Rootbreaker Wurm MTG Card


Rootbreaker Wurm dominates gameplay, often requiring adversaries to spend multiple resources to handle it. It’s a superb fit for ramp strategies, rewarding players for early mana investments with its massive presence. While less effective at instant speed, its sheer force must be factored into opponents’ tactical decisions.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Wurm
Abilities Trample
Power 6
Toughness 6

Text of card

Trample

As Gerrard made his escape, the wurm covered his flight by helping itself to three great mouthfuls of merfolk.


Cards like Rootbreaker Wurm

Rootbreaker Wurm is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, occupying a space in the realm of hefty green creatures. Its similarities to other colossi like Craw Wurm are evident, as both cards boast an imposing presence on the battlefield with their formidable power and toughness. Yet what sets Rootbreaker Wurm apart is its versatility, giving players an edge in mono-green decks that favor raw strength.

Another comparable behemoth is Thorn Elemental. While Thorn Elemental’s ability to deal damage as though it weren’t blocked adds tactical depth, Rootbreaker Wurm shines with its straightforward brute force approach. Cost-wise, both monsters require a significant mana investment, which is typical for creatures of their size in MTG.

Analyzing the unique advantages of Rootbreaker Wurm within the landscape of large creatures, its simplicity in function without complex abilities or casting requirements could be seen as an asset, especially in formats where speed and reliability are key. This highlights its position as a staple card in decks that revolve around overwhelming the opponent with prodigious creatures.

Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rootbreaker Wurm by color, type and mana cost

Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Behemoth - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Engulfing Slagwurm - MTG Card versions
Kalonian Behemoth - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The power of Rootbreaker Wurm lies in its formidable presence on the battlefield, ultimately compelling your opponent to answer it or face overwhelming damage, frequently at the cost of multiple cards from their side.

Resource Acceleration: Although Rootbreaker Wurm does not directly accelerate resources, the card itself is a substantial payoff for ramp strategies, making it a commendable inclusion in decks that work towards quickly amassing large amounts of mana.

Instant Speed: Although the wurm operates at sorcery speed, its sheer size can influence opponents’ decisions during their turns, as they must consider the potential of this massive creature attacking if they do not leave sufficient defenses in place.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to the Rootbreaker Wurm is the potential need to discard other valuable cards from your hand to utilize specific abilities or synergies, making it less appealing when you’re trying to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that requires both green and colorless mana, this wurm may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored decks, potentially limiting its playability across various MTG deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Rootbreaker Wurm comes with a weighty mana cost, which can hinder your early to mid-game tempo, especially when other creatures in the same mana range may offer immediate board impact or additional abilities.


Reasons to Include Rootbreaker Wurm in Your Collection

Versatility: Rootbreaker Wurm, as a formidable 6/6 creature, can be a powerhouse in multiple deck archetypes. Its strength allows it to be a threat in both aggressive and ramp-based strategies, suiting a variety of playstyles.

Combo Potential: With its substantial power, Rootbreaker Wurm can synergize well with effects that rely on creature size, such as those that increase trample damage or use power as a resource for card abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where the battlefield often becomes stalled with creatures, having a large creature like Rootbreaker Wurm can break through your opponent’s defenses, making it a relevant choice for shifting the tides in such metas.


How to beat

Rootbreaker Wurm is a towering force on the battlefield, and it’s a card that many MTG deck builders admire for its sheer power. The Wurm comes with a daunting 6/6 stat line, which can be a significant threat to any opponent. To triumph over this colossal creature, it’s essential to plan your strategy ahead of facing it.

Removal spells are your best ally when dealing with Rootbreaker Wurm. They can efficiently deal with this kind of creature without having to engage in combat. In some cases, countering the spell before it hits the field can also save you the trouble and resources. Keeping mana open for spells like Murder, Doom Blade, or Counterspell could be a game changer. Additionally, pacifying enchantments such as Pacifism or strategic board wipes like Wrath of God can neutralize this formidable threat, resetting your opponent’s momentum.

Ultimately, while the Rootbreaker Wurm demands respect for its strength, remember that even the strongest creatures in MTG have their Achilles’ heel. A well-timed response or a clever combination of spells can ensure you maintain the upper hand, no matter how deep the roots of the Wurm may grow.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rootbreaker Wurm MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Ninth 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 Rootbreaker Wurm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rootbreaker Wurm Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Richard Kane Ferguson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-10-14TempestTMP 2511997NormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
22005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 2672003NormalWhiteRichard Kane Ferguson
32005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 267★2003NormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
42010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A851997NormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
52015-05-06Tempest RemasteredTPR 1902015NormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rootbreaker Wurm has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal