Voidwielder MTG Card


Voidwielder offers strategic board control by bouncing creatures, essential in tempo-based decks. It demands specific mana types, potentially limiting its deck diversity and utility. Despite a higher mana cost, its versatility justifies inclusion in certain MTG strategies.
Voidwielder - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Power 1
Toughness 4
Number56
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byChase Stone

Text of card

When Voidwielder enters the battlefield, you may return target creature to its owner's hand.

"He makes up his own laws, and that's dangerous to all who love peace and prosperity. Kill him on sight." —Mirela, Azorius hussar


Cards like Voidwielder

Voidwielder is an intriguing presence on the battlefield within Magic: The Gathering. It nestles in as a member of the bounce spell creature category, akin to cards like Man-o’-War. While Man-o’-War bounces any creature to its owner’s hand upon entering the battlefield, Voidwielder offers a slightly broader targeting range for its ability, potentially affecting nonland permanents. Although this may seem like a minor distinction, it can sometimes open up additional options during gameplay.

Another similar card is AEther Adept, which, like Voidwielder, focuses on returning creatures to their owner’s hands. However, AEther Adept does so at a lower mana cost, making it a quicker play. The difference is subtle yet pivotal in matches where tempo can determine the winner. Comparatively, Voidwielder’s higher mana cost and weaker stats make it less aggressive but provide a wider range of disruption against opponent’s strategies with its ability to target nonland permanents.

By examining these cards side by side, it’s clear that while Voidwielder may not be the swiftest option for reestablishing board control, its versatility in targeting makes it a valuable tool in any player’s arsenal, particularly in limited formats or casual play where flexibility can be more beneficial than raw speed.

Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Voidwielder by color, type and mana cost

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Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions
Adarkar Windform - MTG Card versions
Infiltrator il-Kor - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Voidwielder presents a tactical edge by potentially removing an opponent’s threat from the battlefield. By returning a creature to its owner’s hand, you disrupt their board development and potentially draw out a more substantial threat for your next move.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly increasing your mana pool, Voidwielder’s ability to reset an opponent’s progressive play can provide you the tempo advantage. By stalling their development, you effectively accelerate your own position as you continue to deploy resources unimpeded.

Instant Speed: The power of Voidwielder lies in its flexibility. Operating at instant speed means you can strategically respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, maintaining the upper hand and making the most of your mana each round.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Voidwielder brings the challenge of necessitating a card discard to conjure its effect. This can put players at a disadvantage in times when hand size needs to be maintained or in moments when every card is crucial for upcoming plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a particular combination of mana types, making it somewhat inflexible. It fits primarily in decks that can readily produce blue mana, potentially limiting its use in diverse deck builds that favor a broader color spectrum.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Possessing a mana cost that might be considered steep for its ability to temporarily remove a creature from the battlefield, Voidwielder may be overshadowed by other options. Alternative spells or creatures in MTG could offer either more cost-effective removal abilities or additional benefits aligned with the same or lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Voidwielder in Your Collection

Versatility: Voidwielder offers a unique blend of utility for a variety of deck builds, capably filling roles from a tempo play to a defensive stall technique.

Combo Potential: As a card that can consistently return creatures to an opponent’s hand, Voidwielder synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on casting multiple spells per turn or require opponents to repeatedly pay creature casting costs.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to disrupt opponent strategies, Voidwielder fits well in a meta dominated by creature-heavy decks or where maintaining board control can dictate the pace and outcome of a match.


How to beat

The Voidwielder poses a unique challenge on the battlefield, standing out with its ability to disrupt player strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It not only has the power to control the flow of the game through creature bouncing, but it creates tactical setbacks for the opponent by returning key creatures to their hand. To overcome this card, focus on strategies that diminish its impact or circumvent its abilities altogether.

Consider employing spells that can neutralize the Voidwielder before its ability triggers or using cards with hexproof to shield your crucial creatures from its influence. Taking advantage of instant-speed removal allows you to respond swiftly to its arrival, potentially removing it before it can return a creature to your hand. Additionally, playing creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects can turn the tables by ensuring you gain value even if they’re targeted by the Voidwielder’s ability.

Strategy and cunning are essential when facing a card like Voidwielder. By anticipating its probable use and preparing countermeasures in advance, you enhance your odds of maintaining control of the field and securing victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Voidwielder MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Voidwielder and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Voidwielder has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Voidwielder 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 If Voidwielder is the only creature on the battlefield, you’ll have to choose it as the target of its ability, although you may choose to not return it to its owner’s hand.