Heronblade Elite MTG Card


Card advantage through draw mechanics when equipping bolsters Heronblade Elite’s presence and hand options. Instant speed equipping allows for unexpected combat tricks, giving players a reactive edge. Demanding specific mana colors limits deck diversity but ensures dedicated synergy in proper builds.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Warrior
Abilities Vigilance
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Vigilance Whenever another Human enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on Heronblade Elite. : Add X mana of any one color, where X is Heronblade Elite's power.

"When angels fall, humans must rise."


Cards like Heronblade Elite

Heronblade Elite is a standout creature card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, particularly among those that synergize with +1/+1 counters. When looking at cards akin to Heronblade Elite, one can’t help but draw parallels with Juniper Order Ranger. Both cards flourish in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters, but Juniper Order Ranger lacks the mana-generating capability that Heronblade Elite possesses.

Looking over to Abzan Falconer, another +1/+1 counter-centric card, it grants creatures with +1/+1 counters flying, offering a different kind of strategic advantage. Where Heronblade Elite leans towards ramping mana and enhancing a singular creature, Abzan Falconer democratically gives all creatures with +1/+1 counters evasion. However, it doesn’t match the Elite’s personal stat boost. Then comes Gyre Sage, which also produces mana based on the number of +1/+1 counters, yet it requires the evolution mechanic to grow, a step Heronblade Elite bypasses by directly interacting with counters placed on any creature you control.

With the ability to grow itself and ramp mana simultaneously, Heronblade Elite claims its unique spot within the ecosystem of +1/+1 counter creatures, making it a multifaceted asset in MTG decks specializing in counter manipulation and resource acceleration.

Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions
Abzan Falconer - MTG Card versions
Gyre Sage - MTG Card versions
Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions
Abzan Falconer - MTG Card versions
Gyre Sage - MTG Card versions

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Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Pincher Beetles - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Heronblade Elite’s ability to buff itself based on the amount of equipment attached not only builds a stronger board presence but synergizes well with cards allowing you to draw upon equipping. This offers a significant card advantage, keeping your hand flush with options.

Resource Acceleration: By enhancing your creatures with various equipments in play, the power of Heronblade Elite increases, effectively doing double duty. This allows you to streamline your resources, concentrating on strengthening your creature while simultaneously speeding up your offensive capabilities.

Instant Speed: The nature of Heronblade Elite’s ability utilises the stack efficiently at instant speed. This means you can respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn by equipping at the last possible moment, which can result in unexpected and advantageous interactions or combat tricks, keeping your opponent on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Heronblade Elite doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, in decks that use it, managing hand size becomes critical to maximize its potential. If the strategy relies on card quantity in hand, any discard-heavy mechanic compromises its effectiveness.

Specific Mana Cost: Heronblade Elite demands a specific green and white mana commitment, which necessitates a dedicated deck build restricting its application. This can be a barrier in formats where mana flexibility is crucial for deck resilience and versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana for a 3/4 body, the cost of Heronblade Elite is significant. When evaluating its place in a deck, its mana cost may outweigh its utility, especially when there are numerous alternatives in the meta that provide value for a lesser mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Heronblade Elite offers flexible play options, seamlessly integrating into creature-heavy decks or those emphasizing +1/+1 counters. Its ability to ramp by the number of +1/+1 counters makes it a solid fit across various strategies.

Combo Potential: As a focal point in counter-centric decks, Heronblade Elite can amplify the power of synergistic cards. It particularly shines when paired with proliferate mechanics or cards like Hardened Scales, enabling explosive turns.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that fosters creature-based synergy, Heronblade Elite’s potential for mana acceleration and growth can give you a decisive edge. Its robustness against spot removal thanks to the counters means it can often sustain through removal-heavy matchups.


How to beat

Heronblade Elite presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to grow stronger as more creatures enter the fray. Successfully navigating around this impressive creature in Magic: The Gathering involves strategic removal. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be effective before the Elite gets out of hand. Swift action is key to prevent your opponent from reaping the benefits of having a large number of creatures in play.

Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, offer a comprehensive solution by clearing the entire battlefield, including Heronblade Elite, regardless of its power. It’s also beneficial to limit how many creatures your opponent can develop, thus stifling the Elite’s potential. Cards like Cursed Totem or Linvala, Keeper of Silence that restrict creature activated abilities can sever the sinews of strategies relying on Heronblade Elite, as it depends on creature synergy to become a significant threat.

Ultimately, prioritizing the removal of key pieces in your opponent’s strategy and remaining vigilant in keeping the creature count low will greatly increase your chances of overcoming the might of Heronblade Elite in your MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Heronblade Elite, your deck gains a formidable ally, adept at enhancing your MTG strategy with its unique abilities. Whether you’re harnessing the strength of the Selesnya colors or focused on amplifying creature synergies, Heronblade Elite can be a pivotal addition to your arsenal. Emphasizing on its adaptability with equipment and +1/+1 counters, this card proves to be a substantial force to reckon with. As you delve deeper into your deck-building journey, consider the versatility and combo potential that Heronblade Elite offers. Join the MTG community that’s discovering and utilizing this card’s dynamic prowess to dominate the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Heronblade Elite MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Midnight Hunt Commander, 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 Heronblade Elite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Heronblade Elite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2021-09-24. Illustrated by Yigit Koroglu.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 940262015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
22021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 262015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu
32021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 642015NormalBlackYigit Koroglu

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Heronblade Elite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Heronblade Elite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-09-24 Heronblade Elite's last ability is a mana ability. It doesn't use the stack and can't be responded to. If Heronblade Elite's power is 0 or less at the time the ability resolves, no mana is added.
Vigilance card art

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.