Ajani Steadfast MTG Card


Ajani’s loyalty abilities can swing card advantage and turn the tide of the game. Mana savvy investment needed for Ajani can be a deck-building challenge. His versatility and combo potential make him a valuable collection addition.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Ajani
Loyalty 4

Text of card


+1: Until end of turn, up to one target creature gets +1/+1 and gains first strike, vigilance, and lifelink.
-2: Put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control and a loyalty counter on each other planeswalker you control.
-7: You get an emblem with "If a source would deal damage to you or a planeswalker you control, prevent all but 1 of that damage."


Cards like Ajani Steadfast

Ajani Steadfast is an impactful planeswalker in Magic: The Gathering with abilities tailored for bolstering your creatures and gaining life. Taking a glance at other cards in the MTG universe, we see parallels with cards like Elspeth, Knight-Errant. Elspeth offers the creation of soldier tokens which can build up one’s board presence, much like how Ajani fortifies your battlefield with enhanced loyalty to other planeswalkers and creatures.

Another card with a semblance in effect is Gideon, Ally of Zendikar. Gideon’s abilities flexibly range from creating knight tokens to becoming an indestructible creature himself, reminiscent of Ajani’s trait that contributes to the robustness of your creatures. However, Ajani’s emblem with its enduring advantage of raising your creatures’ resilience is a distinctive perk not seen in Gideon’s array of abilities.

When we dissect the functions and tactical adaptability, Ajani Steadfast emerges as a robust choice for players prioritizing defensive depth and long-term strategic advantages in their decks. His suite of abilities not only protects but also theoretically multiplies the threats against opponents, demonstrating his worth amidst similar MTG cards.

Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ajani Steadfast by color, type and mana cost

The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
The Wandering Emperor - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions
Archangel Elspeth - MTG Card versions
The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
The Wandering Emperor - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions
Archangel Elspeth - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ajani Steadfast can significantly influence the card advantage battle in a game. By bolstering your battlefield presence with his +1 loyalty ability, he elevates your creatures and planeswalkers, enabling them to be more effective and harder for your opponent to deal with. His ultimate ability can be a game-ender, giving you an emblem that provides a lasting advantage that your opponent cannot easily neutralize.

Resource Acceleration: Ajani Steadfast indirectly contributes to resource acceleration by making your creatures more resilient with +1/+1 counters. They become better blockers and attackers, helping you maintain a strong board presence without needing to commit additional resources. In longer games, this can translate to more mana available for other spells as you won’t need to recast creatures that would otherwise be lost in combat.

Instant Speed: While Ajani Steadfast himself is not an instant-speed spell, his loyalty abilities can have an instant impact on the game. His -2 ability, in particular, can be used strategically during your turn to surprise your opponent during combat, turning the tide in your favor when it counts the most.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Ajani Steadfast doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, to fully leverage its abilities, a well-stocked graveyard can be beneficial. Without this, you may not capitalize on its full potential, putting you at a disadvantage if your strategy relies on maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Ajani Steadfast comes with a very specific mana cost that includes two white mana symbols. This can pose a deck-building challenge, especially in multicolored decks that might struggle to consistently produce the necessary white mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Ajani Steadfast can be a significant investment in the early game. Given that its impact isn’t immediately game-changing compared to some other lower-cost planeswalkers or creatures, some players may find the mana investment hefty relative to its initial board influence.


Reasons to Include Ajani Steadfast in Your Collection

Versatility: Ajani Steadfast is a versatile planeswalker that can strengthen a wide array of white-based decks. His abilities synergize well with creature-based strategies and enhance defensive measures, making him a strong ally in both aggressive and control archetypes.

Combo Potential: The emblem granted by Ajani’s ultimate ability can create formidable combinations with cards that trigger upon gaining life or whenever creatures enter the battlefield, leading to powerful and potentially game-ending scenarios.

Meta-Relevance: With his ability to boost loyalty counters on other planeswalkers and bolster your creatures’ combat capabilities, Ajani Steadfast remains relevant in metas where planeswalkers play a prominent role or against decks that rely on direct combat for victory.


How to beat

Ajani Steadfast’s presence on the battlefield can be quite the challenge in MTG. This powerful planeswalker card operates exceptionally well in decks that are centered around strong creature strategies and life gain. To effectively counter Ajani Steadfast, direct damage spells can be your key to success. Since Ajani enters with four loyalty counters, cards like Lightning Strike can immediately remove him from play if he hasn’t been able to increase his loyalty.

Additionally, it’s crucial to deal with Ajani before his emblem ability can be activated, as this would severely hamper your strategy by providing the opponent with a lasting advantage. Use instant-speed spells to eliminate him during your opponent’s turn, ensuring he cannot use his abilities to their full extent. Cards that cause players to sacrifice planeswalkers, such as The Elderspell, or spells that can directly target planeswalker cards, such as Dreadbore or Hero’s Downfall, are also effective ways to deal with Ajani Steadfast.

Focus on maintaining pressure and disrupt your opponent’s longer-term strategies. Ajani thrives in a game that stretches out, giving his controller more opportunities to make the most out of his loyalty abilities. Keeping a tight pace and proactive removal strategy can ensure that Ajani Steadfast becomes a minor obstacle rather than a definitive game-ender.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the dynamics of Ajani Steadfast in your MTG deck can be a game-changer. His ability to enhance your creatures and planeswalkers epitomizes strategic depth, ensuring your arsenal is always a step ahead. Whether you’re looking to fortify your board or aiming for that emblematic win, Ajani Steadfast has a rightful place in your collection. Approaching games with the right counters for this steadfast planeswalker is just as crucial as harnessing his strengths. Take your MTG gameplay to new heights as you incorporate these insights into your strategy, and discover how Ajani’s steadfastness can lead to your success. Dive deeper with us and make your next match an enduring victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ajani Steadfast MTG card by a specific set like San Diego Comic-Con 2014 and Magic 2015, 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 Ajani Steadfast and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ajani Steadfast Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-07-08 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-07-08San Diego Comic-Con 2014PS14 12015NormalBlackJae Lee
22014-07-18Magic 2015M15 12015NormalBlackChris Rahn
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 872015NormalBlackDavid Rapoza
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 8132015NormalBlackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ajani Steadfast has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-07-18 Each attacking creature is a separate source of damage. For example, if two 3/3 creatures attack you and are unblocked, the emblem will prevent 2 damage from each creature. You’ll be dealt a total of 2 damage.
2014-07-18 If a permanent you control is both a creature and a planeswalker, Ajani’s second ability will put both a +1/+1 counter and a loyalty counter on it.
2014-07-18 If multiple effects modify how damage is dealt, the player being dealt damage or the controller of the permanent being dealt damage chooses the order to apply the effects. For example, Dictate of the Twin Gods says, “If a source would deal damage to a permanent or player, it deals double that damage to that permanent or player instead.” Suppose you would be dealt 3 damage while Dictate of the Twin Gods is on the battlefield and you control Ajani’s emblem. You can either (a) prevent all but 1 damage first and then let Dictate of the Twin Gods’s effect double that, for a result of being dealt 2 damage, or (b) double the damage to 6 and then prevent all but 1 of that damage.
2014-07-18 The emblem’s ability doesn’t consider who controls the source dealing damage to you or a planeswalker you control.
2014-07-18 You may activate the first ability with no targets. If you do, you simply put a loyalty counter on Ajani to pay the cost of the ability.