Aven Soulgazer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Bird Cleric |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 8 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | John Avon |
Text of card
Flying o W: Look at target face-down creature.
"Every question has a proper answer. Every soul has a proper place."
Cards like Aven Soulgazer
Aven Soulgazer is a unique piece in MTG’s collection of creature cards. It manifestly bears similarity to cards like Battlefield Seer in that they both possess an ability related to card advantage – Aven Soulgazer allows you to look at the top card of your library any time and Battlefield Seer offers scrying when it comes into the battlefield. Yet, Aven Soulgazer’s constant effect provides an unceasing strategical advantage over the single-use scry from Battlefield Seer.
Moving to keen-sighted creatures, Sage Owl also enters the ring with a noteworthy comparison. Though this bird allows you to rearrange the top four cards of your library once – instead of Aven Soulgazer’s ongoing peek – its setup potential cannot be understated. In a similar flight pattern, Omenspeaker may not grant the persistent foreknowledge that Aven Soulgazer does, but it compensates by allowing a deeper dive with a twice-over scry when it enters the field.
Ultimately, Aven Soulgazer carves out its niche among MTG’s card advantage creatures through its persistent top-of-library reveal, offering players a steady stream of information vital for making informed decisions turn after turn.
Cards similar to Aven Soulgazer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Aven Soulgazer offers a distinct mechanism for perusing the top cards of your library, potentially hitting more avenues for drawing extra cards. In the constellation of strategic plays, this can translate to a more consistent flow of game resources, keeping your hand well-stocked as the match progresses.
Resource Acceleration: This feathered ally from the plane of Magic doesn’t directly create mana, but its card filtering ability can smoothly facilitate finding those key spells or lands that propel your mana development forward. The enhanced chance of accessing other accelerants or land cards can significantly streamline your game plan.
Instant Speed: Though Aven Soulgazer itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its interaction with instant-speed spells in your deck can affect the battlefield subtly and unexpectedly. By allowing quick alterations to your game state, it complements your ability to adapt and respond to threats at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Aven Soulgazer’s ability might require you to discard a card, which could be a strategic setback, particularly if your hand is already depleted or if the discarded card is crucial to your game plan.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mix of mana types to cast, including white mana, potentially limiting its integration in multicolored decks that may not consistently produce the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that may be considered steep for its abilities, Aven Soulgazer could be outpaced by other creatures or spells offering similar or greater value at a lower investment, restricting its competitiveness in various MTG formats.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Aven Soulgazer’s utility extends beyond just bird decks, as its ability to peek at an opponent’s hand offers strategic insight regardless of your deck’s theme. It’s a handy tool for any player who likes to stay one step ahead.
Combo Potential: This card can be a linchpin in decks that leverage knowledge of opponents’ hands. Pair it with discard or counterspell strategies to dismantle your opponent’s game plan.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment abundant with creature-based strategies, Aven Soulgazer provides a pre-emptive edge, allowing for informed decisions that could disrupt key pieces of your opponent’s strategy.
How to beat Aven Soulgazer
Aven Soulgazer presents a challenge on the battlefield, adding strategic depth to creature interactions. Its ability to look at a face-down creature elevates the control a player has during games. This is especially potent in formats where morph abilities are common. However, triumphing over Aven Soulgazer requires understanding its limitations and planning accordingly.
For starters, Aven Soulgazer’s utility is bound by its activation cost and situational nature. To nullify its impact, consider utilizing instant-speed removal when it attempts to target a face-down creature. This not only disrupts the intended play but also manages board presence more efficiently. Additionally, Aven Soulgazer’s own stats are moderate, so applying pressure through larger creatures can overpower it in combat or force unfavorable blocks.
It’s also crucial to note that Aven Soulgazer is most effective when it has valuable targets. Therefore, limiting the number of face-down creatures or minimizing their importance can make Aven Soulgazer less potent. Playing a deck that doesn’t rely on morph mechanics or including cards that can expose face-down creatures for all players might also dilute Aven Soulgazer’s advantage. With this approach, players can diminish the card’s impact and potentially claim victory on the board.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aven Soulgazer MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Aven Soulgazer 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 Aven Soulgazer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |