Beast of Burden

Beast of Burden was first introduced in the Urza's Saga expansion in 1998, a set renowned for its complex mechanics and high-power level cards. It was later reprinted in the Ninth Edition core set in 2005, which featured a new card frame design intended to improve readability and modernise the aesthetic of the game. The creature is an artifact creature, a design space that allows it to fit into any deck regardless of color identity, though its utility is strictly tied to the number of creatures currently on the battlefield.

The original illustration for this card was created by artist Daren Bader. Bader aimed to capture the essence of a massive, lumbering construct that grows stronger as the conflict intensifies. Throughout its various printings, the card has been received by players as a niche but effective tool in limited formats and casual play, valued primarily for its ability to act as a significant threat in creature-heavy board states, despite its vulnerability to removal and board wipes.