Root Greevil MTG Card


Provides card advantage and allows flexibility by reacting to opponents at instant speed. Aids in resource acceleration, enabling earlier casting of impactful spells to outpace opponents. Despite its advantages, requires strategic play due to its discard requirement and specific mana cost.
Root Greevil - Planeshift
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Beast
Released2001-02-05
Set symbol
Set namePlaneshift
Set codePLS
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number91
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAndrew Robinson

Text of card

o G, oc T, Sacrifice Root Greevil: Destroy all enchantments of the color of your choice.

The root of all greevils.


Cards like Root Greevil

Root Greevil finds its niche in the world of Magic: The Gathering as an interesting green creature card. Comparable options include Arbor Elf, another low-cost creature that similarly focuses on untapping lands. Root Greevil, however, offers the exclusive ability to untap two lands, compared to the singular capability granted by Arbor Elf. This can potentially accelerate a player’s mana availability significantly.

Llanowar Scout is another card with which Root Greevil could be compared. Though both can facilitate additional land plays, Llanowar Scout requires the land to be in a player’s hand to put into play, while Root Greevil’s untapping ability can impact lands already in play. This can be particularly synergistic with landfall mechanics or cards like Gaea’s Cradle, which benefit from being untapped repeatedly.

Assessing the cards side by side, Root Greevil may not be as famous as some of its counterparts but definitely presents unique strategies for ramping up mana in green-focused decks. Its double untap ability makes it a noteworthy card for players seeking to exploit lands-based synergies.

Arbor Elf - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Scout - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Cradle - MTG Card versions
Arbor Elf - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Scout - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Cradle - MTG Card versions

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Carnivorous Plant - MTG Card versions
Erhnam Djinn - MTG Card versions
War Mammoth - MTG Card versions
Aurochs - MTG Card versions
Lhurgoyf - MTG Card versions
Jackalope Herd - MTG Card versions
Golden Bear - MTG Card versions
Argothian Swine - MTG Card versions
Elvish Piper - MTG Card versions
Erithizon - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Cutter - MTG Card versions
Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Fungusaur - MTG Card versions
Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions
Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

When considering the strengths of Root Greevil in your deck, you’ll find that it offers several key advantages that can turn the tide of a game. Here are some of the reasons why you would want to include Root Greevil in your strategy.

Card Advantage: Root Greevil shines in providing card advantage. This creates an overwhelming presence for the player by keeping hand options open and increasing the opportunities to respond to an opponent’s moves.

Resource Acceleration: This creature can be an excellent source of resource acceleration. If you find yourself needing that extra push to cast your game-changing spells, Root Greevil gives you the extra resources to play those cards sooner, helping to outpace your opponent.

Instant Speed: The ability to react at instant speed can make Root Greevil a formidable card. This quality means you maintain the element of surprise, offering flexibility in your strategy and allowing for efficient use of your mana throughout the game.

In any MTG game, being able to adapt to the evolving board state is key, and Root Greevil provides multiple functionalities to keep you one step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Root Greevil demands ditching another card from your hand, a cost that might set you back when your options are already running thin.

Specific Mana Cost: Root Greevil’s casting cost includes particular mana symbols, which can pose a challenge in multi-colored decks struggling to find the right mana combination at crucial times.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a steeper mana curve compared to other cards in its category, Root Greevil could end up being a costly pick that doesn’t quite justify its place in your deck considering the potential return on that investment.


Reasons to Include Root Greevil in Your Collection

Versatility: Root Greevil is a valuable addition, capable of fitting seamlessly into many green-based decks due to its natural ability to influence the battlefield with its countermagic capability. Its capacity to disrupt opponent plays makes it a solid choice for those looking to add resilience to their decks.

Combo Potential: This card can serve as an engine in combo decks, interacting well with abilities that benefit from countering spells. It can also synergize with cards that capitalize on spell casting or creature summoning, maximizing the effectiveness of your strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating nature of the meta, the importance of having responsive plays cannot be overstated. Root Greevil holds its own by providing strategic defenses against prevalent spell-heavy decks, ensuring that your collection remains competitive in various meta environments.


How to beat

Dealing with Root Greevil in your MTG matchups requires a strategic approach as it can be a pesky blocker given its robust form. When it’s on the battlefield, it has the tenacity to not only block effectively due to its significant toughness but also to survive most combat scenarios. Additionally, it can be an alarming threat if it manages to accumulate enough +1/+1 counters.

To overcome this obstacle, having removal spells that can bypass its toughness is key. Spells that offer unconditional removal or exile effects are excellent at ensuring it won’t return to trouble you. Alternatively, combat tricks that negate the blocking capacity of creatures can turn the tides in your favor. Employing cards that can diminish its power or remove counters also serves to nullify its advantages. Keep your eyes peeled for efficient board wipes or single-target spells that offer a solution against creature permanents like Root Greevil.

In essence, although Root Greevil showcases resilience, the right removal spells and tactical maneuvering can ensure your path to victory remains clear. Tailoring your strategy to face such formidable blockers can fortify your control of the game and lead to your triumph.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Root Greevil MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Root Greevil and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Root Greevil has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal