Sorin, Solemn Visitor MTG Card


Sorin Solemn Visitor excels in both offense and defense, enhancing creatures’ power and providing strategic versatility. Planning for Sorin’s casting cost is essential, as its specific mana requirements can limit deck-building options. Combining the lifelink ability with vampire tokens, Sorin can significantly alter the game’s tempo and player health.
Sorin, Solemn Visitor - Khans of Tarkir
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Sorin
Released2014-09-26
Set symbol
Set nameKhans of Tarkir
Set codeKTK
Loyalty 4
Number202
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byCynthia Sheppard

Text of card

+1: Until your next turn, creatures you control get +1/+0 and gain lifelink. −2: Put a 2/2 black Vampire creature token with flying onto the battlefield. −6: You get an emblem with "At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, that player sacrifices a creature."


Cards like Sorin, Solemn Visitor

Sorin, Solemn Visitor is a standout planeswalker in MTG, whose abilities echo the characteristics of several other cards while maintaining unique traits. An apt comparison might be had with Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, as both planeswalkers focus on generating creature tokens. While Sorin creates vampire tokens with lifelink, Elspeth produces soldier tokens but lacks the lifelink attribute, making Sorin shine in creature survivability and player health stabilization.

Moreover, comparing Sorin to Ajani Steadfast reveals some functional similarities. Ajani’s +1 ability bolsters multiple creatures, akin to Sorin’s +1 which also enhances creatures in play, but the lifelink provided by Sorin can be much more significant in swinging the life totals. Additionally, while Ajani has a loyalty boosting emblem, Sorin’s emblem is built for long-term advantage, giving a persistent boon to your creatures and pressuring your opponents turn after turn.

Evaluating Sorin within the palette of planeswalkers in MTG, he holds a valuable position, particularly in strategies that benefit from resilient creatures and life-total leverage. His ability to impact the board immediately and shape the battlefield dynamics showcases his distinctive edge among his peers.

Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sorin, Solemn Visitor by color, type and mana cost

Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Lord of Innistrad - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Assassin - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Haunter - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Spirits' Justice - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Vengeful Bloodlord - MTG Card versions
Sorin, Lord of Innistrad - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Assassin - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Ghost Haunter - MTG Card versions
Kaya, Spirits' Justice - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sorin, Solemn Visitor. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov VampiresOrzhov Vampires PioneerOrzhov VampiresPioneer Preliminary 2024-04-10
Mardu TokensMardu Tokens GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sorin Solemn Visitor shines by creating a +1 loyalty ability that distributes +1/+0 to your creatures until your next turn, not only bolstering your offensive strength but also doubling as a defense mechanism during your opponent’s turn. This multitasking ability ensures you’re squeezing value out of the card, both on and off your turn, maintaining the pressure and card quality on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: With the -2 loyalty ability, you accelerate your board presence by producing a 2/2 black Vampire creature token with lifelink. This serves not just as additional firepower or a blocker but also synergizes with decks that thrive on creature counts and lifegain, helping to hasten your game plan objectives.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Sorin’s emblem, granted by the -6 loyalty ability, generates a lasting effect that lets you use its ability at instant speed whenever a Vampire creature comes under your control. This emblem provides a persistent advantage that functions reactively to the state of each turn, much like an instant, allowing for strategic depth and timely surprises against your opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sorin Solemn Visitor doesn’t directly cause discarding, but his abilities could pressure you into sacrificing valuable cards for his loyalty abilities. This can be a strategic downside if your hand size diminishes faster than you can recover card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and white mana, Sorin can be restrictive in decks not tailored to a vampire or Orzhov strategy. Players may struggle to cast him on curve without a balanced mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two specific colors, he comes into play later than some other impactful planeswalkers. There are situations where a faster board impact is preferable, making his cost a potential drawback in quicker-paced games.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sorin Solemn Visitor offers a dynamic approach to both aggressive and defensive strategies. His ability to provide life-link until your next turn can be a game-changer in decks that focus on creature-based tactics or those needing longevity against fast-paced opponents.

Combo Potential: The planeswalker’s power to generate vampire tokens not only pads your defenses but also synergizes with vampire-centric decks or strategies that capitalize on token generation. These interactions can help fuel powerful combos and finishers.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame fluctuates, having a planeswalker like Sorin can be crucial. His versatility and ability to affect life totals make him a resilient addition that can adapt and thrive against a variety of deck archetypes currently seeing play.


How to beat

Sorin, Solemn Visitor is a powerful planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering, offering a significant advantage with its ability to bolster your creatures’ power and toughness while also being capable of creating a harassing game state for your opponent. Though formidable, this card can be outplayed. The key to overcoming Sorin lies in its four loyalty counters – a number that is within reach of direct damage spells or an aggressive creature strategy.

To effectively neutralize Sorin, players should consider keeping removal spells handy, such as Dreadbore or Hero’s Downfall, both of which can target planeswalkers. Aggressively attacking Sorin with creatures can also prevent your opponent from getting long-term value out of their planeswalker. Keep in mind the ability of Sorin to give lifelink; thus, timing your strikes when your adversary is low on creatures can be crucial for success. It’s also important to manage the board, ensuring Sorin doesn’t tip the scales too far in your opponent’s favor with accumulated +1/+0 lifelink buffs. With the right strategy and quick action, you can make sure Sorin makes a solemn departure from the battlefield.

Understanding the dynamics of powerful cards like Sorin and having a plan to deal with them can make all the difference in your gameplay, ensuring that no single threat can seize control of the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re looking to refine your MTG playstyle and explore the diverse capabilities of planeswalkers, Sorin Solemn Visitor is a noteworthy addition to your arsenal. His flexible skills cater to various strategies, enhancing your creature’s offense and defense while contributing significant value to vampire-themed decks. With the insights provided, you’re well-equipped to maximize Sorin’s potential on the battlefield. Elevate your game by incorporating this formidable ally and crafting a deck that leverages his strengths. For those keen to build around Sorin or simply aim to deepen their understanding of strategic planeswalker utilization, delve into our collection of resources and guides. Transform your play experience and thrive against any opponent when you employ the tactics we’ve explored together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sorin, Solemn Visitor MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir, 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 Sorin, Solemn Visitor and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sorin, Solemn Visitor has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-09-20 Only creatures you control as the first ability resolves will get the bonuses. Creatures you come to control after that happens will not.
2014-09-20 When the emblem’s ability resolves, if the player controls no creatures, the player won’t sacrifice anything.