Nettle Sentinel MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 71
2018-03-16 - Number 182
2019-11-07 - Number 1278
2019-12-02 - Number 773
2020-09-26 - Number A25-182
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Offers card efficiency by untapping multiple times, enhancing draw potential in combo decks.
- Engages resource acceleration when paired with cards like Heritage Druid, fuelling powerful plays.
- Not restricted to green mana decks, though more effective within them due to synergy constraints.
Text of card
Nettle Sentinel doesn't untap during its controller's untap step. Whenever you play a green spell, you may untap Nettle Sentinel.
Though Shadowmoor's monster-haunted wilds beckon, she never leaves her post.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nettle Sentinel may not let you draw cards directly, but it plays a crucial role in decks where card efficiency matters. Since it has the potential to untap numerous times each turn, it synergizes with various green spells that allow you to draw through creature casting or other methods, particularly in combo contexts.
Resource Acceleration: Although Nettle Sentinel does not generate mana itself, its ability to untap whenever you cast a green spell can lead to significant resource acceleration in conjunction with cards like Heritage Druid. This enables you to create a chain of spells in a single turn, potentially overwhelming your opponent with a flurry of actions.
Instant Speed: While Nettle Sentinel’s untap ability isn’t cast at instant speed, it interacts favorably with instant speed spells. By casting green instants on your opponent’s turn, you can freshly untap the Sentinel, readying it for both offensive and defensive actions and increasing your tactical flexibility in the game.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Nettle Sentinel’s requirement for green mana can be restrictive for multi-colored decks that might not always have the necessary mana type available when needed.
Discard Requirement: While Nettle Sentinel itself doesn’t have a discard requirement, it often pairs with cards that do. This synergy can be a drawback in scenarios where hand size is critical, and discarding could reduce your options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though Nettle Sentinel has an efficient mana-to-power ratio, its inability to untap during your untap step without triggering a spell of a specific type can be seen as a high opportunity cost, especially when compared to creatures that untapnormally and are ready to block or attack each turn without additional setup.
Reasons to Include Nettle Sentinel Mtg Card in Your Collection
Versatility: Nettle Sentinel is a flexible card that seamlessly integrates into various green-based decks, from aggro to combo. Its ability to untap after casting a green spell makes it a steadfast choice for decks that plan to cast multiple spells in a single turn.
Combo Potential: This card is renowned for its synergy with Heritage Druid, enabling the generation of large amounts of mana quickly, powering through your deck with ease. Its potential in elf-oriented decks is particularly noteworthy, often serving as a staple for such strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames that veer towards creature-based strategies, Nettle Sentinel stands out. As a 2/2 for one mana, it poses an early threat and can maintain board presence. Its relevance in eternal formats helps it stay a competitive option for players looking to exploit green’s speed and efficiency.
How to beat
Nettle Sentinel is a staple card for many aggressive MTG decks, especially those using green mana. Its ability to untap after you cast a green spell means it offers a relentless offensive potential. To counter it, consider using removal spells that can bypass its strength, which lies in continuous combat readiness. Spot removals like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are highly effective, as they can deal with the Sentinel before it becomes a recurring threat on the battlefield.
Another strategy is to utilize board wipes such as Supreme Verdict or Wrath of God to reset the board and remove Nettle Sentinel along with other creatures your opponent controls. Alternatively, cards like Ensnaring Bridge can help keep Nettle Sentinel from attacking, effectively neutralizing its strength. Lastly, making use of creature blockers with high toughness can slow down the onslaught, giving you time to establish board presence and take control of the game.
Understanding the mechanics of Nettle Sentinel’s strengths is key to formulating a plan to overcome this resilient creature. With the right cards and strategy, you can mitigate the impact of Nettle Sentinel and secure your path to victory.
Cards like Nettle Sentinel
Nettle Sentinel stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique green creature with an ability on a hair-trigger, ready to untap whenever you cast a green spell. This sets it apart from other similar one-drop creatures like Kird Ape, which is powerful in its own right but lacks the same synergy with spells. Nettle Sentinel is often paired with Heritage Druid in elf decks, a combination that can generate a tremendous amount of mana in a single turn. The Druid’s ability requires tapping elves you control, and Nettle Sentinel helps fulfill this with ease thanks to its untapping capability.
Another comparable green creature is Basking Rootwalla, which can also hit the battlefield for a single mana. It boasts the ability to inflate its power at moment’s notice, yet it doesn’t provide the potential for the repeated utility that Nettle Sentinel offers. Dryad Militant is also in this conversation, being a robust one-drop with an additional utility of exiling instant and sorcery cards from graveyards, but it lacks the synergistic untap potential of Nettle Sentinel.
In evaluating these cards side by side, it’s clear Nettle Sentinel has a unique place in Magic: The Gathering, excelling in decks that aim to cast multiple green spells in succession, fueling both aggressive and combo strategies with its efficient design.
Cards similar to Nettle Sentinel by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nettle Sentinel MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Masters 25, 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 Nettle Sentinel and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Printings
The Nettle Sentinel Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Release | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 71 | 2003 | normal | black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 182 | 2015 | normal | black | Kev Walker | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1278 | 2015 | normal | black | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 773 | 2015 | normal | black | Kev Walker | ||
| 5 | The List | PLST | A25-182 | 2015 | normal | black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nettle Sentinel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nettle Sentinel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-03-16 | Nettle Sentinel’s triggered ability resolves before the spell that causes it to trigger. The ability will resolve even if that spell is countered. |
