Turntimber Ranger MTG Card


Turntimber Ranger shines in creature-heavy decks, multiplying Allies and Wolfs to quickly outnumber foes. Despite its power in green, the card requires careful mana management and may slow down fast decks. Its unique ability to self-escalate makes it a formidable force in creature and Ally synergistic decks.
Turntimber Ranger - Zendikar
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elf Scout Ranger Ally
Released2009-10-02
Set symbol
Set nameZendikar
Set codeZEN
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number191
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byWayne Reynolds

Text of card

Whenever Turntimber Ranger or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control, you may put a 2/2 green Wolf creature token onto the battlefield. If you do, put a +1/+1 counter on Turntimber Ranger.

The lone wolf dies alone.


Cards like Turntimber Ranger

Turntimber Ranger stands as a unique creature in the expansive realms of Magic: The Gathering. This card bears a resemblance to other creature cards that interact with tokens, such as Master of the Wild Hunt. Both cards create wolf creature tokens, but Turntimber Ranger has the advantage of putting a +1/+1 counter on itself whenever a Wolf enters the battlefield under your control, potentially growing without bound.

Comparably, Wolfbriar Elemental offers a different spin on wolf token generation. While the Elemental’s Multikicker ability allows for an impressive number of wolves to be produced, Turntimber Ranger’s ally synergy and self-buffing trait can lead to an unstoppable force over a few turns. Another similar card is Kessig Cagebreakers, which rewards you with a wolf token for each creature in your graveyard upon attacking. However, Turntimber Ranger’s ability to continuously buff itself gives it an edge in terms of immediate board presence and lasting impact on the game state.

Hence, Turntimber Ranger not only provides a robust way to create and empower a wolf army but also excels in ally decks, offering a dynamic strategy for players who enjoy an evolving gameplay experience with their creatures.

Master of the Wild Hunt - MTG Card versions
Wolfbriar Elemental - MTG Card versions
Kessig Cagebreakers - MTG Card versions
Master of the Wild Hunt - MTG Card versions
Wolfbriar Elemental - MTG Card versions
Kessig Cagebreakers - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Turntimber Ranger by color, type and mana cost

Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
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Copperhoof Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Tel-Jilad Lifebreather - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Spitting Spider - MTG Card versions
Copperhoof Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Tel-Jilad Lifebreather - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Turntimber Ranger’s ability to create a Wolf token whenever it or another Ally enters the battlefield under your control not only swells your creature ranks but effectively multiplies the value gained from each Ally cast. This incremental creature advantage can quickly overwhelm opponents.

Resource Acceleration: While the Ranger itself does not directly accelerate your resources, the synergy it has with other cards enables potent combo opportunities. By generating multiple creatures, it indirectly contributes to the resource acceleration through mechanics like “tap an untapped Ally you control,” which can ramp up your mana or empower other abilities.

Instant Speed: Turntimber Ranger’s impact is not tied to instant speed abilities itself. However, when paired with cards that allow Ally casting at instant speed, this can lead to unexpected battlefield changes and advantageous blocking scenarios. The surprise element that instant speed interactions bring to the table enhances Turntimber Ranger’s potential effectiveness in a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Turntimber Ranger doesn’t come with a discard clause, offering a pure advantage when it hits the battlefield. However, players must still be cautious about hand depletion from other sources to ensure they have enough responses or threats.

Specific Mana Cost: This ranger demands a significant chunk of green mana, presenting a challenge in multicolored decks. Its allegiance to green means you’ll need a reliable source of this mana type to summon it consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at a mana value of five, Turntimber Ranger is not the cheapest creature you could deploy. While its ally synergy and potential to create a large wolf army can be a game-changer, the initial investment may slow you down in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Turntimber Ranger card offers flexibility to a range of deck styles, especially those that synergize with Ally creatures or focus on creature-based strategies. Its ability to consistently introduce more creatures onto the battlefield makes it a valuable asset for decks that aim to outnumber opponents.

Combo Potential: This card excels when paired with cards that have effects triggered by Allies or creature tokens. Its combo potential is high, as it can rapidly populate the field with Wolf tokens, each of which also bolsters the Ranger itself, creating a self-sustaining loop that can overwhelm opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based tactics are prevalent, Turntimber Ranger stands out as a card that can hold its own. Its capacity to scale with each Ally or token introduced makes it a noteworthy contender against various popular deck archetypes.


How to beat

Turntimber Ranger stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a dual threat due to its ability to both create Wolf tokens and grow stronger with each one summoned. Competing against this Ally and Wolf generator requires a strategy that disrupts synergy. Effects that limit creature abilities or offer repeated removal are crucial. Using cards to prevent the Ranger from triggering, such as Torpor Orb, stops the creation of tokens dead in its tracks. For those that cannot counter the Ally directly, removal spells or board wipes, such as Wrath of God, effectively manage the ever-increasing Wolf pack before it becomes overwhelming. Efficient removal spells like Path to Exile give you a one-for-one answer and can deal with the Ranger before it starts generating value.

Remember, instant speed interaction is your ally here. React quickly to the Ranger’s summoning with an instant speed removal to ensure the board doesn’t get out of hand. Every turn the Turntimber Ranger remains on the field is another opportunity for your opponent to create Wolves and beef up their forces. Keep your removal ready, and you’ll keep the Ranger and its canine companions in check.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Turntimber Ranger MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar, 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 Turntimber Ranger and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Turntimber Ranger has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 This ability triggers on this creature entering the battlefield, so it will enter the battlefield with its unmodified power and toughness, and then receive a +1/+1 counter a short time later. It does not enter the battlefield with the +1/+1 counter already on it.