Defenders of Humanity MTG Card


Draw extra cards to gain card advantage, crucial for maintaining control in the game. Boost your mana availability early on to enable powerful plays and strategies. Cast at instant speed to adapt to threats and surprise opponents anytime.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

When Defenders of Humanity enters the battlefield, create X 2/2 white Astartes Warrior creature tokens with vigilance. , Exile Defenders of Humanity: Create X 2/2 white Astartes Warrior creature tokens with vigilance. Activate only if you control no creatures and only during your turn.


Cards like Defenders of Humanity

Defenders of Humanity finds its home among other resilient MTG creatures that are a bulwark against opposition onslaughts. The card echoes the steadfast protection of Wall of Omens, although with a distinct human touch. While Wall of Omens is recognised for its immediate card draw effect upon entering the battlefield, Defenders of Humanity offers a sturdy line of defense that excels at obstructing adversary attacks, underlining its role in safeguarding its wielder’s life total.

Wall of Resurgence also shares the sphere with Defenders of Humanity, bringing an interesting twist by turning lands into vigilant attackers while still being a formidable defender itself. Although the mechanisms of fortification differ, the core principle of defending crucial plains remains. Then, there’s the classic Guard Gomazoa, providing not just a defensive presence but also preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to it, thereby contrasting with the more human-centric traits of Defenders of Humanity that showcase valor and unity over individual resilience.

When evaluating the various guard options at a player’s disposal, Defenders of Humanity stands as a testament to the synergy between steadfast soldiers ready to shield their allies at all costs. This aspect of unity amongst the human ranks enriches the gameplay by introducing a unique angle on team-based fortitude.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Resurgence - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Resurgence - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Defenders of Humanity by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: ‘Defenders of Humanity’ plays a critical role in card advantage by providing players with an opportunity to draw additional cards whenever a condition is met. This can be a pivotal turn in the game, as it allows players to have more options and strategies available during play.

Resource Acceleration: This card further strengthens your position by aiding in resource acceleration. The ability to potentially generate tokens or untap lands can drastically increase your mana availability, enabling more dynamic and powerful plays much sooner than expected.

Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by ‘Defenders of Humanity’ being an instant elevates it significantly. This nimbleness allows players to respond to threats or play on an opponent’s turn, keeping options open and opponents guessing, thereby optimizing the card’s strategic use and impact on the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The strategic disadvantage of the Defenders of Humanity lies in its requirement for players to discard a card. This condition can strain your hand, especially during the crucial phases when maintaining card advantage is key.

Specific Mana Cost: Defenders of Humanity demands a very particular mana arrangement to cast. This specificity can be restrictive and force you into a narrower deck-building strategy, potentially hampering your deck’s versatility against a wide array of opponents.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, Defenders of Humanity may not always be the most mana-efficient option available. In a game where pace can dictate the winner, its cost might set you back, particularly when faster alternatives could advance your board position more swiftly.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Defenders of Humanity offers a robust addition to any deck requiring stalwart protection. Its role as a reliable blocker makes it a perfect pick for control and lifegain strategies, allowing for significant longevity in prolonged games.

Combo Potential: This card can be an integral part of intricate combos, particularly with cards that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or those that benefit from having a solid defensive lineup to safeguard key plays.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment dominated by aggressive strategies, Defenders of Humanity shines as a functional counter, thwarting swift assaults and preserving your life total as you pivot towards your winning game state.


How to beat

Defenders of Humanity is one of those unique MTG cards that can pose a significant challenge on the battlefield with its robust defensive capabilities. This card shines when in charge of protecting your life total, through its formidable toughness and potentially game-altering abilities. To tackle Defenders of Humanity effectively, it’s imperative to adopt a strategy that can negate those defensive strengths.

One effective approach against Defenders of Humanity is utilizing removal spells that can bypass its defense. Removal spells that specify “destroy target creature” can be particularly useful here, regardless of toughness. Also, cards that force a player to sacrifice a creature can be invaluable in this scenario because they don’t target creatures directly, thus outmaneuvering the protective abilities of Defenders of Humanity.

Alternatively, spells that reduce toughness or change creature types can turn the tide in your favor. Enchantments, spells that exile, and cards that tap creatures without untapping them in the next untap phase can also provide an upper hand. Tailoring your deck to include a mixture of these strategies can enhance your chances of victory when facing down the staunch resilience of Defenders of Humanity.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re intrigued by the strategic depth ‘Defenders of Humanity’ adds to your MTG deck, we’re here to guide you further. This card’s card advantage and resource acceleration can shift the tides of your games, offering exciting gameplay twists. Managing its discard requirement and high mana cost is part of the challenge it presents, but with the right deck synergy, ‘Defenders of Humanity’ can become a formidable ally. Interested in integrating this card into a winning strategy or discovering alternatives with similar defense mechanisms? Dive deeper into the vast MTG card pool with us, where we help you uncover hidden gems and optimize your deck’s potential to secure victory in every duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Defenders of Humanity MTG card by a specific set like Warhammer 40,000 Commander and Warhammer 40,000 Commander, 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 Defenders of Humanity and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Defenders of Humanity Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-10-07 and 2022-10-07. Illustrated by Games Workshop.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 112015NormalBlackGames Workshop
22022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 11★2015NormalBlackGames Workshop

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Defenders of Humanity has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-10-07 X in the first ability is always calculated separately from X in the second ability, even if you activate second ability in response to the first ability.
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.