if you find yourself needing to protect it from removal spells. In such cases, having to discard a card to keep it on the field might not always be a feasible option, especially when your hand is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Despite its obvious benefits in a focused tribe deck, Pack Leader’s mana cost requires both white and generic mana. This can be restrictive for multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana consistency, potentially limiting its inclusion to mono-white or two-color decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two mana—specifically one white and one generic—Pack Leader could be seen as a slightly costly investment in the early game, particularly when compared to other one-drop creatures that can be played sooner and begin impacting the board right away.


Reasons to Include Pack Leader in Your Collection

Versatility: Pack Leader is a flexible option for decks that prioritize creature synergies, especially those featuring dogs or other canines. Its ability to prevent damage to dogs you control makes it a robust choice for creature-based defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: Pairing Pack Leader with other cards that generate dog tokens or benefit from the presence of multiple creatures can lead to powerful combinations, amplifying the card’s impact on the game state.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with aggressive strategies, Pack Leader shines as it helps protect your creatures from harm, maintaining board presence and securing your lead in creature matchups. Its presence in your deck can bolster your resilience against common threats.


How to beat

Pack Leader is a notable creature in MTG that champions canine enthusiasts with its ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt to dogs you control. Radiating both offensive prowess and defensive solidarity, it presents a unique challenge on the battlefield that requires specific tactics to overcome.

An effective strategy is to pivot your removal spells towards non-damage-based solutions. Consider leveraging exile effects or spells that force a player to sacrifice a creature, as these can bypass Pack Leader’s protective aura. Board wipes that don’t deal damage, such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation,” can help reset the playing field without activating Pack Leader’s damage prevention clause.

Conversely, taking control of Pack Leader can turn the tide in your favor. By utilizing cards like “Control Magic” or “Act of Treason,” you can harness its strengths for your own lineup of creatures. It’s essential to adapt your gameplay by studying your deck and identifying the most suitable counters to neutralize Pack Leader’s influence on the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Enhancing your MTG deck with the right cards is pivotal to your strategy, and Pack Leader stands out as a strong ally. This stalwart protector of your canine units offers more than just a simple power boost—it’s a safeguard for your loyal companions on the battlefield. By studying the pros and cons, understanding its role in your collection, and comparing it to similar cards, you pave the way to a stronger, more resilient deck that thrives in creature-centric metas. Whether you’re looking to bolster your defenses or set up for a decisive victory, consider the Pack Leader’s value in achieving dominance. To delve deeper into advanced strategies using Pack Leader and how to best integrate it into your decks, tap into our reservoir of knowledge and become a formidable strategist in the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pack Leader MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online 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 Pack Leader and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pack Leader Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-07-03 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 819262015NormalBlackRudy Siswanto
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 819102015NormalBlackIlse Gort
32020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 3922015NormalBlackIlse Gort
42020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 292015NormalBlackRudy Siswanto
52020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 3452015NormalBlackRudy Siswanto
62020-09-26The ListPLST M21-292015NormalBlackRudy Siswanto

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pack Leader 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 Pack Leader card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-06-23 Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to a Dog you control may become lethal if Pack Leader leaves the battlefield during that turn.
2020-06-23 Once Pack Leader attacks, its effect prevents damage that would be dealt to Dogs you control even if Pack Leader leaves the battlefield.