Somberwald Vigilante MTG Card


Somberwald Vigilante can shape battlefield dynamics, offering more than just a 1/1 creature. Its low cost and instant-speed ability bring strategic depth to red decks. While niche in mana requirements, the Vigilante shines in aggression-focused strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Warrior
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Whenever Somberwald Vigilante becomes blocked by a creature, Somberwald Vigilante deals 1 damage to that creature.

He has nothing left but his resentment.


Cards like Somberwald Vigilante

Somberwald Vigilante stands out in the realm of low-cost creatures within Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to become a 2/1 creature when blocking or blocked makes it analogous to other one-drop creatures like Elite Vanguard. The Vanguard, while having a stable 2/1 body, lacks the conditional power boost that the Vigilante flaunts, which can be crucial during combat.

Along the same lines, we encounter Goblin Fireslinger. This one-mana creature offers a different kind of utility by being able to ping opponents directly, though it does not pose the same threat in combat as Somberwald Vigilante, which can surprise opponents with its sudden strength increase. Another kindred card is the Fencing Ace, a two-drop that boasts double strike, offering potential for higher damage output but at an increased mana cost. While it doesn’t have the same on-block or on-attack trigger, the Ace can serve a more aggressive playstyle.

Evaluating these cards side by side, Somberwald Vigilante holds its ground as an efficient and flexible combatant in decks looking for opportunistic creatures, blending seamlessly into strategies focused on early board presence and combat tricks.

Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Goblin Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions
Elite Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Goblin Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Somberwald Vigilante by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
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Goblin Balloon Brigade - MTG Card versions
Mons's Goblin Raiders - MTG Card versions
Hurr Jackal - MTG Card versions
Primordial Ooze - MTG Card versions
Goblin Artisans - MTG Card versions
Gorilla Shaman - MTG Card versions
Goblin Swine-Rider - MTG Card versions
Orcish Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Mountain Goat - MTG Card versions
Roc Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Jackal Pup - MTG Card versions
Flailing Soldier - MTG Card versions
Branded Brawlers - MTG Card versions
Scarred Puma - MTG Card versions
Mogg Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Grim Lavamancer - MTG Card versions
Kessig Wolfrider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Guide - MTG Card versions
Skirk Prospector - MTG Card versions
Crazed Goblin - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Somberwald Vigilante may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, its ability to threaten and potentially remove an opponent’s creature during combat can indirectly serve as card advantage. By discouraging blocks or attacking into unfavorable situations, you maintain a better board state.

Resource Acceleration: Somberwald Vigilante isn’t a direct source of traditional resource acceleration. However, its low casting cost means you can deploy it early in the game without sacrificing tempo, allowing you to develop your board while still holding mana for other spells.

Instant Speed: Though the Vigilante itself isn’t an instant, its activated ability can be used at instant speed. This flexibility lets you adapt to the flow of the game, using the threat of its ability to influence your opponent’s decisions during their turn as well as yours.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Somberwald Vigilante doesn’t have a discard requirement per se, having to use a card spot for a simple one-drop without a built-in card advantage may lead to less optimal hand management in longer games.

Specific Mana Cost: The Vigilante requires a red mana to cast, which could be restrictive. Decks not focused on red mana or “splashable” cards might find it hard to fit the Vigilante into their mana base, making it less versatile.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although it has a low absolute mana cost, in the context of its abilities, the Vigilante’s cost might seem steep. One mana for a 1/1 creature with no immediate board impact may not offer the value and board presence that other one-drops provide.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Somberwald Vigilante offers straightforward utility in decks that thrive on early board presence. It’s a low-cost creature that can be easily slotted into aggressive strategies, helping maintain pressure from the start of the game.

Combo Potential: With its ability to deal damage to a target creature upon blocking or being blocked, Somberwald Vigilante can work well with cards that manipulate combat scenarios or have tap and untap synergies to repeatedly use its ability to your advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where utility 1-drops are pivotal, Somberwald Vigilante has the potential to deter early enemy creatures or influence combat decisions, making it a relevant choice for decks looking to exploit openings in the current environment.


How to beat

Somberwald Vigilante is a straightforward card in the world of Magic: The Gathering, yet it can pose certain challenges if not addressed quickly during gameplay. This card can deter opponents from blocking, as its ability can make combat trades unfavorable for them. However, a simple strategy against the Vigilante is to remove it before it can become a nuisance. This can be accomplished through direct removal spells or by utilizing creatures with higher toughness that can withstand the Vigilante’s ability and eliminate it in combat. It’s also efficient to hold back on playing creatures with one toughness if your opponent is likely to get value from the Vigilante’s triggered ability.

Moreover, cards with effects that neutralize abilities, known as “silence” or “pacifism” effects, can effectively shut down Somberwald Vigilante without having to remove it from the board. Players can also outpace the threat by developing a stronger board presence, rendering the Vigilante’s ability less significant compared to more high-impact creatures and spells. It is essential to maintain a higher life total or have a range of blockers ready in case the Vigilante becomes boosted with equipment or auras. Dealing with Somberwald Vigilante requires tactical thinking but can be managed with the right approach.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Somberwald Vigilante MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored 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 Somberwald Vigilante and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Somberwald Vigilante Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2013-09-06. Illustrated by John Stanko.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 1562003NormalBlackJohn Stanko
22013-09-06Duel Decks: Heroes vs. MonstersDDL 22003NormalBlackJohn Stanko

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Somberwald Vigilante has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-05-01 Somberwald Vigilante’s ability will trigger for each creature it becomes blocked by.
2012-05-01 The ability resolves before combat damage is dealt, so it could cause blocking creatures to be destroyed and thus not deal combat damage.