Rakdos Trumpeter MTG Card


Rakdos Trumpeter offers strategic advantage by requiring multiple blockers, favoring beneficial exchanges. Its low mana cost and menace activation at instant speed provide tactical flexibility on the battlefield. Despite mana investment for activation, it’s less versatile with a specific mana color requirement.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Shaman
Abilities Menace
Power 1
Toughness 3

Text of card

Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) : Rakdos Trumpeter gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

"The louder their performance, the quieter we become in comparison. They are the perfect distractions, for only fools ignore the Rakdos." —Lazav


Cards like Rakdos Trumpeter

Rakdos Trumpeter stands out in the pantheon of low-cost creatures within the Magic: The Gathering multiverse. When pitted against other two-mana options, such as Diregraf Ghoul or Goblin Piker, Rakdos Trumpeter offers more versatility. It may share the same power as the Ghoul, but it is the menace ability that truly separates it from the pack, making it harder for opponents to block without sufficient board presence.

Another card worthy of comparison is the Thermo-Alchemist. While this creature also excels in two-mana slots, Rakdos Trumpeter differs by providing more direct combat pressure with its menace capability. The Thermo-Alchemist, however, is better suited for spell-heavy decks aiming to win through non-combat damage. In terms of sheer aggression, Rakdos Trumpeter takes the lead because of its potential to become considerably more threatening as the game progresses and mana becomes plentiful.

Comparing cards in MTG often comes down to synergy with a deck’s strategy. Despite being outclassed in certain aspects by other creatures, the Rakdos Trumpeter can be a vital piece in specific aggressive strategies that capitalize on the menace ability to push through damage and control the battlefield. Thus, it holds a unique place in decks designed around the Rakdos guild mechanics.

Diregraf Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Goblin Piker - MTG Card versions
Thermo-Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Diregraf Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Goblin Piker - MTG Card versions
Thermo-Alchemist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rakdos Trumpeter can be a solid contributor to card advantage in a deck. While it doesn’t draw cards directly, its menace ability makes it difficult for opponents to block without committing multiple creatures, potentially leading to favorable trades that deplete your opponent’s resources and tilt the card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although Rakdos Trumpeter doesn’t create tokens or add mana, it can act as a form of indirect resource acceleration. Its low casting cost allows you to develop your board presence while holding mana for other spells. Additionally, the mana spent to activate its menace ability is an efficient way to use your resources, as it forces your opponent to adjust their strategy, potentially accelerating your own game plan while they deal with the trumpeter.

Instant Speed: While Rakdos Trumpeter itself is not an instant, its ability to gain menace until end of turn can be activated at instant speed. This flexibility allows you to make decisions based on your opponent’s actions during their turn, ensuring that Rakdos Trumpeter is a threat they must always consider, no matter the state of the board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Rakdos Trumpeter demands a discard from the player to unlock its potential. This can be a strategic setback, especially when you’re struggling to maintain card advantage against your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s casting requires black and red mana, making it less versatile. Only decks that support both colors can reliably cast the Trumpeter without disruption to their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying this creature comes at a higher cost than some other options in the same slot. This might lead players to opt for creatures or spells that offer more utility or a stronger board presence for the same, or even lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rakdos Trumpeter can be a flexible addition to a variety of deck builds, particularly those looking to capitalize on both early defense tactics and late-game aggression through its menace ability.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that aim to utilize low-cost creatures with upside. When combined with cards that buff creatures or manipulate +1/+1 counters, the Trumpeter’s value increases significantly.

Meta-Relevance: As the gameplay shifts to accommodate more creature-based strategies, the Rakdos Trumpeter’s ability to avoid being easily blocked becomes increasingly important, offering a reliable way to chip away at an opponent’s life total.


How to beat

Rakdos Trumpeter may seem like an inconsequential card at a glance in the vast universe of Magic the Gathering. It’s a modest creature, offering its own strategic value to certain decks. For players looking to counter this multifaceted card, understanding its mechanics can provide a crucial edge. The Rakdos Trumpeter’s menace ability requires careful attention, as it mandates that at least two creatures block it, making it a tricky adversary to pin down in combat.

Direct removal spells are a straightforward solution, with options like Murder, Doom Blade, or Path to Exile providing a one-time answer to whisk the creature away. Alternatively, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, eliminating the trumpeter irrespective of its menace. Players can also employ larger creatures to tower over the trumpeter’s modest stature, reducing its combat relevance. In essence, the key to overcoming the Rakdos Trumpeter lies in deploying efficient removal or presenting daunting threats that overshadow its tactical role on the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rakdos Trumpeter MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Ravnica: Clue Edition, 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 Rakdos Trumpeter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rakdos Trumpeter Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Eric Deschamps.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 842015NormalBlackEric Deschamps
22024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 1192015NormalBlackEric Deschamps

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rakdos Trumpeter has restrictions

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