Dwarven Soldier MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 53c
1994-11-01 - Number 53a
1994-11-01 - Number 53b
1997-03-24 - Number 221
2007-09-10 - Number 92
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dwarf Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
If Dwarven Soldier blocks or is blocked by Orcs, it gets +0/+2 until end of turn.
"Although the Dwarves staunchly defended their walled city-states against the Orcs, their civilization was the first to fall, and its name was sadly lost." —*Sarpadian Empires, vol. I*
Cards like Dwarven Soldier
The allure of what makes a card like Dwarven Soldier stand out shines when compared with its counterparts in the realm of creature cards in MTG. Its kinship with other Soldier type cards, namely Veteran Swordsmith and Elite Inquisitor, is clear. Both these cards boast the Soldier type, with the Veteran Swordsmith enhancing other Soldiers’ power and the Elite Inquisitor offering first strike and carrying the torch with protection abilities.
Yet, Dwarven Soldier differentiates itself by offering a specific niche synergy—it gains a boost when teamed with another Dwarven warrior. This fealty to its own tribe is not seen in the broader stat-boosting scope of Veteran Swordsmith or in the aggressive protection skills offered by Elite Inquisitor. Furthermore, while the Elite Inquisitor brings a powerful, standalone presence to the battlefield, the Dwarven Soldier’s strength blooms through tactical plays and strategic army building, resonating with the tribal unity found in many MTG themes.
For players seeking to build a solid Dwarven deck, Dwarven Soldier could be a cornerstone, highlighting the importance of well-orchestrated play over solitary prowess. The card represents the essence of what devoted Dwarven decks strive for—collaborative strength and thematic unity.
Cards similar to Dwarven Soldier by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dwarven Soldier’s ability to influence the board state can lead to subtle yet substantial card advantage. By bolstering your army of creatures, it effectively forces your opponent to deal with multiple threats, draining their resources while you maintain a solid presence on the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: Though not directly producing additional mana or resources, Dwarven Soldier often synergizes with artifacts and enchantments that do. For instance, its tribal affiliations can play nicely with cards designed to empower dwarves or soldiers, potentially accelerating your resource access indirectly through these interactions.
Instant Speed: Equipped with abilities that may have “instant speed” interactions, the Dwarven Soldier can offer surprise tactics or responses during the enemy’s turn. This on-the-fly adaptability makes it a versatile combatant, ready to swing the tide of battle when your opponent least expects it.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Dwarven Soldier cards typically require red mana to play, which restricts their inclusion to decks that can produce this type of mana consistently. This limitation can be a drawback for players looking to integrate these soldiers into more color-diverse strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though sturdy, some Dwarven Soldier iterations come with a mana cost that’s on the higher end for their stat line. This higher investment can slow down your game, especially when facing decks that are faster to deploy their threats.
Discard Requirement: Certain versions of these cards come with abilities triggered by, or costs that include, discarding another card. This can put you at a card disadvantage and reduce your hand flexibility, which is particularly crucial in the game’s later stages.
Reasons to Include Dwarven Soldier Mtg Card in Your Collection
Versatility: Dwarven Soldier can be a solid addition to decks that appreciate steadfast blockers. Its resilience in the face of combat makes it a reliable presence on the battlefield, capable of supporting various defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize well with abilities that amplify the strengths of Dwarves or Soldiers, potentially unlocking new levels of synergy and power in tribal-themed decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small, aggressive creatures are prevalent, Dwarven Soldier can serve as an effective counterbalance, deterring attacks with its potential to thwart early offensive plays.
How to Beat Dwarven Soldier
The Dwarven Soldier presents a challenge on the battlefield, with its inherent ability to buff itself in the presence of other Dwarves. This card typically thrives within the synergistic realm of a Dwarf-centered deck, where each creature’s strengths are magnified through unity. Being a creature that can potentially outpace single blockers, it requires a strategic approach to overcome.
To beat the Dwarven Soldier, one efficient method is to utilize removal spells that circumvent its ability to grow stronger. Instant-speed spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can dispatch the Soldier before it becomes a substantial threat. It’s also essential to manage the board wisely, ensuring other Dwarf allies don’t swarm the field and escalate the Soldier’s power. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the playing field, neutralizing the numerical advantage that the Dwarven Soldier leans on for its power boost.
In summary, while the Dwarven Soldier can be a formidable force when coupled with its kin, timely removal or sweeping away multiple creatures can effectively negate its strength and keep the card in check, maintaining control over the game state.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dwarven Soldier MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fallen Empires, 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 Dwarven Soldier and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Printings
The Dwarven Soldier Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 53c | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 2 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 53a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Rob Alexander | |
| 3 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 53b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 4 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 221 | 1997 | Normal | White | Randy Asplund-Faith | |
| 5 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 92 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Rob Alexander |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dwarven Soldier has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |