Zealots en-Dal MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Released	1998-06-15
Set symbol
Set name	Exodus
Set code	EXO
Power	2
Toughness	4
Number	26
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Brom

Key Takeaways

Zealots en-Dal’s shadow ability ensures consistent unblocked attacks, boosting its tactical value.
Instant speed sacrifice of Zealots en-Dal offers unexpected defensive maneuvers in tight situations.
While potent, it requires a creature sacrifice, potentially hindering your board presence.

Text of card

During your upkeep, if all nonland permanents you control are white, gain 1 life.

"Great chains shall free our warriors." —Oracle *en*-Vec

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zealots en-Dal excels at maintaining board presence while potentially disrupting your opponent’s tactics. Its shadow ability ensures it can often attack unblocked, allowing for consistent damage and strategic plays.

Resource Acceleration: This card fits perfectly into decks aiming for a quick tempo. Although it doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, its low casting cost aids in curving out your plays efficiently, which is crucial in faster-paced matches.

Instant Speed: The standout feature of Zealots en-Dal is its ability to be sacrificed at instant speed to prevent the next 2 damage that would be dealt to target creature this turn. This offers tactical flexibility, enabling surprise defenses and savvy combat trickery that can catch an opponent off guard and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Zealots en-Dal necessitates sacrificing another creature, which can set back your board presence, particularly if your deck relies on maintaining a strong creature count.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands two white mana, which might restrict its compatibility mainly to mono-white or two-color decks, potentially excluding it from more diverse mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Zealots en-Dal costing three mana to get on the battlefield, this may be considered steep for its offering, especially when other creatures can provide more substantial benefits for the same or even a lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include Zealots en-Dal in Your Collection

Versatility: Zealots en-Dal offers flexibility in deck building, providing a solid option for white-based aggro or tempo decks. Its ability to grant first strike during an attack can be a significant asset in combat.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, Zealots en-Dal can contribute to potent synergies. Pairing it with cards that benefit from combat tricks or that can amplify first strike, such as equipment spells or auras, makes it a strategic addition to your arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where combat interactions and creature-based strategies are prevalent, Zealots en-Dal’s ability to manipulate combat phases can give you the edge. It aligns well with up-to-date decks that aim to control the battlefield through enhanced attacking capabilities.

How to beat

Zealots en-Dal, a card known for its tactical advantage in Magic: The Gathering, challenges players with its unique ability to exert creatures which do not untap during the next untap step. To effectively counter it, knowing the right strategies is key. Disables such as pacifism effects or cards that prevent the activation of abilities can take the wind out of Zealots en-Dal’s sails, as they rely on their ability to control combat phases. In addition, removal spells are especially effective, since dealing with Zealots en-Dal promptly keeps the battlefield in your favor.

Board wipes can also serve as a critical solution, clearing the path by removing multiple threats at once, including this pesky nuisance. Equally, instant-speed interaction is vital – it gives you the leverage to respond to the activation of its ability, potentially disrupting your opponent’s plan and turning the tides of the match. Speed and precision, along with a good understanding of when to play your cards, will ensure that the prowess of Zealots en-Dal doesn’t overshadow your strategy.

Ultimately, with a thoughtful approach and well-timed actions, triumphing over the challenges posed by Zealots en-Dal becomes a manageable task, reinforcing the dynamic and strategic essence of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards like Zealots en-Dal

Zealots en-Dal is a unique combat-oriented card within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It shares some similarities with cards like Gustcloak Savior, which also offers a way to remove creatures from combat. Yet, Zealots en-Dal stands out due to its ability to untap and create a new combat dynamic. Gustcloak Savior, while allowing creatures to be removed from combat, doesn’t offer the same tactical flexibility of reengaging your creatures.

Another card worth mentioning in the same conversation is Reconnaissance. This enchantment gives players the option to remove creatures from combat during the end of the declare blockers step, which can be used strategically to negate combat damage while keeping creatures untapped. Zealots en-Dal provides a more singular use with its echo cost ensuring that the ability can only be used for a short period unless additional payment is made.

All things considered, when comparing Zealots en-Dal with functionally related MTG cards, its tactical advantage in combat scenarios stands out. Despite the echo cost, it presents a worthy inclusion in decks that aim to utilize combat tricks and secure favorable engagements.

Cards similar to Zealots en-Dal by color, type and mana cost

Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions

Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions

Veteran of the Depths - MTG Card versions

Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions

Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zealots en-Dal MTG card by a specific set like Exodus, 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 Zealots en-Dal and other MTG cards: