Rampant Growth

Rampant Growth Full Guide

Mirage Common
Mana Cost: {1}{G}
Type: Sorcery
Rampant Growth Text:
Search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle.
Flavor:
"I've never *heard* growth before." —Gowon, Femeref herder
Artist: Pat Lewis
Collector Number: 235
Release Date: 1996-10-08
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-30
TL;DR Summary

Rampant Growth

This common sorcery is a tempo-fixing tool that helps to accelerate mana development by searching for and playing a basic land card. With a low cost of {1}{G}, it's an easy inclusion in many green decks, particularly those focused on ramping into larger spells quickly.

Power Level: 2/5 (it's a solid but not flashy card)

Main Use Cases:

  • Green ramp decks that need to accelerate their mana development
  • Midrange and control decks looking for a way to fix their colors

Most Popular Formats: * Commander: Rampant Growth is a staple in many green commanders, including Jeskai, Simic, and Sultai. It's particularly powerful in token-heavy or ramp-focused lists. * Modern: This card sees some play in more aggressive or combo-oriented decks that can take advantage of its ability to fix colors quickly.

Overall, Rampant Growth is a solid but not exciting inclusion in many green decks. Its effectiveness relies on the specific strategy and color combination being played.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Card Mechanics & Interactions: Rampant Growth

Rampant Growth is a common sorcery from the Mir set that allows you to search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, and then shuffle your deck. This card functions as a simple ramp spell, enabling you to accelerate your mana development by finding a new source of green mana.

Keyword Abilities: None

Rules Text Analysis:

  • "Search your library" is an activated ability that can only be played during the beginning phase.
  • The target of the search ability is not specified, as it is implicit. The card will look for any basic land card in your library.
  • "Put that card onto the battlefield tapped" places a copy of the searched land on top of your stack and makes it enter the battlefield tapped.
  • "Then shuffle" is a mandatory instruction to return the deck's order after searching.

Stack Interaction:

When Rampant Growth resolves, it will go through the following steps:

  1. Search your library for a basic land card.
  2. Put that card onto the battlefield tapped.
  3. Shuffle your deck.

If an effect tries to disrupt or cancel Rampant Growth during its resolution, it will attempt to resolve the search step first. If successful, the put-on-the-battlefield and shuffle steps will still occur.

Battlefield Interaction:

When a basic land is placed on the battlefield by Rampant Growth, it functions as any other basic land in your deck. Its tapped status means you can use its mana during the next untap step but not immediately after playing Rampant Growth.

Edge Cases & Interactions:

  • Multiple copies: Having multiple copies of Rampant Growth in your deck does not increase the chance of finding a specific land. Each copy will search independently.
  • Lands with triggered abilities: Basic lands placed by Rampant Growth can have their triggered abilities, such as Tendo's Lantern, trigger as soon as they're put onto the battlefield.
  • Rampant Growth and other ramp spells: Using Rampant Growth in combination with other ramp spells, like Glimpse of Nature, can accelerate your mana development significantly.

Commander-Specific Quirks:

  • Commander's Paradise: In a Commander deck, Rampant Growth can be an excellent tool for finding a specific land to play on turn 1 or 2. Pair it with cards that benefit from having a certain type of basic land, like Golgari Findbroker.
  • Mana acceleration: As a common sorcery, Rampant Growth is relatively inexpensive and easy to play around. This makes it an excellent choice for Commander decks looking to accelerate their mana development.

In summary, Rampant Growth provides a straightforward way to search your library for a basic land card, putting it onto the battlefield tapped and shuffling your deck afterwards. While it may not seem like a powerful card at first glance, its simplicity and low cost make it an excellent addition to any Commander deck looking to accelerate mana development.

Strategic Applications

Rampant Growth is a valuable addition to various green decks, particularly those focused on ramping into larger creatures or generating card advantage. It's often included in mono-green strategies that utilize Llanowar Elves and Fertile Ground for accelerated land development.

One common use case for Rampant Growth is in the popular Green-Blue "Mill" archetype. This deck aims to mill (discard) cards from opponents' decks using Delver of Secrets, Countersquall, and other milling effects, while also ramping into powerful creatures with Rampant Growth. The card's ability to search for a basic land allows Mill decks to maintain a consistent mana curve and accelerate their ramp.

In more aggressive green builds, Rampant Growth can help players quickly develop their board state by putting tapped lands onto the battlefield. This enables them to play Elvish Mystic-like effects or ramp into larger creatures like Thragtusk and Golgari Findbroker.

Rampant Growth is also an excellent addition to green-black "Midrange" strategies, which focus on developing a consistent board presence with creatures like Llanowar Elves, [Fertile Ground, and [Scour from Existence. The card allows these decks to ramp into more impactful plays while maintaining a flexible mana base.

