Ixalli's Keeper MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Shaman |
| Released | 2017-09-29 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ixalan |
| Set code | XLN |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 193 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lake Hurwitz |
Text of card
, , Sacrifice Ixalli's Keeper: Target creature gets +5/+5 and gains trample until end of turn.
The people of the Sun Empire worship the sun in three aspects. Ixalli is the Verdant Sun, who fosters growth in all things.
Cards like Ixalli's Keeper
Ixalli’s Keeper offers MTG players a unique creature card experience much like other utility creatures in the green spell arsenal. When drawing parallels to creatures like Nest Robber, which also features haste to strike quickly, Ixalli’s Keeper distinguishes itself with its late-game potential. Unlike Nest Robber, Ixalli’s Keeper can utilize its ability to empower another creature, giving it an edge as the turns progress.
In the same category, you might consider cards such as Druid of the Cowl. It also fills the two-mana creature spot but focuses more on mana production rather than offensive capabilities. Another intriguing comparison can be made with Tishana’s Wayfinder—it explores upon entering the battlefield, potentially offering card advantage, which is different from the Keeper’s end-game focus.
Assessing the overall utility and synergy with other deck components, Ixalli’s Keeper is an interesting choice for players looking for a creature that can be both an early blocker and a late-game enhancer. It holds its place within MTG’s diverse creature lineup, offering strategic depth especially in decks built around creature-based synergies.
Cards similar to Ixalli's Keeper by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Ixalli’s Keeper itself might not appear to offer direct card advantage, its utility comes from its ability to be churned out of the graveyard. This recursive potential means that you can consistently count on it for chump blocking or sacrifice effects, effectively using the same card multiple times and thereby deriving subtle card advantage from a single creature.
Resource Acceleration: Ixalli’s Keeper contributes to resource acceleration through its enrage ability, which, when triggered, provides mana ramp. The lure of untapped potential mana each time it’s dealt damage makes it a beneficial asset for any deck focusing on meeting high-cost demands more quickly.
Instant Speed: While Ixalli’s Keeper isn’t an instant itself, it synergizes well with instant speed spells. Its enrage mechanic can be exploited when paired with instant speed damage spells, enabling you to ramp mana during your opponent’s turn unexpectedly or at the end of their turn to prepare for a big play on your own, embodying the strategic depth this card brings to the table.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ixalli’s Keeper necessitates discarding another card to activate its ability, which could potentially deplete your hand and reduce your strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: The Keeper requires a blend of generic and green mana, which may not align seamlessly with multicolored or non-green centric decks, possibly hindering its inclusion in diverse strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial casting and an activation cost that sums up to a substantial mana investment, Ixalli’s Keeper’s total cost may outweigh its benefits, especially when other creatures in the same mana range could bring immediate board impact.
Reasons to Include Ixalli’s Keeper in Your Collection
Versatility: Ixalli’s Keeper adds value to various deck types due to its low mana cost and utility as an early blocker. Additionally, its ability to act as a late-game mana sink allows it to adapt to the evolving pace of the game.
Combo Potential: This card creates potential synergies within decks focused on utilizing the graveyard. Its Unearth ability can be a surprise element, turning this seemingly innocuous creature into a sudden offensive threat or a strategic blocker when least expected.
Meta-Relevance: In a dynamic environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Ixalli’s Keeper can serve as a cost-effective tool. It’s especially pertinent for Limited formats, such as Draft or Sealed Deck, where every card choice can significantly impact your deck’s performance.
How to beat
Ixalli’s Keeper is an underestimated creature card in Magic: The Gathering, with the potential to swing a game if left unchecked. This modest two-mana cost card is not only a creature but carries a late-game ability that can help turn the tide by empowering another creature with a significant boost. Players would do well to neutralize this threat before its owner gets to eight mana and uses its formidable ability.
A straightforward strategy against Ixalli’s Keeper is to remove it early on. Cheap removal spells are perfect for this because they ensure that Ixalli’s Keeper doesn’t become a problem later. Cards like Fatal Push or Shock are great examples of cost-effective solutions. Another approach is through counter-play cards that prevent activations of abilities, such as Disallow, that can counter the triggered ability and leave the opponent with a mere 2/2 creature.
Ultimately, respecting Ixalli’s Keeper’s latent power is key. Whether you’re choosing to preemptively deal with the creature or ready to counter its ability, acknowledging and preparing for its presence on the battlefield could be the difference between a win or an unexpected loss due to a sudden burst of damage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ixalli's Keeper MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Ixalli's Keeper 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 Ixalli's Keeper has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |