Ancestral Katana MTG Card


Boosts creature power for a more commanding battlefield presence and can synergize with draw effects. Equipped multiple times, it accelerates gameplay and resource utilization effectively across matches. Low equip cost allows for tactical adjustments, enabling quick strategic reallocation among creatures.
Ancestral Katana - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Number1
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaniel Ljunggren

Text of card

Whenever a Samurai or Warrior you control attacks alone, you may pay . When you do, attach Ancestral Katana to it. Equipped creature gets +2/+1. Equip (: Attach to target creature you control. Equip only as a sorcery.)


Cards like Ancestral Katana

The Ancestral Katana shines within the realm of equipment cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its likeness can be found in other equipment such as the trusty Veteran’s Sidearm, which also confers a boost to the creature it’s equipped to. Yet, the Ancestral Katana cuts a unique figure with its ability to grow stronger as more of its kind stack in the graveyard, a trait not seen in the unassuming Sidearm.

Comparatively, Bone Saw offers a parallel, serving as a low-cost equipment that marginally increases a creature’s power. However, it lacks the incremental strength that Ancestral Katana accrues, making the Katana a potentially more formidable option as the game progresses. Another relative in this armory is the famed O-Naginata. While the O-Naginata requires a creature with greater strength to be equipped, it provides a more significant boost in power and adds trample, differentiating itself from the Katana’s iterative gains approach.

Ultimately, though each piece of equipment has its role depending on the strategy, the Ancestral Katana stands out for its ability to potentially outnumber and overpower opponents’ defenses over time, rewarding players for their martial subtlety and strategic deployment.

Veteran's Sidearm - MTG Card versions
Bone Saw - MTG Card versions
O-Naginata - MTG Card versions
Veteran's Sidearm - MTG Card versions
Bone Saw - MTG Card versions
O-Naginata - MTG Card versions

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Metallurgeon - MTG Card versions
Trigon of Mending - MTG Card versions
Cathedral Membrane - MTG Card versions
Gold Myr - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Kitchen Sink - MTG Card versions
Jackknight - MTG Card versions
Glass Casket - MTG Card versions
Old Guard - MTG Card versions
Shining Armor - MTG Card versions
Cogworker's Puzzleknot - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Blade - MTG Card versions
Halvar, God of Battle // Sword of the Realms - MTG Card versions
Valkyrie's Sword - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Prototype - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu SamuraiMardu Samurai StandardMardu SamuraiTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ancestral Katana offers potential card advantage by equipping creatures and enhancing their power, indirectly leading to greater battlefield presence and possibilities for card draw if synergized with other abilities or effects.

Resource Acceleration: The equipment nature of Ancestral Katana allows players to utilize it repeatedly, offering a consistent resource to accelerate gameplay by empowering multiple creatures over the course of a match.

Instant Speed: While Ancestral Katana itself does not have an instant speed ability, its relatively low equip cost can allow players to swiftly respond to changes in the game state by reallocating it to different creatures when strategically necessary.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to Ancestral Katana is that it asks players to discard a card as part of its activation. This could set you back if your hand is already running low, making it a potentially costly play when considering card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Ancestral Katana requires a very specific mana investment to cast. If your deck is not fine-tuned to include the necessary mana types, or if it’s more of a multicolor deck, this could limit the places where this weapon is effectively wielded.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher end for its effects, savvy players might weigh other options. While the ancestral power of the Katana might be tempting, there are alternate cards that could bring similar or more versatile effects with a lower mana investment, providing a potentially faster tempo play.


Reasons to Include Ancestral Katana in Your Collection

Versatility: Ancestral Katana offers flexibility as it can be included in numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to provide an equipment asset that boosts creature stats makes it valuable in any creature-focused deck.

Combo Potential: This card has significant synergy with decks that capitalize on equipment-based strategies. Attaching Ancestral Katana to creatures that benefit from being equipped can lead to powerful interactions and game-changing moves.

Meta-Relevance: Considering its potential to alter the board state significantly by providing additional power and toughness, Ancestral Katana can be an integral piece in combat-centric metas. It aligns well with strategies aimed at overcoming creature stalemates and breaking through defensive lines.


How to beat

Ancestral Katana is an intriguing equipment card that has made its mark in Magic: The Gathering decks focused on creature-heavy strategies. With its ability to bolster your creatures’ power and toughness, it can turn the tides in combat scenarios. But how do you come out on top against an opponent wielding this powerful blade? The trick lies in strategic removal. Cards that can directly destroy or exile artifacts, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, become invaluable in your arsenal. Timing is key; disabling the Ancestral Katana before a significant combat phase can severely disrupt your opponent’s plans.

Alternatively, shifting your strategy to minimize creature combat can also nullify the katana’s advantage. Focusing on direct damage or using cards that dictate the pace of battle put you in control. Employing creatures with flying or other evasion abilities can keep you beyond the reach of buffed ground forces. Lastly, remember that adaptability is your greatest asset. Keeping a diverse set of responses in your deck will prepare you for not only Ancestral Katana but a variety of threats you may face in the ever-changing landscape of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of Magic the Gathering is akin to honing your skills with a fine weapon, much like the Ancestral Katana. With card advantage and resource acceleration at your side, each play can turn the battlefield to your favor. However, every card has its counter, and knowing when to strike with artifact removal or when to avoid combat altogether can make all the difference. If you’re keen to expand your tactical horizons, enhance your deck with versatile tools, and discover combinations that could define your gaming legacy, then journey with us. Dive deeper, sharpen your strategy, and prepare to face all comers with confidence. Let’s embark on this path to victory together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ancestral Katana MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Ancestral Katana and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ancestral Katana has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 A creature attacks alone if it's the only creature declared as an attacker during the declare attackers step. For example, Ancestral Katana's triggered ability won't trigger if you attack with multiple creatures and all but one of them are removed from combat.
2022-02-18 If you choose to pay as Ancestral Katana's ability resolves, a second triggered ability triggers and players may respond to it. Then, as that second ability resolves, Ancestral Katana becomes attached to the creature that attacked alone.