When building around Rampant Growth, players often choose cards that synergize with the search ability. This includes:

  • Basic lands: Increasing the pool of available basic lands allows for smoother gameplay and greater flexibility in terms of land development.
  • Cantrips: Cards like Llanowar Elves, [Fertile Ground, and [Duskfeather Wastes are excellent cantrips that enable players to quickly draw cards or generate card advantage while maintaining a consistent mana curve.
  • Mana acceleration: Including cards like Elvish Mystic or Noble Hierarch allows players to accelerate their ramp and put more pressure on opponents.

Overall, Rampant Growth is a valuable addition to green decks seeking to develop a strong board presence and maintain a flexible mana base.

Advanced Techniques

Rampant Growth is a versatile and often-overlooked sorcery that can be used in various ways to enhance your green deck. Here are some advanced techniques to consider:

  • Land acceleration: In a hurry to get to the next land drop, Rampant Growth can find and play an untapped basic land from your library. This allows you to maintain a steady tempo and potentially accelerate into more expensive spells.
  • Combo with explosive plays: Pair Rampant Growth with other cards like Giant Growth or Primeval Titan to create explosive plays that can swing games in your favor. By finding a second land, you can quickly ramp up to these more powerful effects.
  • Land-dumping: If you have an abundance of lands in your library and want to clear space for more important cards, Rampant Growth can help by exiling one or more lands from the top of your deck. This is particularly useful in combo decks that rely on having a specific set of lands available.
  • Synergy with creatures like Stax: Certain cards like Ancient Denial, Pyrostatic Pillar, and Vraska's Contempt can benefit greatly from the extra land Rampant Growth provides. This can lead to powerful synergies that give you an advantage in the late game.
  • Using Rampant Growth as a tutor: While its official oracle text doesn't allow for it, some players have successfully used Rampant Growth as a tutor for specific cards like Farseek or Llanowar Elves. This can be achieved by creating a custom command zone list with the necessary restrictions and permissions.
  • Combining with other land manipulation: Cards like Daxton's Unheeded Warning, Evacuation], and [[Vandalblast can be combined with Rampant Growth to create complex strategies that involve manipulating lands in various ways. This requires careful consideration of the cards you play together.

When using Rampant Growth, it's essential to consider the current state of your deck and the gameplan you're trying to execute. By understanding how this card interacts with other spells and effects, you can unlock new possibilities for your green deck and improve its overall performance.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes with Rampant Growth

Rampant Growth is a simple yet powerful sorcery that can be easily misunderstood or misused. Here are some common mistakes players make when playing this card, particularly in Commander format.

  • Overlooking the tapped land: When casting Rampant Growth, it's essential to remember that the searched-for basic land card will enter the battlefield tapped. This can lead to a slower-than-expected ramp and a missed opportunity for additional development. Make sure to factor in the tapped land when planning your turn.
  • Missing the shuffle: After putting the searched-for land onto the battlefield, Rampant Growth's final instruction is to shuffle the library. Failing to do so can lead to an untapped land on top of the deck, potentially causing problems with future draws or cards that interact with the library (e.g., Atraxa, Praetors' Voice).
  • Underestimating synergy potential: Rampant Growth is often used as a standalone ramp spell, but it can be even more effective when paired with other cards that care about tapped lands. For example, using it to search for a Golgari Findbroker or Dreg Mangler can create powerful synergies and generate value from the tapped land.
  • Ignoring potential timing issues: When playing Rampant Growth, consider the timing of your other spells and abilities. Casting it too early can lead to wasting mana or delaying development, while casting it too late may not provide enough time for the searched-for land to make an impact.

By being aware of these common mistakes, players can maximize the effectiveness of Rampant Growth in their decks and build more cohesive, efficient strategies around this versatile sorcery.

Conclusion

Rampant Growth is a classic green sorcery that accelerates mana production by searching for and putting a basic land onto the battlefield. Its ability to do so taps into the natural world's tendency towards growth and abundance, making it an iconic card in Magic: The Gathering.

Budget-Friendly Option

With a price point of $0.41 USD (or $0.04 TIX), Rampant Growth is an affordable option for players looking to add some flexibility to their deck. Its common rarity status makes it easily accessible and doesn't break the bank.

Comparison with Similar Options

For those interested in budget-friendly options, consider the following similar cards:

  • Growing Rites of Itza: A more recent reprint from Guilds of Ravnica (2018) that allows you to add one mana of any color to your pool. While it's not as straightforward as Rampant Growth, it offers a different angle on ramping up your mana.
  • Fertile Ground: From the Core Set 2020 (2020), this enchantment helps your lands produce an additional mana when tapped.

