Grove of the Guardian MTG Card
2012-10-05 - Number 240
2012-10-05 - Number 240★
2018-11-02 - Number 124
2002-06-24 - Number 46889
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Land |
Text of card
: Add to your mana pool. , , Tap two untapped creatures you control, Sacrifice Grove of the Guardian: Put an 8/8 green and white Elemental creature token with vigilance onto the battlefield.
Cards like Grove of the Guardian
Grove of the Guardian stands as a notable landmark in the terrain of Magic: The Gathering’s lands. This card echoes the abilities of other lands that convert into creatures, such as Stirring Wildwood or Mutavault. Like these lands, Grove of the Guardian sacrifices itself to summon a potent creature—yet the token it creates is a singularly massive 8/8 Vigilance Elemental, significantly larger than what the others offer.
As we explore parallels, Treetop Village emerges as a similar card, able to morph into a creature. However, its summon is more modest—a 3/3 with Trample. Additionally, Kessig Wolf Run enriches the comparison with its unique ability to give any creature Trample and an X boost in power, without the land transforming itself. The duality of Grove of the Guardian lies in both producing a creature and amplifying the battlefield presence. This capability to essentially replace itself with a colossal elemental guardian sets it apart.
Ultimately, Grove of the Guardian eloquently blends the realms of land and creature, offering a unique strategic dimension. With the formidable token it generates, players can achieve a significant advantage, making it an exceptional selection in the wider spectrum of land-based MTG cards.
Cards similar to Grove of the Guardian by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When you activate Grove of the Guardian, not only do you transform it into a formidable Elemental but also effectively capitalize on existing resources. This action does not cost you an additional card from your hand, keeping your card advantage intact while upgrading your board presence significantly.
Resource Acceleration: This land card stands out by not only providing mana but also by transforming into a powerful 8/8 creature token with vigilance. As a result, it accelerates your in-game resources by shifting from a simple land to a major threat without needing extra mana investment.
Instant Speed: Despite the activation requirement for Grove of the Guardian being at sorcery speed, it still holds tactical value during the combat phase. It allows players to surprise opponents with a sudden vigilance token, potentially changing the tide of combat in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Grove of the Guardian requires you to sacrifice another land, which can put you at a significant disadvantage if you don’t have a solid board presence or enough resources to recover from the loss.
Specific Mana Cost: The activation cost of this land includes specifically both green and white mana, which might restrict its playability to decks that can consistently provide both colors of mana without compromising their mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Activating the ability of Grove of the Guardian costs five mana in addition to tapping the Grove and another creature. This high cost is a substantial investment that might not always be feasible, especially when faster, more efficient creature strategies are needed.
Reasons to Include Grove of the Guardian in Your Collection
Versatility: Grove of the Guardian seamlessly slots into a wide array of decks, particularly those leveraging the power of tokens and creature-based strategies. Its ability to produce a massive 8/8 Vigilant creature token can be pivotal in both offensive and defensive board states.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes with decks that capitalize on token generation and sacrifice mechanics, giving players the potential for high-value plays. Pair it with cards that buff tokens, and you’ve got a formidable presence your opponents will struggle to handle.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where strong blockers and finishers are key, Grove of the Guardian offers an impactful option. It can dominate the battlefield and turn the tide against creature-heavy opponents, making it a considerable asset in varied meta scenarios.
How to beat
Grove of the Guardian is a powerful land card in Magic: The Gathering that can become a game changer. Despite its potential to create a formidable 8/8 green and white Elemental creature token with vigilance, there are strategies to counter it. Artifact removal like Naturalize or more versatile options like Assassins Trophy can disrupt your opponent’s plans by targeting the land before it becomes a creature.
If the token has already hit the battlefield, board wipes such as Supreme Verdict can clear the field, negating the advantage. Remember, single-target removal spells are less efficient against tokens created by this card due to the land’s initial immunity to spells like Doom Blade. Therefore, focus on strategies that address multiple threats in a single stroke or prevent activation entirely with cards like Pithing Needle to name the Grove and thus prevent its ability from being activated.
Adapting your MTG gameplay to include preemptive counters and removal strategies will keep Grove of the Guardian from overwhelming the board and help maintain control of the game’s pace, potentially leading to your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Grove of the Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Return to Ravnica, 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 Grove of the Guardian 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Grove of the Guardian Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 46889 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Yeong-Hao Han | ||
| 2 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 240 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christine Choi | |
| 3 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica Promos | PRTR | 240★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Yeong-Hao Han | |
| 4 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 124 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christine Choi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Grove of the Guardian has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grove of the Guardian card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-10-01 | To activate Grove of the Guardian’s second ability you can tap any two untapped creatures you control, including ones you haven’t controlled continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn. |
| 2012-10-01 | You can’t tap Grove of the Guardian to activate both abilities at the same time. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.