Gaea's Protector MTG Card
2018-04-27 - Number 162
2019-11-07 - Number 1217
2022-12-02 - Number 664
2020-09-26 - Number DOM-162
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Warrior |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Gaea's Protector must be blocked if able.
Fallen Phyrexians were transmuted into elementals by Gaea long ago, but Yavimaya's other inhabitants still regard them with unease.
Cards like Gaea's Protector
Gaea’s Protector presents itself as a powerful force within the realm of Mono-Green creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This card showcases the Defender archetype, a trait it shares with the stalwart Wall of Vines. Both cards are dedicated to serving a strong defensive purpose. Yet, Gaea’s Protector distinguishes itself with the must be blocked if able mechanic, compelling opponents to engage with it during combat. Wall of Vines, while also a solid Defender, lacks this compulsory interaction and brings a less aggressive board presence.
Another comparable creature is Yoked Ox. Like Gaea’s Protector, it’s designed to hold the line, but Yoked Ox is more passive, valuing toughness over proactive battlefield control. Gaea’s Protector, by contrast, is an aggressor, dictating combat and forcing opponent’s choices. Then there’s Duskwatch Recruiter, a creature card that can offer more than just an intimidating presence. It has the additional benefit of a resource-generating ability, gathering cards into your hand. However, its offensive capabilities don’t match the direct threat posed by Gaea’s Protector to enemy creatures.
Utilizing a combination of defensive resilience and combat manipulation, Gaea’s Protector stands out among its counterparts. It’s a unique option for players seeking to influence the battlefield while upholding a robust line of defense within their MTG decks.
Cards similar to Gaea's Protector by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gaea’s Protector may not directly allow for drawing cards, but its formidable presence as a 4/2 creature on the battlefield can indirectly lead to card advantage. By pressuring your opponent to deal with it, they may need to use more than one card to remove it, or at least divert resources away from more productive plays.
Resource Acceleration: While Gaea’s Protector isn’t a source of traditional resource acceleration like generating mana or treasure, it does provide a consistent creature resource. It serves as a deterrent that can slow down the pace of your opponent’s game plan, giving you time to ramp up your resources unimpeded.
Instant Speed: Although Gaea’s Protector doesn’t have flash to be played at instant speed, its mere presence on the battlefield requires your opponent to be strategic about playing their own instants and sorceries. Knowing when to attack or hold back Gaea’s Protector can influence how your opponent plays their cards during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Gaea’s Protector has its merits as a formidable defender, it also necessitates that specific cards be in your hand to properly utilize its abilities. This requirement can deplete your hand, leaving you susceptible to an opponent’s strategy without replenishment options at your disposal.
Specific Mana Cost: Gaea’s Protector must be cast using two forests, thus requiring a commitment to green mana. This limitation restricts the card’s flexibility in multi-colored decks and may not always align with your mana base’s accessibility during critical gameplay moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of four mana for a creature that primarily acts as a defensive barrier, Gaea’s Protector competes with other cards at this mana slot that may offer more versatility or proactive board presence. Its cost can be a significant investment, especially in decks that aim to establish an early foothold or when seeking more impactful late-game plays.
Reasons to Include Gaea’s Protector in Your Collection
Versatility: Gaea’s Protector is a stalwart addition to any deck that focuses on bolstering its defensive line while waiting to unleash its key strategies. With its must be blocked clause, it serves as an excellent decoy, keeping your life total safe.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergy with abilities that capitalize on forced combat scenarios. Pairing Gaea’s Protector with cards that penalize opponents for blocking can turn it into a strategic asset during skirmishes.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where board presence is crucial, Gaea’s Protector can be a thorn in your adversary’s side. As creature-focused strategies wax and wane in popularity, having an affordable and sizeable creature that demands attention can shift the tide of battle in your favor.
How to beat
Gaea’s Protector is an archetype of unwavering defensive strength in MTG. Its defining quality, being a creature that must be blocked if able, sets it apart in the realm of green creatures. However, with toughness comparable to its mana cost, it proves to be an impressive barrier. Its prohibition from being targeted by the abilities of your opponents adds a layer of resilience, making it a stalwart defender on the battlefield.
Adapting your strategy to overcome Gaea’s Protector requires creativity. Look towards removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes or effects that force a player to sacrifice a creature. Cards like Wrath of God can clear the board without targeting, while edict effects like Diabolic Edict bypass the Protector’s defensive stance by compelling your opponent to choose a creature to sacrifice, ensuring that their choice is limited. Utilizing these tactics can turn the tide of battle, transforming the Protector’s strength into a mere stepping stone towards victory.
Although Gaea’s Protector holds its ground firmly, a well-planned approach using global removals or sacrifice-based strategies can dismantle its defense, enabling you to position yourself advantageously in the game of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gaea's Protector MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Mystery Booster, 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 Gaea's Protector 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
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Printings
The Gaea's Protector Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Grzegorz Rutkowski.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 162 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grzegorz Rutkowski | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1217 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grzegorz Rutkowski | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DOM-162 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grzegorz Rutkowski | ||
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 664 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Grzegorz Rutkowski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gaea's Protector has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gaea's Protector card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-04-27 | If each creature the defending player controls can’t block for any reason (such as being tapped), then Gaea’s Protector isn’t blocked. If there’s a cost associated with blocking Gaea’s Protector, the defending player isn’t forced to pay that cost, so it doesn’t have to be blocked in that case either. |
| 2018-04-27 | Only one creature is required to block Gaea’s Protector. Other creatures may also block it, and are free to block other creatures or not block at all. |
| 2018-04-27 | The defending player, not you, chooses which creature blocks Gaea’s Protector. |