Commander Considerations

In Commander, where flexibility and consistency are key, cards like Rampant Growth can be a valuable addition to any deck. With its ability to search for basic lands, it can provide a much-needed boost to your mana production during critical moments in the game.

History & Notable Appearances

Rampant Growth was first printed in the Mirrodin set, released in 2003 as a Common card. It has since become an iconic part of Magic: The Gathering's history, appearing in various notable decks and Commander builds.

In terms of EDHREC stats, Rampant Growth has an average usage rate of around 0.27%, which might not seem impressive at first glance. However, its popularity has endured over the years, and it still sees play in various Commander decks.

Flavor & Lore

Rampant Growth is deeply rooted in the natural world, where plants and trees grow rapidly, bursting forth with new life. Its flavor and lore are closely tied to the Planeswalker Tarkem Saal, a member of the Cult of Urza who seeks to understand and harness the power of nature.

The Oracle text of Rampant Growth reads: "Search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle." This process is reminiscent of coaxing forth new growth from the earth, carefully guiding it towards maturity.

Budget & Accessibility

Rampant Growth remains an accessible and affordable option for players. Its low price point makes it easy to incorporate into any deck, providing a much-needed boost to mana production during critical moments in the game.

With its iconic status and versatility, Rampant Growth is sure to remain a valuable asset in Magic: The Gathering's vast library of cards.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Rampant Growth is a common sorcery that allows you to search for and put a basic land card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle your library. This card is particularly useful in green decks that rely on ramping up to more expensive spells.

Commanders and Color Identities

  • Elvish Mystic: A classic choice for green ramp decks, Elvish Mystic synergizes perfectly with Rampant Growth by providing a steady stream of mana.
  • Llanowar Elf: Similar to Elvish Mystic, Llanowar Elf is a popular Commander that can take advantage of Rampant Growth's ability to search for lands.

Themes and Engines

  • Ramp Decks: As mentioned earlier, green ramp decks rely on Rampant Growth to quickly find and play more expensive spells.
  • Land Engine: This card also works well with land engines like Astral Cornicopia or Fertile Ground, which can help you accelerate your mana development.

Synergy Cards

  • Stomping Ground: A classic green ramp land that can be found and played with Rampant Growth, providing a 2-mana advantage.
  • Rootbound Crag: Another common green ramp land that pairs well with Rampant Growth, allowing you to develop your mana more quickly.

Combo Notes

  • With Elvish Mystic or Llanowar Elf, Rampant Growth can help you find the necessary lands to cast expensive spells and accelerate your ramp.
  • Using this card in combination with land engines like Astral Cornicopia or Fertile Ground can provide a significant advantage in mana development.
Format Roles

Rampant Growth in Commander and Other Formats

In Commander, Rampant Growth is a solid choice for green decks seeking to ramp up their mana quickly. Its ability to search for and play a basic land card tapped allows players to accelerate their development without committing to specific lands. This synergy with Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic makes it an attractive addition to many green Commander decks.

The common rarity of Rampant Growth keeps its price point low, making it accessible to budget-conscious players. However, its popularity in the format has led to a moderate EDHREC ranking of 27, indicating that it's not as uncommon as some other options but still offers value.

In casual formats, such as draft or sealed play, Rampant Growth remains a staple due to its straightforward and impactful effect. Players can easily include it in their decks without worrying about complex interactions or specific combo pieces.

However, in more competitive formats like Modern or Pauper, Rampant Growth is not typically considered a key card. Its simplicity and lack of direct interaction make it less appealing compared to other options that offer more aggressive or controlling effects.

Competitive Considerations

  • Power level: While Rampant Growth provides a significant boost to mana development, its effect is somewhat situational and limited in scope.
  • Interactions: As mentioned earlier, Rampant Growth plays well with green ramp spells like Llanowar Elves and Elvish Mystic, but it doesn't particularly interact with other cards or formats.

Casual and Banned Considerations

  • Draft and Sealed: Rampant Growth remains a staple in casual draft and sealed play due to its simplicity and impact.
  • Commander Banned List: Not currently banned, though its popularity may lead to reconsideration if it becomes too dominant.
Key Scenarios

Scenarios where Rampant Growth excels:

  • Early game ramp: In a mono-green or green-based deck, Rampant Growth can accelerate the player's land development by finding and putting additional lands onto the battlefield. This can lead to faster than expected mana acceleration and enable the casting of more expensive spells.
  • Combo potential: When paired with cards like Evolving Wilds, Exploration, or Glimpse of Nature, Rampant Growth can help search for necessary combo pieces, such as lands, artifacts, or enchantments. This can lead to a faster and more reliable activation of combos.
  • Multiplayer games: In multiplayer Commander games, Rampant Growth can be used to find additional lands to share with other players, helping to accelerate the game's progress and create opportunities for multi-turn attacks.

