Thraben Valiant MTG Card

Avacyn Restored (AVR)
2012-05-04 - Number 39

Thraben Valiant - Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters (DDL)

Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters (DDL)
2013-09-06 - Number 6

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Vigilance
Power	2
Toughness	1

Key Takeaways

Indirect card advantage gained by drawing out opponent resources when handling Thraben Valiant.
Enhances early aggression due to low casting cost, quickly impacting the game’s pace.
Offers great synergy in human-centric decks, with vigilance adding both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.

Text of card

Vigilance

"Once more into Devil's Breach, soldiers. I want another devil tail for my collection."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Thraben Valiant itself doesn’t directly offer card draw, its presence on the battlefield can signify a shift in momentum. As a reliable creature card, it forces the opponent to deal with it, potentially expending their resources, which can indirectly translate into card advantage for you.

Resource Acceleration: Thraben Valiant stands out in decks aiming for a swift build-up. Its low casting cost allows for a rapid deployment, bolstering your board’s aggression early in the game. This acceleration of resources can be pivotal in outpacing an opponent’s strategy.

Instant Speed: While Thraben Valiant is a creature and not cast at instant speed, considering how it interacts with instant speed spells is crucial. Its low mana cost frees up resources, so you’re better positioned to cast instants or activate abilities that could change the tide during the heat of battle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Thraben Valiant can be an asset in human-centric decks, it mandates a discard for certain synergistic plays. This can backfire when you’re holding a clutch of valued cards, potentially forcing you into unwanted trade-offs.

Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a precise blend of mana to be summoned, Thraben Valiant necessitates a white mana source. This limits its adaptability, and unless your mana base is stabilized, it might be a stranded card in your hand at a critical moment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the cost-benefit equation, Thraben Valiant may not always emerge victorious. Its mana investment might outweigh the offensive advantage provided, especially when paralleled with other creatures in the same mana spectrum that bring additional abilities to the table.

Reasons to Include Thraben Valiant in Your Collection

Versatility: Thraben Valiant’s straightforward yet effective ability to provide vigilant attacks makes it a solid choice for various white-based decks. Its ability to swing at opponents without tapping keeps your defense up, making it a reliable creature in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: Its vigilance can synergize with cards that capitalize on untapped creatures, enabling you to engage in combos or abilities that require untapped creatures as a resource. Furthermore, its human subtype connects well with human-centric decks, enhancing its combo capabilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive white weenie or human tribal strategies are prevalent, Thraben Valiant can play a critical role. Its cost-efficiency and vigilance trait can help assert early board presence, which is pivotal in fast-paced matches.

How to beat

Thraben Valiant stands out as a staple creature in Magic: The Gathering for its straightforward utility in creature-based strategies. Its power lies in its simplicity: a cost-efficient body with vigilance that’s ready to hold the line or press the attack without leaving the guard down. Nevertheless, overcoming this card requires a tactical approach, focusing on removing it before it can bolster the enemy’s front.

To disarm the threat posed by Thraben Valiant, control tactics are recommended. Removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile effectively dispatch this vigilant soldier off the battlefield. Mass removal spells such as Day of Judgment or Wrath of God also prove effective by clearing the board, including any Thraben Valiant that may be present. It’s also possible to bypass this creature by buffing your creatures beyond its power, using pump spells or equipment that can turn the tide of combat in your favor.

Though Thraben Valiant is a reliable play for many MTG decks, understanding its strengths and vulnerabilities allows for strategies that can mitigate its impact on the game. By keeping removal spells handy and being clever with combat tricks, this valiant can be overcome, keeping your chances of victory strong.

Cards like Thraben Valiant

Thraben Valiant stands as a sturdy selection among creatures in the realm of MTG. Its kinship is found with the card Elite Vanguard, both featuring the same mana cost and the aggressive 2/1 stat line which enables a rapid offense. Where Thraben Valiant shines is its inclusion in human-centric decks, synergizing with buffs and tribal strategies that Vanguard lacks.

On a parallel note, we spotlight the Glory-Bound Initiate, a card that also contributes early aggression but has a secondary ability allowing it to become a 4/4 lifelink powerhouse temporarily at the cost of being tapped the next turn. Unlike Thraben Valiant, it carries a more tactical angle for players.

Furthermore, we look at Expedition Envoy, another human ally that serves as a fine substitute or companion to Thraben Valiant. Although lacking in outright power, it complements human tribal plays and can benefit from the same buffs and synergies that can make Thraben Valiant a force to be reckoned with.

All thing considered, Thraben Valiant is not just a card for direct combat. Its true value is unlocked in decks that capitalize on its creature type, setting it apart within the vast catalog of MTG creatures.

Glory-Bound Initiate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thraben Valiant by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thraben Valiant MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters, 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 Thraben Valiant and other MTG cards: