Last week I stated that the Gruul mechanic would be one of the weakest because it was limited to a combat trick; unless they printed a card that was properly costed for both the Bloodrush and casting cost. I still believe this to be the case, but they have spoiled a card that will absolutely see play and demonstrates the 'power creep' which is now abundantly clear, as if it wasn't already.
***** SPOILER ALERT *****
Ghor-Clan Rampager is an UNCOMMON 4/4 with trample for 2RG. Five years ago this card would be playable as it stands, but four mana for a 4/4 isn't good enough anymore, especially since there is a 5/5 for four with an extra ability. Luckily this guy brings some Blood Rush to the table to push him into viability. For RG you can discard the Rampager to give a creature +4/+4 and trample until end of turn.
The best Blood Rush creature so far still has some hills to climb though. There will definitely be a Gruul deck, so that's one step we don't really have to worry about. It probably won't be the same Gruul from original Ravnica however. There are parallels to the old deck, but without some of the key cards it will probably be a slower more midrange deck.
That being said, this guy is still potent on turn three with acceleration (Farseek is still under played) and solid on turn four, but the Rampager will shine when you can also benefit from his Colossal Might+ Blood Rush. Between this guy and Kessig Wolf Run it's very likely for every creature to be a trampling threat after turn four which gives a ton of reach and forces your opponents to play more carefully.
This guy's fate boils down to the state of the meta, because Ghor-Clan Rampager is a very good card, but it has a lot of competition at the four spot between Huntmaster of the Fells, Deadbridge Goliath and the new super spicy Rubblebelt Raiders. He will strive versus tokens and controlling strategies in constructed, but will be an absolute power house in sealed and draft.
What do you think about Rampaging over the next few months? Think he has a legitimate home or is he still outclassed by other creatures? Let me know on Facebook / Twitter or chime in on the reddit thread.
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