Icewrought Sentry MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Soldier |
| Abilities | Vigilance |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 55 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Brian Valeza |
Text of card
Vigilance Whenever Icewrought Sentry attacks, you may pay . When you do, tap target creature an opponent controls. Whenever you tap an untapped creature an opponent controls, Icewrought Sentry gets +2/+1 until end of turn.
Cards like Icewrought Sentry
Icewrought Sentry is a recent addition to the creature card selection in Magic: The Gathering that offers unique versatility. When analyzed among similar cards, Frost Lynx stands out as a common comparison. Both creatures share the ability to impact opponents’ creatures upon entering the battlefield. While Frost Lynx taps a target creature an opponent controls, ice does not untap during its controller’s next untap step, but Icewrought Sentry takes a slightly different approach, offering the flexibility to either tap or untap another target creature.
Another card that echoes the tactical essence of Icewrought Sentry is the Leonin Snarecaster. This card also has the ability to tap an opponent’s creature on entry, however, it does not present the dual choice feature of Icewrought Sentry. The versatility of Icewrought Sentry can lead to strategic advantages whether you’re on the offense or defense, a nuance that Leonin Snarecaster and Frost Lynx can’t replicate.
Considering these comparisons highlights Icewrought Sentry’s interesting niche within Magic: The Gathering. Its twofold tap/untap ability provides a unique tool in a player’s arsenal, suitable for dynamic gameplay and strategic battlefield control.
Cards similar to Icewrought Sentry by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Icewrought Sentry. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dimir Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Despite being a single-use card, Icewrought Sentry can offer card advantage by potentially eliminating an opponent’s threat without sacrificing itself in the combat. This defensive interaction can be a one-for-none trade, leaving your arsenal stronger on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While Icewrought Sentry doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure, it indirectly contributes to resource acceleration by protecting your key assets. By tapping an incoming attacker, it preserves your important creatures or planeswalkers, allowing them to continue generating value for your strategy without interruption.
Instant Speed: Icewrought Sentry’s flash ability gives the card a surprise element, allowing you to make tactical plays during either player’s turn. Its ability to be played at instant speed enables you to optimize your mana usage and disrupt your opponent’s combat calculations, giving you an edge during critical phases of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Icewrought Sentry necessitates pitching another card from your hand to activate its ability. This can be cumbersome if your hand is already depleted or if each card holds significant value towards your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: With its mana requirement including snow mana, Icewrought Sentry demands a specialized mana base. Decks not tailored around snow lands or lacking the flexibility to generate snow mana may find including this card more challenging.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Icewrought Sentry’s ability to become a sizeable creature is valuable, the setup and four mana cost can be steep. In fast-paced games or when facing decks that efficiently deploy threats, you might prefer a card that impacts the board immediately or offers lower costed ways to stay ahead.
Reasons to Include Icewrought Sentry in Your Collection
Versatility: Icewrought Sentry can be an adaptable addition to a wide array of decks, particularly those focused on defensive strategies or needing a reliable early game blocker.
Combo Potential: The card’s tap ability can synergize with artifacts or mechanics that benefit from tapping and untapping, leading to potential unexpected combo interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that favors aggressive starts, including Icewrought Sentry could provide crucial breathing room against early onslaughts, enhancing your chances of stabilizing and executing your late-game plan.
How to beat
Icewrought Sentry, a strategic piece on the battlefield, can be a challenge in MTG games. Its unique ability to control combat dynamics by tapping a target creature can disrupt your plans. However, overcoming this card requires a smart approach, and one effective strategy is removing it before it becomes a persistent problem. Spells like Fatal Push or Shock are excellent choices as they can deal with the Sentry at minimal cost.
Another method is to use enchantment-based removal like Pacifism or a Confound the Assault spell, which neutralizes it without having to remove it from the field. Moreover, players can circumvent the Sentry’s effects by enhancing their creatures with vigilance or utilizing untap mechanics to ensure their creatures remain a viable force during combat, regardless of the Sentry’s tap ability. A well-timed Unsummon or creature bounce can also temporarily alleviate the pressure. Each of these strategies weakens Icewrought Sentry’s influence, bolstering your chances for control and victory.
Finally, remember that timing is key. Wait for the Sentry to commit to an action before you respond. With these tips, removing the hurdle that Icewrought Sentry poses can become an attainable goal, maintaining the tempo of your game and leading you to triumph.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Icewrought Sentry MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Icewrought Sentry 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Icewrought Sentry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Icewrought Sentry card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-09-01 | Icewrought Sentry's last ability will trigger only when an effect instructs you to tap an opponent's creature. It won't trigger if a spell or ability you control instructs an opponent to tap a creature they control. For example, if you control Tangle Wire and an opponent taps an untapped creature they control as part of the resolution of Tangle Wire's triggered ability, Icewrought Sentry's ability won't trigger. |
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.