Dusk Legion Duelist MTG Card


Efficiently strengthens early game board presence while keeping mana available for instant-speed plays. Demands careful deck construction with black mana focus, which could limit cross-deck utility. First strike and aggressive cost-to-power ratio make it formidable in creature-heavy metagames.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Vampire Soldier
Abilities Vigilance
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Vigilance Whenever one or more +1/+1 counters are put on Dusk Legion Duelist, draw a card. This ability triggers only once each turn.

"We sailed to Ixalan guided by a promise—the Age of Everflowing Blood. No machine will take that from us."


Cards like Dusk Legion Duelist

Dusk Legion Duelist has etched a niche for itself in the combat-oriented card pool of Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship can be drawn with cards like Fencing Ace, both boasting double strike, yet Dusk Legion Duelist costs less and comes with a life-draining upside when it’s attacking alone. Though the Duelist lacks the Ace’s multiple attack growth potential, its initial impact can be more commanding on the battlefield.

Another card that shares some characteristics is the Venerable Knight. It bears the same mana cost and also lands on the battlefield as a 2/1 creature. Whereas Venerable Knight can bolster another knight when it dies, Dusk Legion Duelist prefers to make its presence known from the get-go, being more aggressive off the bat. Vampire of the Dire Moon is yet another creature of note. While it doesn’t attack with quite the same vigor, it brings deathtouch to the table, making it an excellent defensive tool that Dusk Legion Duelist doesn’t offer.

Assessing their roles among combat creatures, Dusk Legion Duelist shines with its aggressive stance and life-leeching ability, filling a unique slot within Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of cards. It serves as a testament to the strategic depth provided by seemingly simple cards.

Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions
Venerable Knight - MTG Card versions
Vampire of the Dire Moon - MTG Card versions
Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions
Venerable Knight - MTG Card versions
Vampire of the Dire Moon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dusk Legion Duelist by color, type and mana cost

White Knight - MTG Card versions
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Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
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Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions
White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Dusk Legion Duelist. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius SoldiersAzorius Soldiers StandardAzorius SoldiersTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024
Naya MidrangeNaya Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Naya AggroNaya Aggro StandardNaya ExileClassic Qualifier Prague 2024
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires PioneerMardu VampiresReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Sunday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro StandardMono-White SoldiersBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
WBWB StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Azorius MidrangeAzorius Midrange StandardAzorius MidrangeStandard Challenge 64 2023-11-19
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo StandardAzorius Midrange2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dusk Legion Duelist may not directly allow you to draw cards, but the Duelist’s presence on the battlefield can serve as an impediment for your opponent’s creatures, helping maintain your card advantage by outlasting potential threats.

Resource Acceleration: While the Duelist doesn’t directly increase your mana pool, playing this card in the early stages can accelerate your board presence, giving you an advantageous position to control the game tempo and pave the way for bigger threats.

Instant Speed: The Dusk Legion Duelist isn’t an instant itself, but its low casting cost supports a game strategy where you can keep mana open for instant-speed responses and still deploy a threat or deter an opponent’s attack during your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Dusk Legion Duelist demands a card discard to activate certain abilities, potentially depleting your hand and reducing your options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires black mana, which means it can only be optimally used in decks that are built around black mana sources or a black mana strategy. This reduces the card’s flexibility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Dusk Legion Duelist is not the most expensive card, when considering its abilities and stats, there are alternatives that may provide similar or better effects for a lower or same mana investment. This can affect deck efficiency, especially in fast-paced games.


Reasons to Include Dusk Legion Duelist in Your Collection

Versatility: Dusk Legion Duelist shines as a two-drop creature that serves multiple roles. Its ability to sway the tide of combat as both an attacker and defender makes it a suitable addition to a variety of deck archetypes, especially those favoring aggression and board control.

Combo Potential: With first strike on your side, the Duelist can be paired with equipment or aura spells to boost its power, enabling you to take down larger creatures without losing your own. This opens up possibilities for synergies in decks built around combat tricks and power amplification.

Meta-Relevance: Given the Duelist’s first strike and favorable casting cost, it stands out in a metagame where small, early creatures can dominate and shift the balance quickly. Its presence on the board from the early game can deter opponents, making it a tactical choice in fast-paced matches.


How to Beat Dusk Legion Duelist

Dusk Legion Duelist is a card that can catch many players off-guard, especially in the early stages of the game. This creature comes with a handy ability that forces the opponent’s creature to block if it’s able, which can disrupt your opponent’s strategy. To effectively counter this nuisance, it’s important to have removal spells ready in your deck. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or Shock can take out the Duelist before its ability becomes a problem, thus maintaining the flow of your game plan.

Moreover, having creatures with higher toughness on the board ensures that even if the Duelist forces a block, your creature will likely survive the encounter. It’s also worth considering that the Duelist shines in a combat-focused deck, so applying pressure with non-combat strategies, such as control or combo, can also bypass the Duelist’s influence on the battlefield.

Lastly, be mindful of your creature’s positioning and the state of the board. The Duelist is less effective if you can keep your important creatures out of combat or use abilities that neutralize the Duelist before combat damage is dealt. By carefully planning your turns and using your resources wisely, you can minimize the impact of Dusk Legion Duelist and maintain an advantage in your matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG requires more than just strong cards; it takes strategic acumen and an adaptable collection. Dusk Legion Duelist may enhance your early game and force opponents to rethink their tactics. Whether it’s shaping your deck’s offensive strategy or seeking cards that harmonize with the Duelist’s capabilities, there’s always an opportunity to refine your gameplay. Dive deeper into building a formidable deck and explore synergies that can transform your Duelist into an overwhelming force on the battlefield. Ready for an edge in your next duel? Partner with us to evolve your MTG prowess and bring home those victories.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dusk Legion Duelist MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine Promos, 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 Dusk Legion Duelist and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dusk Legion Duelist Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Ryan Valle.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 112015NormalBlackRyan Valle
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 11s2015NormalBlackRyan Valle
32023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 11p2015NormalBlackRyan Valle
42023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3442015NormalBlackRyan Valle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dusk Legion Duelist has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal
Vigilance card art

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.