Henge Guardian MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 297
2011-04-01 - Number 55
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Dragon Wurm |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
: Henge Guardian gains trample until end of turn.
Like so many Thran relics, the wurm engine kept operating long after its creators were gone.
Cards like Henge Guardian
Henge Guardian is an armor-clad force among artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering. This particular sentinel aligns with other artifact creatures like Guardian Idol, which serves a dual role – it transforms from an inert statue to become a vigilant creature. Henge Guardian differs in its lack of transformation but offers consistent defense from the moment it hits the battlefield. Another similar artifact creature is Clockwork Beetle. While the beetle also holds a position on the battlefield as a guardian, Henge Guardian stands out with its simpler mechanic, free from the need to manage +1/+1 counters.
Moreover, we encounter the Mare’s Grasp which is another artifact creature offering robust protection. Although Mare’s Grasp possesses a noticeable mana generating ability, the Henge Guardian thrives on sheer resilience and ease of play, finding synergy in decks that benefit from stalwart defenders. The comparison with these artifacts highlights the simplicity and reliability that Henge Guardian brings to a player’s board, valued for its ability to stand firm against opponents without intricate gameplay or additional mana investment.
Analyzing these essentials, Henge Guardian finds its niche within the MTG artifact creature domain, appreciated for its straightforward, defensive prowess and solid presence in games.
Cards similar to Henge Guardian by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Henge Guardian can provide significant card advantage by enabling smoother draws through its scrying ability, helping you sift through your deck for the cards you need and keep your hand refreshed with valuable resources.
Resource Acceleration: If you’re able to synergize the Henge Guardian’s abilities with other mana-generating cards, it has the potential to help accelerate your resources substantially, putting you ahead in the game by allowing you to deploy your strategy faster.
Instant Speed: Although Henge Guardian itself is not an instant, it can work well in decks that operate at instant speed, protecting your key turns as it adds a formidable presence that can be deployed at the end of your opponent’s turn if you’ve left the mana open, keeping you flexible and unpredictable. Additionally, it can create opportunities to utilize instant-speed interactions during your turn, furthering your board position.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Holding a Henge Guardian in your hand might sometimes stall your gameplay, especially when you’re in dire need of keeping all your cards to maintain your strategic edge. Unfortunately, to play it, you must discard another card, which can put you at a disadvantage by diminishing your in-hand options.
Specific Mana Cost: The Henge Guardian’s mana cost may be a stumbling block for players who don’t align with its specific demands. Tailored to a particular mana spectrum, it may not fit smoothly into decks that rely on a broad range of mana sources. This need for a precise blend can sometimes upset the deck’s rhythm and restrain its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing in a Henge Guardian takes a decent chunk out of your mana pool. With its high cost, it enters the fray of competitive gameplay where efficiency is key. There are myriad alternatives that might not hit as hard but provide more agile solutions to battlefield control, often tipping the scales in cost-effectiveness when you’re aiming for a decisive win.
Reasons to Include Henge Guardian in Your Collection
Versatility: Henge Guardian serves as a functional piece in decks that require a robust mana curve. With its colorless nature, it easily slots into various deck archetypes without worrying about color restrictions.
Combo Potential: As an artifact creature, Henge Guardian can synergize with strategies that capitalize on artifact manipulation or creature synergies, potentially unlocking new combo avenues.
Meta-Relevance: Given that artifact-related strategies can be quite prevalent in certain metas, having a card like Henge Guardian could adapt your deck to counter or align with popular deck builds, making it a tactical choice for the savvy player.
How to beat
Henge Guardian in Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge with its combination of trample and being a formidable artifact creature. Often found in decks that manipulate +1/+1 counters or artifact synergies, this forceful golem can become a substantial threat if left unchecked on the battlefield. However, there are tactics to keep this guardian at bay.
To effectively neutralize Henge Guardian, consider using removal spells that can bypass its potentially increasing size. Targeted removal spells like Path to Exile or Murder are highly effective, as they can remove the creature regardless of how many counters it accumulates. Furthermore, enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking or blocking, such as Pacifism, can render the Henge Guardian harmless. Board wipes like Damnation or Wrath of God can also clear the guardian from the board, especially if it comes down to a swarm of artifact creatures bolstering each other.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of combat tricks. Using instant speed spells that can buff your creatures or weaken your opponent’s can turn the tide of battle without the need for removal. By being proactive and keeping the pressure on your opponent, Henge Guardian can be overcome, allowing you to maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Henge Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons, 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 Henge 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Henge Guardian Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2011-04-01. Illustrated by Chippy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 297 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 2 | 2011-04-01 | Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons | DDG | 55 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Henge Guardian has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |