Cathar's Companion MTG Card
2016-04-08 - Number 9
2019-11-07 - Number 47
2020-07-17 - Number 94
2020-09-26 - Number SOI-9
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Cathar's Companion gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)
"Unwavering and loyal, they represent stability in uncertain times." —Rem Karolus, Slayer of Angels
Cards like Cathar's Companion
Cathar’s Companion makes for an endearing creature card within the vast library of Magic: The Gathering. A close comparison within the dog cards can be made to Selfless Savior, a canine friend known for its ability to sacrifice itself to protect another creature. Cathar’s Companion, although lacking the sacrifice ability, compensates with its ability to become indestructible whenever you cast a noncreature spell, potentially outlasting threats that would otherwise remove similar low-cost creatures.
Another card that echoes Cathar’s Companion’s protection theme is Alseid of Life’s Bounty. While Alseid offers targeted protection by sacrificing itself, Cathar’s Companion has a reusable safeguarding mechanism under the right conditions. Offering an entirely different approach, Tandem Lookout is a card that doesn’t boast self-protection but instead pairs up with another creature to help draw cards. It’s a noteworthy trade-off between defense and reward.
Scrutinizing these similar options, Cathar’s Companion holds a unique space among its counterparts. Its synergy with noncreature spells makes it a versatile ally on the battlefield, reinforcing its utility in spell-heavy decks that seek to safeguard their battlefield presence while playing instants and sorceries.
Cards similar to Cathar's Companion by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Cathar’s Companion itself may not let you draw cards, its synergy with certain decks can offer indirect card advantage. For example, in decks that benefit from having creatures on the battlefield, Cathar’s Companion can prove valuable. Its ability to protect itself means it’s likely to stay on the board longer, ensuring that any benefits, buffs, or interactions that depend on creature presence would persist.
Resource Acceleration: This trusty hound facilitates seamless plays through its cost-effective presence. With a manageable casting cost, it swiftly accelerates your game plan by providing a resilient creature early in the game. Efficiently casting creatures solidifies board presence, which is an essential resource in creature-focused strategies.
Instant Speed: Cathar’s Companion’s ability shines when you play spells at instant speed. Whenever you cast an instant spell, Cathar’s Companion gains indestructible until end of turn, thus turning any of your instants into a potential shield. This not only deters opponents from targeting it but also allows bold attacks with the knowledge that your Companion can become impervious to damage, offering strategic depth in combat scenarios.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cathar’s Companion doesn’t ask you to discard, but it’s important to acknowledge that cards with such conditions can hinder your hand advantage, especially if you’re running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires two white mana, which could pose consistency issues in a multicolored deck, potentially restricting it to mono-white builds or those with a strong white mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its stat line and abilities, Cathar’s Companion may seem costly. With a variety of options in MTG, you could potentially opt for creatures that provide greater value or impact for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Cathar’s Companion in Your Collection
Versatility: Cathar’s Companion offers a level of flexibility that makes it a potential fit for various deck themes. As a creature card, it can serve as a reliable blocker or an aggressive companion on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to become indestructible when you cast a noncreature spell creates synergies with spell-heavy decks. It can be a resilient piece in strategies aiming to cast numerous instants or sorceries.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where instants and sorceries are prevalent, Cathar’s Companion shines by providing a steadfast presence. It adapts well to decks that aim to maintain board state while executing a broader spell-based strategy.
How to beat
Cathar’s Companion brings a unique skill to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, forging a shield of indestructibility whenever you cast a noncreature spell. Despite this, overcoming this vigilant hound is far from unattainable. Direct removal spells not contingent upon dealing damage — think Oblivion Ring or Path to Exile — can sideline this loyal companion with ease, bypassing its protective ability entirely.
Control strategies particularly can maintain the upper hand by avoiding the casting of noncreature spells until Cathar’s Companion is safely removed from the field. Additionally, board wipes like Supreme Verdict remain effective; as they sweep away all creatures, the Companion’s ability offers no refuge. Finally, remember to manage your spellcasting strategically: initiate actions that require noncreature spells only after the Companion is no longer a threat on the board, ensuring its ability doesn’t become an obstacle to your victory.
A careful approach, clever timing, and the right spells in your arsenal can ensure that the Companion’s resilience becomes a non-issue, keeping your path to victory clear and your opponent’s side of the battlefield much more manageable.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cathar's Companion MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Mystery Booster, 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 Cathar's Companion 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 Cathar's Companion Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 47 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 94 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | SOI-9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cathar's Companion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cathar's Companion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-04-08 | Cathar’s Companion’s triggered ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. |