Fertilid

Fertilid Lite Guide

Planechase Common
Mana Cost: {2}{G}
Type: Creature — Elemental
P/T: 0/0
Fertilid Text:
This creature enters with two +1/+1 counters on it. {1}{G}, Remove a +1/+1 counter from this creature: Target player searches their library for a basic land card, puts it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffles.
Artist: Wayne Reynolds
Collector Number: 72
Release Date: 2009-09-04
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-30
TL;DR Summary

Fertilid is a versatile common creature that excels in Commander decks due to its unique ability to generate basic lands. When Fertilid enters the battlefield, it comes with two +1/+1 counters, which can be used to ramp up mana production and accelerate land drops.

Key strengths:

  • Land generation: Fertilid's ability allows players to search their library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. This can create an additional land drop, increasing mana availability.
  • Ramp potential: By removing +1/+1 counters from Fertilid, players can generate additional mana and accelerate their ramp.

Typical uses:

  • In green-based Commander decks, Fertilid pairs well with Sylvan Caryatid or Fertile Ground, creating a strong land-generating engine.
  • As a common creature, it's an excellent addition to budget-friendly decks that need reliable ways to generate lands.

Impact in Commander decks:

Overall, Fertilid is an attractive option for Commander decks focused on green mana acceleration.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Fertilid's Abilities and Interactions

Fertilid is a common creature from the Hop set that enters play with two +1/+1 counters on it. Its mana cost of {2}{G} makes it a relatively inexpensive addition to any green deck.

The oracle text explicitly states that Fertilid enters play with two +1/+1 counters, which can have implications for its interactions with other cards. For example, if you're running a Nourishing Streamlin, the +1/+1 counters on Fertilid will grant it additional tokens when it dies.

Fertilid's first ability is triggered by removing one of its +1/+1 counters for {1}{G}. This triggers a search effect that targets an opponent, instructing them to:

  1. Search their library for a basic land card.
  2. Put the searched land onto the battlefield tapped.
  3. Shuffle their library.

This ability has several notable interactions with other cards:

  • Lands matter: Fertilid's ability is particularly potent in decks focused on lands and mana acceleration, such as those running Bribery or Gilded Light. The ability to force an opponent to play a tapped land can disrupt their mana development and create opportunities for your deck.
  • Search engines: Cards like Ranger-Captain of Eos or Omnath, Locus of the Roil that generate card draw or search effects may benefit from Fertilid's ability, creating a synergistic relationship between the two cards.

It's essential to remember that Fertilid's ability can only be triggered once per turn, and its power and toughness remain at 0/0. Its primary function is to serve as a catalyst for disrupting opponents' mana development through its search effect.

Strategic Applications

Fertilid is a versatile creature that can fit into various Commander archetypes due to its ability to generate +1/+1 counters and manipulate the board in exchange for drawing basic lands. Its primary role on the battlefield revolves around land acceleration and manipulation.

Key aspects of Fertilid's strategy include:

  • Land acceleration: By removing +1/+1 counters, Fertilid allows players to draw basic lands, which can be used to fuel other cards or accelerate mana development.
  • Mana fixing: With its ability to search for a basic land card, Fertilid helps fix the player's mana base and reduces reliance on specific colors.
  • Card advantage: By generating +1/+1 counters, Fertilid provides a form of card advantage, allowing players to develop their board state more efficiently.

Fertilid is particularly effective in combination with cards that benefit from +1/+1 counters or manipulate the board. For example:

  • Terra Stomper allows for infinite +1/+1 counter generation.
  • Llanowar Elves accelerates mana development and fixes colors.
  • Fertile Ground rewards players for generating +1/+1 counters.

Fertilid is a staple in Necrotic Ooze-based decks, which often revolve around generating +1/+1 counters. It's also seen in Llanowar Elves-based decks that focus on mana acceleration and fixing.

Advanced Techniques

Fertilid: A Micro-Green Solution

In Commander formats, Fertilid offers a unique solution for establishing a green-heavy board presence while maintaining flexibility. This Elemental creature's ability allows it to generate new land sources at will.

