Civic Stalwart MTG Card

Board impact is significant with Civic Stalwart by buffing creatures, acting as a virtual card advantage. Its cost-effective nature aids in quickly shifting from a defense to offense in the game. Despite mana restrictions, it’s a robust addition for white-centric, creature-focused MTG decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elephant Soldier
Released	2019-01-25
Set symbol
Set name	Ravnica Allegiance
Set code	RNA
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	6
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Gabor Szikszai

Text of card

When Civic Stalwart enters the battlefield, creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.

"These are your streets. Defend them! This is your neighborhood. Honor it! This is your city. Save it!"

Cards like Civic Stalwart

Civic Stalwart holds its own within Magic: The Gathering’s cohort of creatures that bolster your army the moment they enter the battlefield. A close relative to this effect is Veteran Swordsmith, a card that offers a similar boost to soldier creatures, though it continually provides the power increase as long as it’s on the battlefield. This contrasts with Civic Stalwart’s one-time effect when it arrives on the scene.

Another card worth mentioning is Fortify, a spell that can either increase power or toughness of your creatures for a turn, offering flexibility depending on the situation. While Fortify is not a creature, its instant speed allows it to be a surprise factor during combat. Conversely, Civic Stalwart’s effect, although locked in when played, comes along with a 3/3 body, which can be a more permanent advantage on the board.

Evaluating Civic Stalwart among these similar cards, it emerges as a cost-effective inclusion in decks that aim to swarm the field with creatures, giving it a one-time substantial advantage that can turn the tide of the game in a single, well-timed turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Civic Stalwart may not directly allow you to draw more cards, its ability to enhance your entire board with a +1/+1 buff can be considered a form of virtual card advantage. It leverages the value of the creatures you already have in play, effectively making each one more threatening and reducing the pressure on you to deploy additional resources to accomplish your game objectives.

Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct source of mana or acceleration, Civic Stalwart’s low mana cost makes it an efficient play. A 3/3 creature for four mana that also boosts your team can help you pivot from building your board to being aggressive. This switch in gears can accelerate your game plan by enabling a swift transition from a defensive to an offensive stance.

Instant Speed: Civic Stalwart doesn’t operate at instant speed; however, its ability to provide an immediate impact on the battlefield during your main phase can catch opponents off guard. This play can be crucial when timing attacks or defenses, setting up favorable conditions before passing the turn back to your opponent, therefore indirectly affecting the pace of the game much like an instant might.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unleashing Civic Stalwart’s ability can put you in a tricky situation if your hand’s running low. Unlike mechanics that offer a trade or selection, such as looting or rummaging, this card asks for a sacrifice without any immediate return, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that specifically demands white mana, Civic Stalwart positions itself firmly in the realm of white decks. This narrow requirement restricts deck-building flexibility and can be a hinderance in multi-color decks where mana diversity is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider the investment of three mana for a 3/3 creature, it’s worth considering your alternatives. In the landscape of Magic the Gathering, there are several creatures that could provide you with either more power or additional abilities for the same, or even lower, mana cost, offering greater value for your in-game resources.

Reasons to Include Civic Stalwart in Your Collection

Versatility: Civic Stalwart can seamlessly integrate into various White-based decks, particularly those seeking to strengthen their creature-based strategies with a reliable support card.

Combo Potential: Its ability to give all creatures you control a +1/+1 boost till end of turn opens up synergies with cards that capitalize on creature count and strength, enhancing weenie strategies or battalion mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where go-wide strategies gain traction, Civic Stalwart stands out as a practical addition that can decisively turn the tide of battle in your favor with its instant board-wide buff, especially when employed at a critical juncture.

How to beat

The Civic Stalwart has become a known figure on the battlefield for players in Magic: The Gathering. This particular creature brings a unique dynamic with its enter-the-battlefield ability, granting other creatures you control a +1/+1 boost until the end of the turn. While it can create a sudden surge of power, understanding your opponent’s strategy and knowing the right counters is paramount to overcoming the temporary spike in creature strength.

To circumvent the advantage Civic Stalwart provides, instant speed removal spells are highly effective. By eliminating key creatures before the Stalwart’s ability resolves, you can significantly diminish the impact of the +1/+1 buff. Board wipes also play a crucial role; they can clean the slate after your opponent has overextended on the playing field, counting on the Stalwart’s buff to win the game. Cards like Shock and Lightning Strike can help maintain control of the board by targeting crucial threats early on, ensuring that the Stalwart’s ability doesn’t overwhelm you.

Staying mindful of the potential boosts Civic Stalwart can provide and keeping a suite of responsive spells in your arsenal can turn the tides of the game in your favor. It’s all about timing and priority management when facing this emblematic supporter in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Civic Stalwart MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Civic Stalwart and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Civic Stalwart 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 Civic Stalwart card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2019-01-25	Civic Stalwart’s triggered ability affects only creatures you control at the time it resolves. Creatures you begin to control later in the turn won’t get +1/+1.