Avatar of Will MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 8 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Avatar |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2000-06-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Prophecy |
| Set code | PCY |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 30 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | rk post |
Text of card
Flying If an opponent has no cards in hand, Avatar of Will costs o6 less to play.
Cards like Avatar of Will
Avatar of Will is an intriguing creature card in the realm of MTG that offers players a quirky yet powerful option under the right circumstances. It shares the thematic spotlight with cards like Avatar of Woe, as both embody avatars with conditional casting costs. Avatar of Will, in particular, can become a cost-efficient flyer if an opponent has no cards in hand, setting the stage for a game-changing presence on the battlefield.
Another relative in this family of cards is Phyrexian Negator, which, similar to Avatar of Will, provides a formidable creature for a lower cost given specific conditions – in this case, the potential for a punishing drawback if it takes damage. On a different note, Serra Avenger offers its own restriction with a delayed deployment but compensates with angelic agility and defense from the get-go.
When weighing up these alternatives, Avatar of Will competes admirably among creatures with conditions that can swing the momentum of the game. Its potential as a high-powered flyer for a mere whisper of mana could make all the difference, provided players strategize around their opponent’s hand.
Cards similar to Avatar of Will by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With the Avatar of Will, access to a potent flying creature becomes easier once an opponent has no cards in hand, potentially providing a significant card advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: The reduced casting cost of the Avatar of Will can act as a form of resource acceleration. Once its conditions are met, deploying a powerful creature without paying its full mana cost can free up resources for other strategic plays during your turn.
Instant Speed: While the Avatar of Will itself does not function at instant speed, its presence in a deck can influence how you play other instant-speed cards. By holding back spells until the last moment, you can coax an opponent into depleting their hand, thereby meeting the Avatar’s conditions more easily and gaining board presence swiftly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Avatar of Will demands that an opponent has no cards in hand for it to be cast at a lesser mana cost. This situational clause means you’re often at the mercy of your opponent’s hand size, which can prove problematic, especially if your own deck lacks sufficient discard mechanics to enforce this state.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost is committed to two blue mana, which can be restrictive. The requirement to have two islands or other sources of blue mana may not always align with your deck’s mana base, potentially delaying the moment you can play Avatar of Will on the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Avatar of Will has an initial cost of six mana. Even if the condition is met to reduce its cost, there are other creatures or spells at four mana that could provide immediate impact or more versatility without depending on the opponent’s hand status.
Reasons to Include Avatar of Will in Your Collection
Versatility: Avatar of Will brings flexibility with its penalty-free flying ability, which makes it a solid inclusion in blue-based decks that benefit from evasive creatures.
Combo Potential: This card can be a game-changer in the right setup, enabling surprise plays by reducing its casting cost under specific conditions — an asset in decks that manipulate opponents’ hand size.
Meta-Relevance: With its unique condition for a lower casting cost, Avatar of Will can be particularly effective in metas where forcing discards or having opponents with no cards in hand is a common strategy.
How to beat
Avatar of Will poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its potential to become an affordable powerhouse under the right conditions. This creature’s power hinges on the number of cards in your opponent’s hand — specifically, if they have no more than three, its cost is significantly reduced.
To gain the upper hand against Avatar of Will, a strategic approach focuses on maintaining a full grip of cards. Employing draw spells to replenish your hand ensures the Avatar’s mana cost remains prohibitive for your opponent. Another effective tactic involves using removal spells to swiftly handle the Avatar after it lands. Prioritize instant-speed removal to keep the field clear without disrupting your own turn. Additionally, hand disruption can be used to force discards, thereby reducing the Avatar’s impact if it does hit the board.
Adjusting your gameplay to manage the board state and your hand can effectively negate the advantages Avatar of Will offers to your opponent, keeping you in control of the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Avatar of Will MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Avatar of Will 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 Avatar of Will has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Avatar of Will 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 | The mana value of this card is still 8, even if you only pay to cast it. |