  • Land Acceleration: Combine Fertilid with other +1/+1 counter-removing creatures like Sylvan Caryatid, Llanowar Elves, or Golgari Findbroker. Remove counters to find tapped basic lands, creating a rapid land acceleration effect.
  • Green Ramp: Pair Fertilid with mana-fixing artifacts such as Expedition Map or Forked Horn Cuirass to create an environment where players can easily generate mana for more complex spells.

Additional Synergies

  • Elemental Overload: Include other Elemental creatures like Rampaging Baloth or Krosan Tusker in the deck. Fertilid's ability allows these elements to find their needed lands quickly.
  • Combo with Land Destruction: Use Fertilid's ability to remove counters, then employ land destruction effects from cards such as Force of Will or Nature's Claim. This combo can significantly disrupt opponents' plans.

Advanced Tricks

  • Land-Tapping Loop: Create a loop where Fertilid's removal ability finds tapped lands, which in turn allows more lands to be played. Repeat this process until the desired land count is achieved.
  • Counter-Removal Interactions: Experiment with cards like Grizzly Bears or Wilt-Leaf Liege, which can remove counters from Fertilid while also creating additional benefits.

By leveraging Fertilid's unique ability, green-based decks can become more aggressive and adaptable.

Common Mistakes

Fertilid is a versatile creature that can generate value through its ability to add lands to the battlefield. However, there are several common mistakes players make when playing this card, especially in Commander.

Timing Issues:

  • Failing to remove a +1/+1 counter from Fertilid before attempting to search for a basic land card. This is crucial because the ability only works if at least one +1/+1 counter remains on the creature.
  • Not accounting for the timing of the opponent's draw step, which might lead to missed opportunities to generate additional lands.

Misunderstood Rules:

  • Assuming Fertilid can be used to search for any land card, including non-basic ones. In reality, it specifically targets basic land cards, which might limit its effectiveness in certain deck archetypes.
  • Overlooking the requirement that the target player searches their library, rather than their hand or graveyard.

Poor Synergies:

  • Pairing Fertilid with too many expensive lands, making it difficult to trigger its ability in a timely manner. This can lead to wasted potential and missed opportunities for land generation.
  • Neglecting to include other green ramp spells or artifacts that can help accelerate the mana development and make Fertilid's ability more consistent.

Example of Mistakes:

Mistake Example
Failing to remove a +1/+1 counter before using Fertilid's ability Player with Fertilid at 4/4 uses the ability to search for a basic land, forgetting that it needs at least one +1/+1 counter on the creature. This results in an empty draw step for their opponent.
Not accounting for the timing of the opponent's draw step Player decides to use Fertilid after their turn has ended, missing the opportunity to generate lands during the opponent's next turn.

By being aware of these common mistakes, players can optimize their strategy and get the most out of Fertilid in Commander games.

Conclusion

Fertilid offers a unique package of value in Commander decks, making it a solid inclusion for certain builds. Its ability to enter the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters sets up a powerful engine for generating additional mana and tokens.

In a green-heavy deck, Fertilid pairs well with creatures like Vines of Vastwood and Llanowar Elves, which can provide a steady stream of tokens to help leverage its ability. The combination also benefits from the likes of Growing Rites of Itlimoc and Elvish Mystic, allowing for increased mana generation and flexibility.

Fertilid's ability is particularly potent when paired with lands that allow for multiple activations in a turn, such as Verdant Catacombs. This setup enables players to repeatedly target opponents' libraries, disrupting their plans and creating an advantage.

As a common, Fertilid's relatively low cost means it can be included without breaking the bank. Its price is comparable to other green creatures like Fangren Reaver and Elvish Mystic, making it a worthwhile addition for those looking to bolster their token generation.

In decks where ramp and mana acceleration are key, Fertilid can provide a significant advantage by enabling players to search for basic lands more efficiently. However, its value is somewhat diminished in more midrange or removal-focused strategies, as the impact of its ability is less pronounced.

When considering including Fertilid in a Commander deck, assess whether the green-heavy mana base and token generation engines are present. In these cases, Fertilid's ability can be a significant asset, providing a convenient way to search for lands and disrupt opponents' plans. Its relatively low cost and flexibility make it an attractive addition to the right deck.