Akroan Sergeant MTG Card
2015-07-17 - Number 130
2019-11-07 - Number 835
2020-09-26 - Number ORI-130
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | First strike,Renown |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.) Renown 1 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put a +1/+1 counter on it and it becomes renowned.)
Cards like Akroan Sergeant
Akroan Sergeant is a notable card within the ranks of Magic: The Gathering warriors. Its renown ability grants the card a +1/+1 counter each time it attacks and becomes renowned, thereby establishing it as a creature that grows more formidable over time. A similar card that comes to mind is Elite Scaleguard which also carries a bolstering ability, enhancing other creatures when it attacks. Unlike Akroan Sergeant, the Scaleguard doesn’t reinforce itself but rather supports your entire battlefield presence.
Comparing to other creatures in MTG, we can observe Blade Instructor, another creature that promotes strength in combat with its mentor ability, effectively increasing the power of a lesser ally. This card, however, provides a more immediate impact as opposed to the gradual growth of the Akroan Sergeant. Lastly, we have the Anax and Cymede card, hailing from the same Theros set as the Akroan Sergeant. This heroic duo inspires other creatures you control with their ability, offering both power and toughness boosts along with trample—an effect not intrinsic to the Sergeant itself.
While each card carries its unique contribution to the gameplay, the Akroan Sergeant stands out for its ability to become a persistent threat on its own, reflecting its esteemed place in red’s aggressive MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Akroan Sergeant by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: One of the strengths of the Akroan Sergeant is its renowned ability to progressively bolster your board presence each time it becomes renowned. This not only deters opponents from blocking but also maintains continuous pressure, often forcing rivals into unfavorable trades.
Resource Acceleration: While not a resource accelerator by nature, the Sergeant’s prowess in battle can indirectly quicken your strategy. By compelling your foe to deal with it, resources may be diverted away from other plans they have, effectively slowing them down and giving you a tactical edge.
Instant Speed: Although Akroan Sergeant does not operate at instant speed, its First strike feature allows for a potent defensive and offensive advantage during combat phases. This effectively functions similar to instant speed capabilities as it can catch adversaries off-guard, dictating the flow of combat in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of the Akroan Sergeant is that it doesn’t require discarding, but it may prompt your opponent to force a discard, especially since it’s a creature that can become a target on the battlefield. This means that keeping it in play may indirectly contribute to card disadvantage in certain scenarios.
Specific Mana Cost: The Akroan Sergeant has a specific mana cost that necessitates at least one red mana. This requirement can restrict the card’s integration into multi-colored decks, as it compounds the challenge of maintaining a stable and efficient mana base, especially in formats where mana fixing is lesser.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one red, for a 2/2 creature, the Akroan Sergeant may be considered a costly investment for its base stats. Other cards in the same mana range could offer more immediate value or effects without the need for further investment like the Renown mechanic requires to boost the Akroan Sergeant.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Akroan Sergeant can be a dynamic addition to any deck that focuses on bolstering creatures. With its ability to gain first strike until end of turn, it can adapt to both offensive and defensive strategies with ease.
Combo Potential: This card plays well with other cards that encourage combat tricks or the renowned mechanic. When it becomes renowned, its strength increases, allowing for synergies with cards that track power or trigger on combat damage to a player.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Akroan Sergeant can shine. It holds a specific niche in decks designed around aggressive tactics and maintaining board presence against opponents.
How to beat
The Akroan Sergeant stands as a notable card within the rich tapestry of MTG, boasting the heroic mechanic that bolsters it upon targeting with spells. This creature can become a formidable force on the battlefield, especially if left unchecked. To emerge victorious against this three-mana red creature, a strategic approach is essential. Counteracting its growth capabilities by withholding spells until it can be safely dealt with is wise. Employ removal spells that eliminate it before it can gain counters or, alternatively, use bounce spells to reset its progression.
Players could also opt for larger blockers to discourage attacks or employ enchantments that prevent it from attacking or blocking. Engaging in combat with creatures that can survive the encounter or utilizing board wipes after the Sergeant has been targeted and buffed can effectively neutralize the threat it poses. Understanding the dynamics of heroic and timing removal judiciously can be the difference between toppling an emboldened Akroan Sergeant or falling to its ever-increasing power.
Recapitulating the tactics, successful confrontation with the Akroan Sergeant hinges on preemptive actions, decisive removal, and maintaining control of the battlefield dynamics. By doing so, this seemingly innocuous card is kept from turning the tide of the game in your opponent’s favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Akroan Sergeant MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Mystery Booster, 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 Akroan Sergeant and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Akroan Sergeant Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Zack Stella.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 835 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | ORI-130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Zack Stella |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Akroan Sergeant has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Akroan Sergeant card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-06-22 | If a creature with renown deals combat damage to its controller because that damage was redirected, renown will trigger. |
| 2015-06-22 | If a renown ability triggers, but the creature leaves the battlefield before that ability resolves, the creature doesn’t become renowned. Any ability that triggers “whenever a creature becomes renowned” won’t trigger. |
| 2015-06-22 | Renown won’t trigger when a creature deals combat damage to a planeswalker or another creature. It also won’t trigger when a creature deals noncombat damage to a player. |