TCG Playability
Instant
Target creature gets +3/+3 and gains trample until end of turn. (It can deal excess combat damage to the player or planeswalker it's attacking.)
If you hear it coming, you're not its prey.
Predator's Strike is a versatile combat trick that delivers exceptional value for aggressive green strategies across multiple formats. At just one generic and one green mana, this instant provides impressive offensive scaling with a +3/+3 boost and trample, making it an ideal tool for finishing games or breaking through defensive stalls. The trample keyword is particularly significant, as it transforms excess damage into chip damage against defending opponents, meaning your creatures can punch through for lethal even when blocked by larger creatures. This card finds natural homes in various green archetypes, from aggressive stompy and gruul tempo strategies to creature-heavy midrange decks that want to leverage their board presence into a quick clock. In limited formats, Predator's Strike shines as a removal-resistant pump spell that protects your threats while pushing damage, and in constructed environments like Modern and Legacy, it slots into any strategy running green creatures as a compact way to generate explosive turns. The card's legality across an impressive range of formats, including Pauper where it becomes exceptionally accessible, makes it a consistent staple for budget-conscious players building competitive decks. Commander players appreciate it as a cost-effective combat finisher that can swing surprise victories in multiplayer games, while Brawl and Historic enthusiasts gain a reliable combat trick for tempo-focused strategies. Whether you're playing an explosive go-wide strategy, a single creature-focused deck, or anything in between, Predator's Strike deserves consideration as a flexible, mana-efficient way to turn combat math in your favor and close out games decisively.
Illustrated by Tony Szczudlo