Armory Guard MTG Card


Its deterrent effect and vigor with a Gate make it a strong defensive asset in your MTG games. Well-suited in control strategies, often complementing decks that focus on defensive or counter plays. Although not aggressive, its versatility can be pivotal in decks that optimize defender synergies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Giant Soldier
Power 2
Toughness 5

Text of card

Armory Guard has vigilance as long as you control a Gate.

The Dimir agents watched from the shadows. "Eight hours, and I've yet to see him blink," Nefara hissed. "I suggest we find another way in."


Cards like Armory Guard

Armory Guard joins the ranks of Magic: The Gathering’s creatures designed to serve as reliable defenders. When you compare Armory Guard to other stalwart defenders such as Hover Barrier, similarities in purpose are evident as both excel in restricting enemy attacks. The defining trait of Armory Guard is its inherent vigilance ability when you control a Gate, making it an ablative barrier while still permitting counter-offensive opportunities.

In contrast, the perennial wall Guard Gomazoa offers neither the potential for attacking nor the conditional vigilance. Its strength lies in preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to it, highlighting a more passive defense strategy. Following the pathway of defensive utility and tactical advantage, the widely-used Wall of Omens may not offer vigilance or a conditionally offensive posture, but it compensates with its entering-the-battlefield effect of drawing a card, enhancing your hand while establishing a line of defense.

Ultimately, within Magic: The Gathering’s multifaceted environment, Armory Guard, despite not being a powerhouse, provides a blend of offense and defense that can be essential in games where maintaining a dynamic battlefield presence is key, particularly in decks that include Gates to unleash its full potential.

Hover Barrier - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Hover Barrier - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Armory Guard by color, type and mana cost

Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Armory Guard doesn’t directly draw cards, its presence on the board is a statement of defense. Its key benefit lies in its ability to potentially dissuade opponents from attacking, which can indirectly lead to card advantage as your creatures survive longer and your resources are preserved for more strategic plays.

Resource Acceleration: Armory Guard is not directly responsible for resource acceleration in the traditional sense. However, by effectively discouraging attacks, it allows players to utilize their mana and other resources more efficiently for developing their board without having to replace lost creatures frequently.

Instant Speed: Armory Guard operates at sorcery speed due to its creature type. However, where it links to the concept of instant speed is in how it can impact combat tricks. An opponent has to think twice about instant speed removals or buffs during combat knowing that an untapped Armory Guard could neutralize their efforts, particularly if you have a gate to ensure its vigilance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Armory Guard doesn’t directly require discarding a card, but this can be a general downside for cards in its role. Decks utilizing creatures like Armory Guard often pair with mechanics that may demand discards, potentially leaving players at a resource disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Armory Guard requires a precise mana layout, one that includes white. This can sometimes restrict deck-building options, especially in formats where mana flexibility is critical to accommodate various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Armory Guard may come off less appealing considering its basic capabilities. In many scenarios, players could find creatures or spells of equal or lower cost that provide additional benefits or greater power and toughness.


Reasons to Include Armory Guard in Your Collection

Versatility: Armory Guard can be a flexible addition to decks that require defenders or utilize cards that benefit from having defenders. It fits nicely in any deck strategy leaning towards control or defensive tactics.

Combo Potential: With its ability to gain vigilance when another creature with defender is on the battlefield, Armory Guard works well with synergistic cards that leverage the defender mechanic, potentially opening up avenues for combo interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Armory Guard’s relevance may rise in a meta filled with aggressive strategies, as a solid defender can halt opponents in their tracks, buying time for a more strategic setup or reach for late-game victories.


How to beat

Armory Guard, a stalwart defender in Magic: The Gathering, is known for its vigilance ability and strength when supported by a Gate on the battlefield. To gain the upper hand against this guard, it’s wise to bypass its ground control. Utilize flying creatures or those with reach, as Armory Guard lacks the ability to block them. Another strategy is employing removal spells that don’t rely on combat damage, such as “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile,” to dispatch the guard without entering the combat phase.

Alternatively, taking control of the game pace with instant-speed spells can give you an edge, allowing you to react to the Armory Guard’s deployment directly. Countering its summon with cards like “Cancel” or “Essence Scatter” ensures it never makes an impact on the battlefield. Lastly, focus on advancing your board position swiftly. By doing so, you can create overwhelming threats that make Armory Guard’s presence less significant. Armory Guard can be a formidable force, but with the right plan, it can be successfully managed and overcome within the challenge of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Armory Guard MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Armory Guard and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Armory Guard Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Karl Kopinski.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 22003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
22013-09-06Duel Decks: Heroes vs. MonstersDDL 122003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 32015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Armory Guard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Armory Guard card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2012-10-01 Vigilance only matters when Armory Guard is being declared as an attacking creature. If Armory Guard is already attacking, losing control of your only Gate won’t cause Armory Guard to become tapped or to leave combat.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.