Essence of Orthodoxy MTG Card


Graveyard utility through card recovery at instant speed offers players a strategic edge in gameplay. Balance benefits with costs like specific mana and card discarding to optimize the Essence of Orthodoxy’s use. Its flexibility to fit in various decks makes it a valuable component in the ever-changing MTG meta.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Phyrexian
Abilities Flying,Incubate,Transform
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Whenever Essence of Orthodoxy or another Phyrexian enters the battlefield under your control, incubate 2.


Cards like Essence of Orthodoxy

Essence of Orthodoxy is a unique piece in the puzzle of life gain spells within Magic: The Gathering. It’s easily likened to Rest for the Weary, which also grants a potential for significant life gain. Where Essence of Orthodoxy shines is in its flexibility; it can be cast from your graveyard via its Escape mechanic, offering recurrent utility. Rest for the Weary lacks this recurrence, although it can provide an immediate life jump with landfall.

Comparatively, Renewed Faith offers a multi-faceted approach, giving players an option to cycle for card draw while still providing a life boost. Essence of Orthodoxy doesn’t grant card advantage, but its escape ability ensures it’s more than a one-off spell. Another kindred card is Survival Cache, which may offer repetitive life gain and even card draw, depending on one’s life total. However, it does not have the graveyard playability that makes Essence of Orthodoxy a longstanding contender across different gameplay phases.

As we theorize and contemplate each spell’s contributions, it’s evident that Essence of Orthodoxy carves its niche as a versatile life gain spell capable of recurring play, distinguishing it amongst its peers in Magic: The Gathering.

Rest for the Weary - MTG Card versions
Renewed Faith - MTG Card versions
Survival Cache - MTG Card versions
Rest for the Weary - MTG Card versions
Renewed Faith - MTG Card versions
Survival Cache - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Essence of Orthodoxy by color, type and mana cost

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Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Essence of Orthodoxy card’s ability to potentially recover a card from the graveyard straight to your hand is a pivotal maneuver, providing a strategic upper hand by reintroducing powerful spells or crucial creatures into the fray.

Resource Acceleration: By effectively managing your graveyard as a resource, you unlock a realm of possibilities, ensuring that each card discarded or used can serve a greater purpose, thus maximizing your overall resource efficiency.

Instant Speed: The swift nature of this instant spell gives you the flexibility to adapt your strategy on the fly. Reacting in real-time to threats or surprise moves from your opponent can make all the difference, offering the tactical agility every player covets.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Essence of Orthodoxy requires you to discard a card upon casting, which can put you at a resource disadvantage, particularly in gameplay situations where your hand is already depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana types to cast. This limits its flexibility and could hinder deck building, as it needs to match your deck’s mana base to be effectively played.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost to get Essence of Orthodoxy into play is significant, especially when evaluated against other cards with similar abilities. This can slow down your game momentum and give your opponent a chance to gain an upper hand.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Essence of Orthodoxy offers adaptability to various deck strategies. Its ability to protect key creatures or important combos with its ward ability makes it a valuable addition to various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: This card works well with decks that capitalize on creature synergies and those that aim to utilize protective spells in a combo chain, ensuring your pivotal plays go uninterrupted.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating nature of the MTG competitive scene, Essence of Orthodoxy holds its ground by offering a durable solution against removal-heavy decks, thus maintaining its relevance in diverse meta environments.


How to Beat Essence of Orthodoxy

The Essence of Orthodoxy card offers a unique blend of defense and sustainability for MTG players, challenging opponents to reconsider the typical assault strategy. Its primary power lies in its ability to counteract damage and prolong your battlefield presence. But even the stoutest defenses have their weak points, and there are strategies to circumvent this card’s resilience.

Firstly, recognizing that Essence of Orthodoxy thrives within a specific deck archetype is crucial. Therefore, sidestepping its protective measures requires adaptability. Direct removal spells that bypass damage negation, such as unconditional board wipes or exile effects, are highly effective. Players should consider leveraging cards like Wrath of God or Path to Exile to neutralize the threats insulated by Essence of Orthodoxy’s defensive barrier.

Additionally, controlling the match’s tempo can mitigate the card’s impact. Tempo spells that return creatures to the owner’s hand or deck, like Unsummon or Bounce spells, can disrupt an opponent’s game plan while avoiding direct damage predicaments. By blending shrewd removal with tempo-orientated gameplay, players can successfully navigate and dismantle the challenges posed by Essence of Orthodoxy in their MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Essence of Orthodoxy can significantly enhance your MTG gameplay, giving you the edge with strategic graveyard interaction and on-the-fly adaptability. Whether reshaping your deck’s dynamics or sharpening your match responses, it pays to integrate such multifaceted cards. Experience the full potential of your MTG arsenal by embracing both the power plays and the subtler, tactical moves offered by diverse cards like Essence of Orthodoxy. Advance your deck’s capabilities and adapt to an ever-evolving meta with informed choices. Curious about optimizing your deck with Essence of Orthodoxy? Delve deeper with us into the art of MTG mastery.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Essence of Orthodoxy MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine, 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 Essence of Orthodoxy and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Essence of Orthodoxy Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Oriana Menendez.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3762015NormalBlackOriana Menendez
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3232015NormalBlackOriana Menendez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Essence of Orthodoxy has restrictions

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