Great Wall MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1994-06-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legends |
| Set code | LEG |
| Number | 17 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Sandra Everingham |
Text of card
Creatures with plainswalk may be blocked as if they did not have this ability.
Cards like Great Wall
The Great Wall card is a unique defensive enchantment in MTG that hinders creatures with the plainswalk ability. It’s a niche card that directly counters opponents leveraging that particular ability. In comparison, there are cards such as Dense Foliage and Gravity Sphere, which apply more broadly by impacting a wider range of creatures or altering the rules of engagement across the battlefield.
For instance, Circle of Protection: Green also creates a protective barrier, but specifically against green creatures and spells—offering targeted defense rather than Great Wall’s more specialized focus. Cards like Magus of the Moat share conceptual similarities with Great Wall by imposing movement restrictions but do so in a way that affects all creatures without flying, making it considerably more versatile in a variety of matchups.
While Great Wall’s applicability is situational, it can be indispensable in metas where plainswalkers are prevalent. However, its narrow focus often leads players to consider more versatile defensive enchantments suited to a wider array of strategies and game scenarios in MTG.
Cards similar to Great Wall by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While it doesn’t directly draw cards, Great Wall provides a lasting effect on the battlefield that can potentially deter or neutralize multiple threats over the course of the game. This ‘soft’ card advantage allows for more effective use of other defenses in your deck.
Resource Acceleration: By deterring enemy creatures from attacking, especially those with the Plainswalk ability, Great Wall can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by preserving your life total and board state, allowing you to commit resources to developing your board rather than defending against attackers.
Instant Speed: Although Great Wall is an enchantment and not an instant, the speed at which it alters the dynamics of the game can be instantaneous in its strategic impact. When played at the right moment, it can create an immediate shift in your opponent’s attack plans, forcing them to reassess their strategy which can be as pivotal as any instant speed interaction.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Great Wall card necessitates discarding another card as part of its activation cost. This could put players at a significant disadvantage, especially when their hand is already dwindling in size.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a mana cost that requires plains, Great Wall may not seamlessly fit into multi-colored or non-white decks, limiting its versatility for players who value flexible mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost higher than some other defensive options in MTG, players might find it less efficient to include Great Wall in their deck when looking for cost-effective defense mechanisms.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Great Wall provides a unique defense mechanism against creatures with Plainswalk, a rare and specific ability. Its presence can act as a deterrent, giving it a role in decks that require niche solutions to certain threats.
Combo Potential: As a card with a highly specific effect, Great Wall can be part of a combo that takes advantage of its utility, particularly in a meta with Plainswalk abilities or when paired with land type changing effects to create strategic advantages.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where Plainswalk could emerge as part of an opponent’s strategy, Great Wall gains in value. Skilled players will recognize the potential shifts in opponent strategies and include cards like Great Wall as a safeguard in their collections.
How to beat
Great Wall is an enchantment that may not be often seen in competitive decks, but knowing how to navigate around it can be crucial in specific gameplay situations. Built as a defense against creatures with the plainswalk ability, Great Wall effectively neutralizes an otherwise unchecked advantage.
To outmaneuver Great Wall, the simplest approach is using enchantment removal spells, which are a staple in players’ arsenals. Cards like Disenchant, Nature’s Claim or even the all-encompassing Krosan Grip can efficiently dismantle the Great Wall, opening the way for your plainswalkers. Alternatively, shifting strategies to rely less on this form of evasion and more on versatile creatures and removal can minimize the Wall’s impact on gameplay. Aiming for card versatility can help maintain tempo and keep opponents on their toes, effectively bypassing the static defense that this enchantment provides.
Whether it’s direct removal or strategic deck building, overcoming Great Wall is about preparation and adaptability. Should you face it across the battlefield, quick thinking and a flexible game plan will ensure your victory is not barred by any obstacle.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Great Wall MTG card by a specific set like Legends, 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 Great Wall and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Great Wall has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |