Battering Ram is a 1996 artifact creature card from the Magic: The Gathering Introductory Two-Player Set, known for its unique banding abilities and wall-destroying effect.
Battering Ram
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Introductory Two-Player Set
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Description
Battering Ram, card number 48, stands as a foundational piece of the Magic: The Gathering Introductory Two-Player Set released in 1996. Designed by Jeff A. Menges, this common artifact creature introduces players to strategic combat mechanics through its distinct rules text. As a Construct with a mana cost of two, it serves as an accessible entry point for new collectors and players eager to understand early game design philosophy. The card’s primary appeal lies in its banding ability, which allows it to attack in a group with other creatures, simplifying damage assignment for beginners. Additionally, it features a powerful interaction with defensive cards: whenever Battering Ram is blocked by a Wall, that Wall is destroyed at the end of combat. This mechanic reflects the thematic flavor of the set, referencing the industrial warfare style associated with Mishra, as noted in the card's flavor text about mages no longer relying heavily on walls. For collectors, owning a copy of Battering Ram offers a tangible connection to the origins of Magic: The Gathering. The Introductory Two-Player Set was specifically crafted to onboard new fans, making cards like this one historically significant within the TCG community. Whether you are building a vintage collection, studying the evolution of artifact creatures, or simply appreciating the nostalgic design of mid-90s trading cards, this card represents a key moment in gaming history. Its straightforward mechanics and iconic status make it a sought-after item for those who value the roots of the game.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Battering Ram
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Jeff A. Menges
Card Stock
English
{2}
Artifact Creature — Construct
1 / 1
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
At the beginning of combat on your turn, this creature gains banding until end of combat. (Any creatures with banding, and up to one without, can attack in a band. Bands are blocked as a group. If any creatures with banding you control are being blocked by a creature, you divide that creature's combat damage, not its controller, among any of the creatures it's blocking.) Whenever this creature becomes blocked by a Wall, destroy that Wall at end of combat.
By the time Mishra was defeated, no mage was foolish enough to rely heavily on walls.
