Treacherous Werewolf MTG Card


The card excels in versatility, switching forms to adapt to game conditions and boost board presence. Its synergy in werewolf decks enhances resource acceleration, fostering swift and potent plays. Transformation triggers can be strategized with instant-speed spells, offering tactical advantages.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Werewolf Minion
Abilities Threshold
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Threshold Treacherous Werewolf gets +2/+2 and has "When Treacherous Werewolf is put into a graveyard from play, you lose 4 life." (You have threshold as long as seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)


Cards like Treacherous Werewolf

Treacherous Werewolf holds an interesting position in Magic the Gathering’s range of creature cards especially due to its unique mechanic involving threshold. When it reaches threshold, this werewolf not only gets a boost in power but also a potentially game-altering ability, transforming it from a simple creature to a more aggressive threat. Threshhold is activated when a player has seven or more cards in their graveyard, giving it +3/+0, making it a fearsome 4/1 creature.

In comparing Treacherous Werewolf to similar cards, Autumnal Gloom comes to mind. Although this card morphs into a different creature type entirely when threshold is achieved, the philosophy of transforming to unlock enhanced abilities under specific conditions remains consistent between the two. Another card, Werebear, gains not just an increase in power but additional capabilities as well, providing a dual benefit of increased offense and resources due to its mana-generating feature once threshold is activated.

These cards each offer a unique twist on the impact of graveyard size on gameplay, highlighting the strategic depth within Magic the Gathering card mechanics. Despite not having the versatility of mana generation like Werebear or the creature type shift like Autumnal Gloom, Treacherous Werewolf excels in escalating its offensive presence on the field, resonating with players who favor an assertive playstyle.

Werebear - MTG Card versions
Werebear - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Treacherous Werewolf by color, type and mana cost

Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Dusk Imp - MTG Card versions
Nettling Imp - MTG Card versions
Royal Assassin - MTG Card versions
Plague Rats - MTG Card versions
El-Hajjâj - MTG Card versions
Frozen Shade - MTG Card versions
Scathe Zombies - MTG Card versions
Sorceress Queen - MTG Card versions
Lost Soul - MTG Card versions
Mindstab Thrull - MTG Card versions
Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions
Strongarm Thug - MTG Card versions
Razortooth Rats - MTG Card versions
Ghastly Remains - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Undead - MTG Card versions
Deepwood Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Dross Prowler - MTG Card versions
Nim Abomination - MTG Card versions
Vesper Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Dusk Imp - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The versatility of Treacherous Werewolf shines in its ability to switch between two impactful forms. When conditions are right, transforming it provides a substantial board presence that can outpace opponents in terms of both power and utility.

Resource Acceleration: As a part of a synergistic werewolf deck, Treacherous Werewolf contributes to the inherent resource acceleration of such decks. Its presence reinforces strategic plays that could lead to rapid deployment of threats or enable high-impact turns.

Instant Speed: While Treacherous Werewolf itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it benefits from instant-speed spells in the deck that can trigger its transformation. This enables savvy players to flip Treacherous Werewolf at opportune moments, catching opponents off guard and shifting the momentum of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When considering adding Treacherous Werewolf to your deck, it’s pivotal to note the necessity of discarding to transform into the werewolf form. This can tap into your hand, leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Treacherous Werewolf necessitates a precise mana combination to cast. This dual mana requirement may not always align seamlessly with your deck’s mana base, potentially causing delays or hindering play consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While this card offers a unique transformation ability, the mana investment is significant when compared to other creatures with similar stats. This could lead to a scenario where the card’s impact on the game doesn’t quite justify its cost, especially in a deck that aims for agility and efficiency.


Reasons to Include Treacherous Werewolf in Your Collection

Versatility: Treacherous Werewolf presents flexibility in deck-building due to its transformation ability. It can serve as an aggressive creature early on, and later as a formidable threat when conditions are met.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that manipulate the number of cards in hand, as its transformation into a 3/3 creature with menace hinges on having threshold. This opens up opportunities for interesting graveyard play and deck cycling tactics.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that rewards tactical graveyard management, Treacherous Werewolf can shine. The card’s transformation into a creature with menace can be a game-changer against decks lacking adequate removal, making it a smart addition for players looking to exploit this aspect of the meta.


How to beat

The Treacherous Werewolf may seem daunting with its threshold ability that can quickly turn it into a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Unlike other creatures, this werewolf morphs into a stronger version with additional abilities once you’ve stocked your graveyard with enough cards. The key to overcoming this lycanthrope is to manage your opponent’s graveyard meticulously. Graveyard hate cards such as Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze can effectively neuter the werewolf’s threshold transformation, keeping it in its less threatening form.

Moreover, employing instant-speed removal spells can catch your opponent off-guard, disposing of the creature before it has a chance to benefit from its enhanced state. Cards with exile effects, like Path to Exile or Declaration in Stone, are particularly effective in ensuring that the werewolf doesn’t return from the graveyard, cutting off any synergies with other threshold or graveyard-based strategies. Strategic timing and removal can tame this wild threat and keep the game in your favor.

While Treacherous Werewolf may intimidate players with its transformative potential, smart graveyard control and quick removal are the keys to emerging victorious against this deceptive adversary.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Treacherous Werewolf MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and The List, 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 Treacherous Werewolf and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Treacherous Werewolf Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2002-05-27. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-05-27JudgmentJUD 761997NormalBlackMark Tedin
22020-09-26The ListPLST JUD-761997NormalBlackMark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Treacherous Werewolf has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 The Threshold ability can’t count this card (soon to be in the graveyard) when checking for Threshold.