Armored Griffin MTG Card
1998-06-24 - Number 13
2008-09-22 - Number 5
2012-06-01 - Number 1
2016-11-25 - Number 1
Text of card
Flying Attacking doesn't cause Armored Griffin to tap.
Cards like Armored Griffin
Armored Griffin stands out within the realm of flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card bears a resemblance to Serra Angel, both being iconic for their vigilant flying ability. Where Serra Angel is purely a no-frills flying vigilant, Armored Griffin adds a twist by demanding one more color of mana for the same body – a layer of complexity in deck building.
Diving into the pool of winged warriors, we meet Winged Shepherd. It shares the flying attribute with Armored Griffin, and even offers cycling for added versatility. Nevertheless, it doesn’t quite match the raw sturdiness of the Griffin that remains steadfast with vigilance. Meanwhile, Skyhunter Patrol brings the vigilant flier dynamic into the mix, but with lesser power and toughness, highlighting Armored Griffin’s more formidable presence on the battlefield.
In reviewing the choices for stout aerial defenders, Armored Griffin vies for a top spot with its unique color requirement and resilience. Its balance of power and defensiveness tailors to players seeking reliable control in the skies of Magic: The Gathering, underpinning the card as a sound choice for those who build with a strategic defense in mind.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Armored Griffin provides a strategic upper hand by enabling you to consistently maintain a board presence, enhancing your ability to exert control over the game flow.
Resource Acceleration: The Armored Griffin can serve as a potent catalyst for your mana development, especially if paired with mechanics that benefit from the presence of flying creatures or thematic buffs.
Instant Speed: While the Armored Griffin itself may not be cast at instant speed, it synergizes effectively with spells that can be, allowing for dynamic play and unexpected combat tricks that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Running the Armored Griffin often demands tactical hand management since it imposes a discard cost to leverage its full potential. This can leave players at a disadvantage, particularly in a pinch when card options are scarce, or when maintaining card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: With a color identity tethered to white mana, the Armored Griffin may not seamlessly fit into every deck’s mana base. This makes it somewhat restrictive, as it is most viable within mono-white or two-color decks that can reliably produce the necessary white mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a notable amount of mana to summon onto the battlefield, the Armored Griffin could be considered a substantial investment. When assessed against other creatures with similar mana values, players might find more economical options that provide comparable or superior board presence and utility.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Armored Griffin offers a robust presence in the skies with flying, acting as a stalwart defender or a consistent attacker. Its well-balanced stats make it an excellent addition to various white decks seeking aerial dominance.
Combo Potential: With its flying ability, Armored Griffin becomes a key component in strategies that revolve around creatures with evasion. It pairs well with cards that bolster flying creatures or benefit from having multiple creatures with flying on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where smaller, ground-based creatures prevail, the Armored Griffin can become a valuable asset. Its ability to dodge common ground-based removal spells and block most attacking creatures gives it a niche role in certain deck archetypes, ensuring its relevance in a shifting meta.
How to Beat
The Armored Griffin card poses a unique challenge on the battlefield due to its flying ability, making it inaccessible to ground forces. In addition, its bolstering effect on defense can make it a persistent threat. To combat Armored Griffin effectively, you’ll need to take advantage of spells that can target flying creatures or use abilities that aren’t restricted by flying, such as those based on reach or “can’t be blocked except by creatures with flying or reach”.
Board wipes are another strategy, as they can clear the field of Armored Griffin without needing to target it specifically. Enchantment removal can also be useful to dispel any auras or equipment enhancing its defensive capabilities. Moreover, directly targeting it with instant-speed removal spells that can bypass its defenses will prove efficient. Finally, controlling the game with counter spells to prevent the Armored Griffin from ever entering the battlefield is a preemptive way to ensure it doesn’t become a threat in the first place.
By evaluating the Armored Griffin’s strengths and weaknesses, players can devise tactical strategies to neutralize this card, maintaining control over the game’s pace and protecting themselves from this high-flying menace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Armored Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Masters Edition II, 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 Armored Griffin 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Armored Griffin Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2016-11-25. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-06-24 | Portal Second Age | P02 | 13 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Bradley Williams | |
| 2 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 5 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Bradley Williams | |
| 3 | 2012-06-01 | Planechase 2012 | PC2 | 1 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney | |
| 4 | 2016-11-25 | Planechase Anthology | PCA | 1 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brad Rigney |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Armored Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.