Armored Guardian MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Cat Soldier |
| Released | 2000-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Invasion |
| Set code | INV |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 230 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Arnie Swekel |
Text of card
o1o Wo W Target creature you control gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn. o1o Uo U Armored Guardian can't be the target of spells or abilities this turn.
Cards like Armored Guardian
The Armored Guardian card serves as a reliable defender in the MTG multiverse. Its nearest kin in terms of versatility is Cairn Wanderer, which is another creature that benefits from various keywords depending on the graveyard’s composition. Unlike the wanderer, the Armored Guardian can turn itself into an indestructible creature until end of turn, offering unparalleled durability in combat.
Another comparable card is Chromanticore, which bestows multiple abilities onto itself or another creature. Yet, it falls short in that it doesn’t have the same defensive stance or flexibility as Armored Guardian. The Guardian’s ability to grant invulnerability to other creatures offers a unique tactical advantage that Chromanticore lacks.
Then we have Sphinx of the Steel Wind, which also presents a formidable array of keywords that make it a tough opponent. Despite its built-in resilience to two common removal colors, it doesn’t possess the self-targeting protective capability that the Armored Guardian boasts. This gives the Guardian a leading edge in strategies centered around creature longevity and combat manipulation.
Cards similar to Armored Guardian by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Armored Guardian not only fortifies your battlefield presence with its solid stats but also has the potential to confer card advantage. By strategically using its ability to protect key creatures or itself, it forces opponents to deal with a resilient threat that could otherwise swing the tide in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Although Armored Guardian does not directly create resources, it serves as a formidable asset in resource acceleration strategies. With its ability to turn artifacts into creatures temporarily, this card can synergize with decks that benefit from having a high creature count, bolstering your board state significantly.
Instant Speed: The Guardian’s conversion ability can be activated at instant speed, offering flexibility and surprise factor. This permits you to make decisions based on the state of the game, potentially turning non-threatening artifacts into creatures during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, thereby optimizing your tactical responses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Armored Guardian asks players to discard a card in order to fulfill some of its abilities. This condition can prove to be quite restrictive, especially during late game scenarios where hand resources might be critically low.
Specific Mana Cost: The Armored Guardian comes with a precise mana requirement for casting, which includes blue and white mana. This combination necessitates a dedicated color commitment, making it less flexible for inclusion in multicolor decks that might run on a different color scheme.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher side, the Armored Guardian’s abilities might be seen as less effective compared to other options with lower mana costs. Ensuring that five mana is available could delay the execution of other strategic plays, potentially giving an advantage to the opponent.
Reasons to Include Armored Guardian in Your Collection
Versatility: Armored Guardian offers flexibility in deck construction, providing a robust defense mechanism while supporting a range of roles from being a formidable blocker to an enabler of other strategies within your deck.
Combo Potential: With the capability to make a creature indestructible for a turn, Armored Guardian can synergize with cards and combos that capitalize on indestructible creatures or require a sturdy permanence on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment that’s teeming with removal spells and board wipes, Armored Guardian’s ability to protect your key creatures is exceedingly useful, making it a solid inclusion in decks that aim to outlast and overcome such strategies.
How to beat
Armored Guardian commands respect on the battlefield, standing as a formidable figure in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Known for its multi-color deployment and ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt to creature spells you control, this silver sentinel can be quite the stumbling block for many opponents. Understanding how to bypass its defenses is crucial for any strategy.
One effective method is to lean on the power of removal spells that bypass its protection abilities, such as Supreme Verdict or other similar board wipes that do not deal damage but rather destroy or exile creatures, sidestepping the Guardian’s damage prevention. Alternatively, players could rely on cards that allow them to take control of an opponent’s creatures, thereby turning the Guardian’s strength into an ally, or using enchantments that nullify its abilities.
To truly outmaneuver an Armored Guardian, it’s also wise to consider cards that limit your opponent’s ability to play multi-colored spells or use abilities, thereby restricting the Guardian’s deployment on the field. It’s a combination of smart deck building and strategic play that can overcome the resilience of Armored Guardian and lead you to victory in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Armored Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Guardian 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Armored Guardian has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Armored Guardian card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | You can activate the ability that grants shroud in response to this card being targeted by a spell or ability. If you do so, then (if this is the spell or abilities only target) the spell or ability won’t resolve since this card will now be an illegal target. |