Scenarios where Rampant Growth fails:

  • Against opponents with land destruction or disruption: When facing an opponent who has access to cards like Sylvan Caryatid, Eradicate, or [Abrupt Decay, Rampant Growth may struggle to find new lands, as the available basic lands on the battlefield are destroyed or disrupted.
  • In a deck that relies heavily on non-land spells: If a player's deck has few spells that care about having more lands in play (e.g., Golgari Findbroker, [Evolving Wilds), Rampant Growth may not provide as much value, as the player is not using the found land to its full potential.
  • Against opponents with token generation: When facing an opponent who generates tokens quickly (e.g., Goblin Rabblemaster, [Ajani's Pridemate), Rampant Growth might become less relevant, as the game is focused on resolving combat and dealing damage rather than ramping up mana.
History & Meta

Rampant Growth has a long and storied history in Magic: The Gathering. It was first printed in the Mirrodin set, released in 2003 as a Common card. This small sorcery is often overlooked in favor of more powerful ramp spells, but it's a reliable way to accelerate mana development.

In terms of EDHREC stats, Rampant Growth has an average usage rate of around 0.27%, which might not seem impressive at first glance. However, its popularity has endured over the years, and it still sees play in various Commander decks. In fact, it's a staple in some popular green ramp lists.

In terms of iconic decks, Rampant Growth has been featured prominently in several notable builds. It's often paired with cards like Llanowar Elves and Fertile Ground to create a potent mana acceleration engine. Additionally, it's frequently seen in conjunction with lands like Glimmervoid and Misty Rainforest, which provide additional green sources.

Tournament presence-wise, Rampant Growth has seen some competitive play in the past. It was included in several Modern decks back in 2013-2014, where it helped accelerate mana development for powerful spells like Eldrazi Mimic. However, its impact on competitive play is relatively limited compared to more powerful ramp options.

As a Common card from Mirrodin, Rampant Growth remains an accessible and affordable option for players. Its price has remained relatively stable over the years, with a current value of around 0.04 Tix.

Flavor & Lore

Rampant Growth is a classic green sorcery that embodies the essence of ramping up your mana production to fuel more complex spells. Its flavor and lore are deeply rooted in the natural world, where plants and trees grow at an alarming rate, bursting forth with new life.

In the Mirrodin set, Rampant Growth is often associated with the Planeswalker, Tarkem Saal. As a member of the Cult of Urza, Tarkem seeks to understand and harness the power of nature. This card is likely one of his favorite tools in his arsenal, allowing him to rapidly generate new lands and accelerate his mana production.

The Oracle text of Rampant Growth reads: "Search your library for a basic land card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle." The process itself feels almost organic, much like the growth of plants in nature. It's as if you're coaxing forth a new sprout from the earth, carefully guiding it towards maturity.

This sorcery is particularly effective when paired with cards like Llanowar Elves or Elvish Archdruid, which can generate additional mana sources and accelerate your ramp. With Rampant Growth, you can quickly find and deploy basic lands, creating an environment conducive to explosive growth and rapid development of more complex spells.

In game play, Rampant Growth is often used as a tempo play to quickly establish a favorable board presence. It's also a staple in many green-based aggro decks, providing the necessary fuel for ramping up towards more powerful creatures and spells.

Overall, Rampant Growth captures the essence of unchecked growth and abundance found within Mirrodin's natural world.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget-Friendliness and Reprint Status

Rampant Growth is a common sorcery from the Mirrodin set, released in 2003. Its low price point of $0.41 USD (or $0.04 TIX) makes it an affordable option for players looking to add some flexibility to their deck.

  • Price: $0.41 USD
  • Reprint status: Common

Comparison with Similar Options

For those interested in budget-friendly options, consider the following similar cards:

  • Growing Rites of Itza: A more recent reprint from Guilds of Ravnica (2018) that allows you to add one mana of any color to your pool. While it's not as straightforward as Rampant Growth, it offers a different angle on ramping up your mana.
  • Fertile Ground: From the Core Set 2020 (2020), this enchantment helps your lands produce an additional mana when tapped.

Commander Considerations

In Commander, where flexibility and consistency are key, cards like Rampant Growth can be a valuable addition to any deck. With its ability to search for basic lands, it can provide a much-needed boost to your mana production during critical moments in the game.

  • Alternative Ramp Spells: For a more flexible approach, consider using spells that allow you to add mana directly, such as Ancestral Recall or Misty Rainforest.
  • Basic Land Dumps: Cards like Llanowar Wastes, [Verdant Catacombs, and [Forest can help you accelerate your land drops.