War-Trained Slasher MTG Card


Delivers card advantage by maintaining battlefield control, undermining opponent’s resources. Instant speed flexibility allows for tactical surprises and disrupts enemy plays. Demands specific mana types, which can limit deck integration and overall strategy.
War-Trained Slasher - March of the Machine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Wolverine Dinosaur
Abilities Menace
Released2023-04-21
Set symbol
Set nameMarch of the Machine
Set codeMOM
Power 4
Toughness 3
Number172
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byFrancis Tneh

Text of card

Menace (This creature can't be blocked except by two or more creatures.) Whenever War-Trained Slasher attacks a battle, double its power until end of turn.

"That's my girl. Just don't eat it—wouldn't want you getting an upset stomach again." —Jalina, Ikorian bonder


Cards like War-Trained Slasher

The advent of War-Trained Slasher in the world of Magic: The Gathering introduces a novel dynamic to creature cards with mentor abilities. This creature is akin to Goblin Banneret, another creature that not only shares the mentor attribute but also allows for temporary stat boosts via mana investment. War-Trained Slasher, distinct from Goblin Banneret, can amplify its power only as long as it attacks alone, sharpening its focus on single, powerful strikes.

Comparatively, we have the Swiftblade Vindicator, a creature that also benefits from being the sole attacker thanks to its double strike and vigilance. Although it lacks the built-in mentor mechanic, Vindicator’s potential for damage output makes it a formidable threat in a similar deck strategy. Yet, War-Trained Slasher stands out with its potential to consistently bolster fellow creatures every combat phase.

Finally, the presence of War-Trained Slasher within the MTG arena showcases the strategic depth available to enthusiasts. It solidifies its position as a card that offers versatility and the promise of strengthening allies, reaffirming its value in decks that capitalize on mentoring powerful loner attackers.

Goblin Banneret - MTG Card versions
Swiftblade Vindicator - MTG Card versions
Goblin Banneret - MTG Card versions
Swiftblade Vindicator - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to War-Trained Slasher by color, type and mana cost

Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions
Dragon Whelp - MTG Card versions
Keldon Warlord - MTG Card versions
Crimson Manticore - MTG Card versions
Márton Stromgald - MTG Card versions
Reckless Embermage - MTG Card versions
Wildfire Emissary - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Giant - MTG Card versions
Rathi Dragon - MTG Card versions
Mogg Bombers - MTG Card versions
Warmonger - MTG Card versions
Bloodfire Kavu - MTG Card versions
Whipkeeper - MTG Card versions
Anger - MTG Card versions
Nalathni Dragon - MTG Card versions
Everquill Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Goblin Goon - MTG Card versions
Lesser Gargadon - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions
Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions
Ogre Taskmaster - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The War-Trained Slasher offers a route to incremental card advantage. By exerting control over the battlefield, it effectively diminishes your opponent’s resources while sustaining your own stronghold.

Resource Acceleration: This card can bolster your battlefield presence rapidly. Its ability to mobilize additional creatures or amplify your forces enables a swift escalation in your tactical advantage, propelling you ahead of the competition.

Instant Speed: The War-Trained Slasher thrives at instant speed, granting you the flexibility to surprise adversaries and disrupt their strategies. This adaptability during play allows you to maximize the timing and impact of your moves, keeping opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of War-Trained Slasher is it requires players to discard a card upon activation of certain abilities. This can potentially put you at a disadvantage, particularly if your hand is already running low on cards or the discarded card is vital for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a mana cost that is color-intensive, demanding a specific combination of mana types. This can be restrictive for deck building, as it might not fit seamlessly into a multicolored deck or those that run a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Another point to consider is its mana cost in relation to its capabilities. For the mana investment to cast War-Trained Slasher, you may find other creatures or spells that could offer more power, versatility, or lower casting costs, thus potentially delivering a better value for your deck’s strategy.


Reasons to Include War-Trained Slasher in Your Collection

Versatility: War-Trained Slasher is not limited to a single deck archetype. Its adaptability shines in decks focused on creature aggression or those that need reliable early-game board presence.

Combo Potential: When synergized with cards that boost creature abilities or count on a sturdy early blocker, War-Trained Slasher’s presence on the battlefield can catalyze powerful combo plays.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where quick starts can determine the match’s outcome, having War-Trained Slasher in your collection ensures you have a competitive edge against slower setup decks, maintaining relevance in various meta scenarios.


How to beat War-Trained Slasher

War-Trained Slasher is a noteworthy creature in the roster of MTG, renowned for its ability to surprise opponents with its swift attacks. To overcome this card, you must be strategic in managing your blockers. Since War-Trained Slasher benefits from first strike during your turn, it’s crucial to avoid engaging it with creatures of similar strength or lower unless you have a way to nullify its first-strike advantage. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells or abilities that can be activated at any time provides a sound strategy to mitigate its impact during the combat phase.

Additionally, cards that can impose tapping effects or those that can alter combat by forcing creatures to block or bypassing blockers altogether are key in effectively dealing with War-Trained Slasher. Seek cards that can outmatch it in combat or employ board control effects, such as sweepers, which can clear out multiple threats, including this robust combatant. Above all, keeping a close watch on the creature’s boosting effects and the state of the battlefield will guide you in making the right move to neutralize War-Trained Slasher’s offensive prowess within the game’s tactical framework.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase War-Trained Slasher MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 War-Trained Slasher and other MTG cards:

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

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where War-Trained Slasher has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal