Why Squirrels Are the Secret Weapon in MTG
- chris larue
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
When you think of Magic: The Gathering, powerful dragons, cunning wizards, and mythical beasts might spring to mind, but what if we told you that squirrels could be your secret weapon? These seemingly innocuous creatures pack a punch in the MTG universe, influencing gameplay mechanics and adding a playful twist to the lore that fans adore. From their whimsical card designs to their strategic utility, squirrels have carved out a niche that savvy players are leveraging to elevate their Magic strategies. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just diving into the fantastical card game, incorporating squirrels into your deck could be the game-changer you need. Get ready to unleash the unexpected power of squirrels and boost both your collection and your victories—because in the world of Magic: The Gathering, the smallest creatures often make the biggest impact!
The Magic of Squirrel Influence
Squirrels have become an unexpected powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering, captivating players with their unique blend of whimsy and strategic potential. Let's explore how these furry friends have made their mark on card designs, gameplay mechanics, and the rich lore of MTG.
Unveiling Squirrel Card Designs
Squirrel cards in MTG showcase a delightful mix of humor and strategy. From the iconic Squirrel Nest to the more recent Chatterfang, Squirrel General, these designs capture the essence of these playful creatures while offering potent gameplay options.
The art on squirrel cards often features whimsical scenes, with squirrels engaged in fantastical activities or wielding unexpected power. This blend of cute and formidable has made squirrel cards highly collectible.

Notably, the rarity of squirrel cards adds to their allure. With fewer squirrel-themed cards compared to other creature types, each new addition becomes a coveted piece for collectors and players alike.
Squirrel Mechanics in MTG Gameplay
Squirrels in MTG often revolve around token generation and swarming strategies. These mechanics allow players to quickly amass a formidable army of 1/1 squirrel tokens, overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers.
Some squirrel cards, like Acorn Harvest, provide recursion abilities, allowing players to repeatedly generate squirrel tokens. This persistence makes squirrel-based strategies resilient and hard to completely shut down.
Squirrel synergies also exist, with cards like Squirrel Mob growing stronger based on the number of squirrels you control. This creates exciting deck-building opportunities and dynamic gameplay scenarios.
Enchanting Magic The Gathering Lore
In the vast tapestry of MTG lore, squirrels occupy a unique niche. While not central to most storylines, their presence adds a touch of levity and unpredictability to the multiverse.
Squirrels have been featured in various planes, from the forests of Dominaria to the urban landscapes of Ravnica. Their adaptability in different settings mirrors their versatility in gameplay.
Some legendary squirrel characters, like Chatterfang, have even gained cult followings among players, further cementing the role of squirrels in MTG's rich narrative landscape.
Strategies and Collecting Tips
Integrating squirrels into your MTG strategy can give you a unique edge. Let's explore effective tactics, collection-building tips, and how squirrels fit into the broader world of fantastical card games.
Magic Strategies Involving Squirrels
Building a deck around squirrels requires a balance of token generation, synergy, and surprise elements. Start with a core of reliable token producers like Squirrel Nest and Chatter of the Squirrel.
Complement these with cards that benefit from large numbers of creatures, such as Overrun or Coat of Arms. This allows your squirrel army to quickly become a formidable threat.

Don't forget to include some protection and recursion. Cards like Wrap in Vigor can save your squirrels from board wipes, while Acorn Harvest provides sustained token generation.
Finally, consider including a few unexpected powerhouses like Deranged Hermit or Squirrel Wrangler to catch your opponents off guard and provide additional strategic depth.
Building Your Squirrel Card Collection
Start your squirrel collection by focusing on the essentials. Key cards to acquire include:
Squirrel Nest
Deranged Hermit
Chatterfang, Squirrel General
Squirrel Mob
Acorn Harvest
Keep an eye out for special editions and foil versions of these cards, as they can be valuable additions to your collection.
Don't overlook commons and uncommons. Cards like Chatter of the Squirrel and Squirrel Dealer are affordable yet crucial for squirrel-themed decks.
Attend pre-release events and drafts when new sets are released. This is often the best way to acquire new squirrel cards as soon as they're available.
Exploring Fantastical Card Games
While squirrels have found a special place in MTG, their appeal extends to other fantastical card games as well. Many games have drawn inspiration from MTG's success with whimsical creatures.
For instance, games like Hearthstone and Legends of Runeterra feature their own versions of small, swarming creatures that can overwhelm opponents. While not always squirrels, these units often fill a similar strategic role.

Some indie card games have even made squirrels central to their themes, capitalizing on the popularity of these creatures in MTG. Exploring these games can provide fresh perspectives on squirrel-like strategies.
Embrace the Whimsy and Power
As we've seen, squirrels in MTG are more than just cute creatures – they're a potent force that can turn the tide of battle. Let's take a closer look at their influence and why they're a must-have for any serious player or collector.
Squirrel Influence in MTG: A Deep Dive
The influence of squirrels in MTG extends beyond individual cards. They've shaped entire archetypes and strategies, proving that even the smallest creatures can have a big impact.
In formats like Commander, squirrel tribal decks have become increasingly popular. These decks showcase the versatility of squirrels, combining token swarms with unexpected power spikes.

Squirrels have also influenced card design philosophy. Their success has encouraged designers to explore more whimsical and unexpected creature types, adding depth and variety to the game.
The community's love for squirrels has even led to special events and products, such as Secret Lair drops featuring premium squirrel cards.
Why Squirrels Are a Must-Have
Squirrels offer a unique blend of competitive viability and collector appeal. Their scarcity makes them valuable, while their gameplay potential keeps them relevant in various formats.
For players, squirrels provide an element of surprise. Many opponents underestimate the power of a squirrel-based strategy, giving you a psychological edge in matches.
Collectors value squirrel cards for their rarity and unique artwork. Limited print runs and special editions make certain squirrel cards highly sought after in the secondary market.
Enhance Your Collection Today!
Now is the perfect time to start or expand your squirrel collection. With new sets regularly introducing fresh squirrel cards, the potential for growth is significant.
Consider these steps to enhance your collection:
Regularly check new set releases for squirrel cards
Participate in pre-release events to get early access
Trade with other collectors to fill gaps in your collection
Invest in protective sleeves and storage to maintain card condition
Remember, collecting is not just about value – it's about the joy of building something unique. A well-curated squirrel collection can be a source of pride and a conversation starter in the MTG community.
Don't miss out on the fun and potential of squirrel cards. Start exploring this fascinating corner of MTG today!
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