Custodi Soulbinders MTG Card


Transforms creature deaths into token advantages, enhancing board presence and overall card value consistently. Token creation at instant speed bolsters flexibility and strategic depth, countering opponents unpredictably. Demands specific mana investment but offers substantial board impact and synergy with token-centric decks.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Cleric
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Custodi Soulbinders enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it, where X is the number of other creatures on the battlefield. , Remove a +1/+1 counter from Custodi Soulbinders: Put a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying onto the battlefield.


Cards like Custodi Soulbinders

Custodi Soulbinders is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering renowned for its unique ability to grow stronger as other creatures leave the battlefield. A similar card with growth potential is Hangarback Walker, which also gathers +1/+1 counters, but in a slightly different manner. Hangarback Walker accrues these counters through mana investment and creates Thopter tokens upon death, whereas Custodi Soulbinders gains its strength from the departure of any creature on the battlefield, not just its own demise.

Another card that echoes the accumulation theme but through a distinctly different mechanic is Mikaeus, the Lunarch. Mikaeus can both distribute +1/+1 counters and gain them, offering flexible utility depending on the game’s state. However, unlike Custodi Soulbinders, Mikaeus requires mana for each ability activation and doesn’t benefit directly from creatures dying.

Valuing the interplay of creatures and counters, Custodi Soulbinders stands out for its passive ability to harness the ebb and flow of the battlefield. Its capacity to become a formidable force without additional resource investment distinguishes it from peers like Hangarback Walker and Mikaeus, the Lunarch, making it a card worthy of consideration in creature-centric decks.

Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions
Mikaeus, the Lunarch - MTG Card versions
Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions
Mikaeus, the Lunarch - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Custodi Soulbinders by color, type and mana cost

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Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Teroh's Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Kami of Old Stone - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Veteran of the Depths - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Custodi Soulbinders becomes stronger as more creatures enter the graveyard, indirectly translating to potential card advantage. As creatures die, this creature accrues counters, which can be removed to create Cleric tokens—a direct translation of board presence to card value. This continuous potential for token generation allows you to outnumber your opponents over time, maintaining pressure without expending additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: The tokens generated by Custodi Soulbinders offer not just increased board presence but can also be used strategically for various synergistic effects across the battlefield, such as sacrificing for mana through other card interactions. This heightens your resource flexibility and acceleration, as each token could be a unit of currency in the wider economy of your deck’s mechanism.

Instant Speed: While Custodi Soulbinders itself isn’t an instant-speed spell, the ability to remove counters and create Cleric tokens can be activated at instant speed. This grants the tactical advantage of surprise during your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn, keeping mana available for responses and other immediate actions as the game unfolds, thus maximizing your reactive potential and strategic depth in any match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Custodi Soulbinders boasts a powerful ability to create creatures, its initial impact can be lessened if you’re unable to capitalize without a sufficient board presence. Supplying it with enough tokens to be a threat requires a discard strategy that may deplete valuable hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailoring a deck to accommodate the white mana-heavy cost of Custodi Soulbinders can be restrictive. This card demands a dedicated white mana base or a well-tuned mana-fixing system to accommodate its double white mana requirement, thereby narrowing deck-building options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two white, Custodi Soulbinders can be a hefty investment in the early to mid-game. Players might find it challenging to justify this investment when other cards can provide more immediate board impact or utility for the same or lower mana cost.


Reasons to Include Custodi Soulbinders in Your Collection

Versatility: Custodi Soulbinders is a white creature card that can seamlessly adapt to various deck archetypes, especially ones centric around token generation and board presence. With its ability to remove +1/+1 counters to create flying Cleric tokens, it provides strategic flexibility and constant threat on the board.

Combo Potential: This card has inherent synergy with strategies that proliferate or double counters, as well as with sacrifice mechanics. By exploiting these interactions, players can potentially create a vast army of tokens or make massive plays in a single turn.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-heavy decks or control builds are prevalent, Custodi Soulbinders shines by offering both an expanding board presence and a way to pressure the opponent’s life total. Its scaling power level makes it a card that can adjust to the evolving landscape of the game.


How to beat

Custodi Soulbinders is a unique creature card in MTG that can quickly become a major threat on the board due to its ability to generate +1/+1 counters each time another creature dies. The key to trumping this card lies in timing and removal tactics. Since this card thrives in a populous environment, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the scene before Soulbinders grows too large. On a one-to-one basis, instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Murder can be effective before the Soulbinders’ ability triggers during your opponent’s turn. Moreover, exile effects are particularly useful since they prevent the Soulbinders from returning to the battlefield through graveyard manipulation.

It’s also wise to manage the number of creatures on your side to minimize the benefits received by the Soulbinders. Implementing graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace can invalidate the benefit Custodi Soulbinders gets from creature deaths. Lastly, remember that keeping up counter-magic for when your opponent casts the Soulbinders can save you from dealing with this card altogether. By incorporating these strategies, players can mitigate the impact of Custodi Soulbinders and maintain control of the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re captivated by the potential of Custodi Soulbinders, its adaptability and combo possibilities are just the beginning. Deck builders who relish the chance to outmaneuver opponents with tactical creature play will find this card a compelling addition. From token generation to synergy with counter strategies, Custodi Soulbinders scales with the game’s flow, becoming a powerful force as the match progresses. Embrace the challenge of mastering its intricate dynamics and consider the counter-play to ensure your deck withstands its might. Deepen your understanding and expand your collection with this dynamic card. Journey with us further and gain the insights to optimize your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Custodi Soulbinders MTG card by a specific set like Conspiracy and Commander 2016, 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 Custodi Soulbinders and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Custodi Soulbinders Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2014-06-06 and 2021-11-19. Illustrated by Karla Ortiz.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-06-06ConspiracyCNS 172003NormalBlackKarla Ortiz
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 632015NormalBlackKarla Ortiz
32016-11-16Treasure ChestPZ2 62015NormalBlackKarla Ortiz
42018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 232015NormalBlackKarla Ortiz
52021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 832015NormalBlackKarla Ortiz
62021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 822015NormalBlackKarla Ortiz

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Custodi Soulbinders has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal