Dutiful Griffin MTG Card
2023-09-08 - Number 11
2023-09-08 - Number 3
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Griffin |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying , Sacrifice two enchantments: Return Dutiful Griffin from your graveyard to your hand.
She stayed by her master's side, leaving only to hunt. She would guard him until he woke, however long it took.
Cards like Dutiful Griffin
Dutiful Griffin finds its place among Magic the Gathering’s plethora of flying creatures. Its kinship most notably aligns with other four-mana cost creatures like Guardian of Pilgrims which also boasts a moderate defense. However, unlike Dutiful Griffin, the Guardian lacks the option to reinforce its defense on demand – an ability that allows Dutiful Griffin to serve as a reliable airborne blocker.
Emeria Angel may come to mind for players looking for winged versatility. While it carries a higher mana value, it compensates by generating 1/1 bird tokens—each a potential threat given the right support. Dutiful Griffin, in contrast, while not producing additional creatures, presents immediate board presence with its shield-ready ability. Sentry Owl stands as another comparable contender, matching the Griffin in mana cost and flight. However, the Owl’s niche lies in deck manipulation rather than defensive durability, showcasing the varied roles flying creatures can fulfill on the battlefield.
Ultimately, though each avian ally offers distinct advantages in gameplay, Dutiful Griffin earns its wings through the dependable protection it affords MTG players while navigating the skies of the game’s vast metaverse.
Cards similar to Dutiful Griffin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: If you’re looking for cards that bolster your hand without diminishing resources, Dutiful Griffin isn’t typically a card advantage engine. Its strength doesn’t lie in drawing or manipulating cards, but it can certainly uphold defenses and serve as a steadfast blocker due to its flying ability.
Resource Acceleration: Although Dutiful Griffin doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration like some mana dorks or artifact ramp, it fits well in a deck that prioritizes a solid mana base. Its moderate casting cost makes it an accessible play while you build up your resources.
Instant Speed: Dutiful Griffin is a creature, and thus not castable at instant speed. However, including instant speed spells within your deck that complement its defensive position can be a strategic approach. For instance, spells that can protect or buff the Griffin during combat can enhance its utility on the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: For some tactics, the Dutiful Griffin may not be the optimal choice because you need to pitch another card to unlock its full potential. This can set you back if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires a precise blend of mana, namely white. Pulling off a successful cast is contingent on having white mana sources at your disposal, which could be restrictive for multicolored or off-color decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For what this card brings to the table, the mana investment is on the steeper side. Players might ponder its worth in their strategy, especially when other creatures might yield greater value for the same or even lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Dutiful Griffin offers flexibility in deck building due to its flying feature and reasonable casting cost, making it a good fit for various control or midrange decks that require a dependable airborne blocker or attacker.
Combo Potential: This creature’s ability to protect itself from certain spells or abilities by sacrificing another creature can be tactically aligned with decks that leverage death-triggered effects or require sacrificial outlets for larger combos.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where flyers are crucial for breaking through crowded battlefields, Dutiful Griffin’s presence can be instrumental. It’s particularly useful when facing off against decks with limited aerial defenses or when paired with strategies emphasizing air superiority.
How to Beat Dutiful Griffin
Dutiful Griffin embodies the classic defensive staple in many white decks, standing as a vigilant protector with flying. This characteristic creature card, with its imposing wingspan and steadfast guard, often challenges opponents to rethink their offensive strategy. It’s the airborne defense—the flying—that’s the fulcrum of Dutiful Griffin’s value in a game, as it allows players to block most attackers.
Defeating this card demands clever maneuvering. For starters, efficient removal spells are your best friends. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder can serve as a swift end to the Griffin’s watch. Additionally, countering Dutiful Griffin before it can take flight with counter-spells such as Counterspell or Mana Leak ensures you never have to deal with it in the first place. Alternatively, employing creatures with reach or your own fliers can neutralize its advantage in aerial combat. Enchantment-based solutions, like Pacifism, can also take the wind out of its wings, making the Griffin merely a bystander on the battlefield.
Ultimately, tactical planning and the right set of cards in your deck can diminish the defensive prowess of Dutiful Griffin, ensuring it won’t be a long-term obstacle in your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dutiful Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine and Wilds of Eldraine Art Series, 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 Dutiful Griffin and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Dutiful Griffin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Ilse Gort.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-09-08 | Wilds of Eldraine | WOE | 11 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ilse Gort | |
| 2 | Wilds of Eldraine Art Series | AWOE | 3 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Ilse Gort |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dutiful Griffin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |