Crenellated Wall MTG Card


Instant speed toughness boost of Crenellated Wall can surprise opponents and save creatures during combat. The mana cost and discard requirement may not synergize well with all deck strategies in MTG. Strategic inclusion in decks can provide a strong defense against aggressive MTG strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Wall
Abilities Defender
Power 0
Toughness 4

Text of card

(Walls can't attack.) oc T: Target creature gets +0/+4 until end of turn.

Mercadian soldiers excel at finding things to stand behind.


Cards like Crenellated Wall

Exploring the plains of defensive spells within Magic: The Gathering, Crenellated Wall presents an intriguing option for those looking to fortify their defenses. It shares similarities with other defender cards like Wall of Omens, which also serves the purpose of protection. While Wall of Omens has the added benefit of drawing a card upon entry, Crenellated Wall does not, focusing instead on its ability to boost another creature’s toughness temporarily.

Another comparable card in this vein is Shield Wall, offering a temporary yet broader increase in toughness for all your creatures. Although it is an instant, it doesn’t provide the consistent board presence that a permanent like Crenellated Wall does. Wall of Glare stands out as well with its ability to block any number of creatures, but it lacks the enhancement feature of Crenellated Wall that can be pivotal in battle.

In sum, while Crenellated Wall might not offer card advantage or a broad sweep of defense like some of its counterparts, its unique toughness-boosting ability can be a game-changer, making it a card worth considering for players needing durable defense in their MTG decks.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Shield Wall - MTG Card versions
Wall of Glare - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Shield Wall - MTG Card versions
Wall of Glare - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Crenellated Wall by color, type and mana cost

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Conservator - MTG Card versions
Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Magnetic Mine - MTG Card versions
Eye of Doom - MTG Card versions
Well of Lost Dreams - MTG Card versions
Coercive Portal - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Nevinyrral's Disk - MTG Card versions
Sword of the Paruns - MTG Card versions
Grappling Hook - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Crenellated Wall doesn’t directly draw cards, its ability to boost a creature’s power at instant speed can equate to card advantage by surprising opponents during combat or by maximizing utility of creatures with tap abilities.

Resource Acceleration: This card may not provide traditional resource acceleration, but it does offer strategic utility without additional mana requirement once on the battlefield. Its mere presence can deter attacks or provoke favorable combat scenarios, indirectly protecting your resources.

Instant Speed: Crenellated Wall’s ability to give a creature +0/+4 at instant speed offers a significant tactical advantage, acting as a combat trick that can turn the tide of battle or save a key creature from removal spells or combat damage unexpectedly during an opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Crenellated Wall provides a defensive boost, it lacks any ability that would justify having to discard another card, which makes it a less than ideal option in situations where card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: With its mana cost including generic mana, Crenellated Wall can be a hard fit in decks that are color-heavy or that rely on mana fixing to function efficiently. Its inclusion may be restrictive and not always optimal for decks with a tight mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the ability to give another creature +0/+4 until end of turn, the mana investment is significant. Other cards in MTG might provide a greater impact on the game’s board state with a less burdensome cost.


Reasons to Include Crenellated Wall in Your Collection

Versatility: Crenellated Wall fits seamlessly into defense-oriented strategies, functioning in both casual and competitive formats. Its ability to bolster another creature’s toughness at instant speed makes it a useful tool in a variety of situations.

Combo Potential: This artifact creature pairs well with strategies that utilize tap and untap mechanics. It can be a critical component in combos focused on strengthening creatures or activating abilities based on toughness or artifacts.

Meta-Relevance: Against decks that rely on dealing combat damage to win, Crenellated Wall offers a robust defense. It’s particularly relevant when the meta is populated with aggressive strategies, making it a solid sideboard card or even a main deck inclusion in the right build.


How to Beat

Crenellated Wall posses an interesting challenge in Magic: The Gathering. This unassuming four mana artifact creature can be a formidable asset for defensive playing styles, capable of buffing fellow creatures’ toughness by four. To efficiently deal with this wall, strategies involving indirect damage or spells that bypass creature defense are key. Cards like Wrath of God can clear the field, irrespective of any toughness enhancements. Moreover, effects that reduce toughness, such as Toxic Deluge, can bring down the Crenellated Wall, overcoming its bolstering ability.

Enchantment removals also play a significant role; removing any global effects that complement the wall’s defense is crucial. Consider deploying Disenchant, targeting any artifacts or enchantments boosting its defense. Additionally, exploiting its inability to attack, you can pressure your opponent with aggressive creatures, compelling them to tap out the wall for defense, leaving them vulnerable to combat tricks that can bypass or neutralize the wall’s boost. Always be ready to adapt, striking a balance between offensive assaults and strategic removals against Crenellated Wall and its synergies.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Crenellated Wall MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques 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 Crenellated Wall and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Crenellated Wall Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Arnie Swekel.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 2901997NormalBlackArnie Swekel
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15671997NormalBlackArnie Swekel
32020-09-26The ListPLST MMQ-2901997NormalBlackArnie Swekel

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Crenellated Wall has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal