Valor of the Worthy MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Number | 37 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Mathias Kollros |
Key Takeaways
- The card offers dual utility, enhancing board presence initially and creating persistent advantages post-creature death.
- Its targeted application might limit its use but can be potent in white mana or token-oriented decks.
- Sudden spirit blocking capability gives players a surprise defensive edge during crucial combat phases.
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +1/+1. When enchanted creature leaves the battlefield, create a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying.
"If I am to die, let it be a hero's death!"
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Valor of the Worthy can create additional value through its unique afterlife ability. When the enchanted creature dies, not only did you get initial benefit when you played it, but you also get a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying. This second effect ensures that even if your opponent deals with your threat, you still retain a presence on the board. This kind of one-card-two-effects is a subtle form of card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting your resource acceleration in terms of mana, Valor of the Worthy can accelerate your board presence. By improving a creature early on and then creating a flyer upon the creature’s demise, it helps maintain your tempo and advances your strategies, especially in aggressive or token-based decks.
Instant Speed: Although Valor of the Worthy doesn’t have a direct instant speed effect, the generated Spirit token can become an unexpected and swift blocker on the fly. This gives you a strategical edge during combat, as opponents might not account for an additional flying creature appearing at a moment’s notice after a trade-off, potentially thwarting their attacks or enabling yours.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not a drawback of Valor of the Worthy itself, it becomes a con when considering the broader play where auras in general can result in card disadvantage. If the enchanted creature is removed, you may end up losing two cards—the creature and the aura—for one of your opponent’s removal spells.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost, though low, demands white mana. This requirement restricts its play to decks that run white mana, potentially limiting its versatility in a multicolored or colorless deck where neither white mana is abundant nor primarily utilized.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its low absolute mana cost, Valor of the Worthy can be considered to have a high mana cost in the context of power-to-cost ratio. There are other one-mana auras or spells that may offer more impactful immediate effects or more substantial long-term advantages.
Reasons to Include Valor of the Worthy in Your Collection
Versatility: Valor of the Worthy can be a flexible addition to decks that capitalize on both the thread of early aggro and the resilience provided by creature buffs and late-game spirit tokens.
Combo Potential: The aura pairs well with strategies that revolve around sacrificing permanents for greater gain, utilizing its ability to leave behind a Spirit token which can be leveraged for further gameplay advantages.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where quick, aggressive strategies take the forefront, Valor of the Worthy shines by enhancing early creatures and providing lasting board presence through its afterlife Spirit token.
How to Beat
Valor of the Worthy is a uniquely flexible Aura card with the potential to enhance your creatures while providing an added bonus upon their death. It bolsters a creature with an additional point of power, making them a more formidable threat. However, like all enhancements, this card’s strength can also lead to its downfall within the realm of MTG.
To counteract Valor of the Worthy’s effect, consider strategies that involve removal of Auras, such as enchantment destruction or bounce effects, which can efficiently void the card’s benefits. Direct creature removal before the Aura takes effect or in response to its casting can prevent the advantage altogether and stall your opponent’s momentum. Additionally, board clears and sweepers can bypass the need to target individual enhancements, removing the threat completely, along with any potential Spirits that would arise from the Aura’s secondary effect.
In the end, thorough understanding and anticipation of the card’s abilities alongside a carefully crafted deck that includes enchantment control and versatile removal options can effectively neutralize the advantage bestowed by Valor of the Worthy, securing your position in the game.
Cards like Valor of the Worthy
Valor of the Worthy has carved a niche for itself among Magic: The Gathering’s aura and enchant creature spells. It closely resembles the likes of Ethereal Armor in the way that it boosts a creature’s attributes. While both cards heighten a creature’s prowess, Valor of the Worthy adds an extra layer of strategic advantage by creating a 1/1 white Spirit creature token with flying, when the enchanted creature dies. This double-edged benefit isn’t something Ethereal Armor can claim, as it instead escalates power and toughness by the number of enchantments you control.
Comparatively, Hyena Umbra stands out with its totem armor ability, protecting the creature it’s attached to. But unlike Valor of the Worthy, it doesn’t extend its influence beyond the enchanted creature’s life on the battlefield. Spectral Flight is another relevant comparison, granting bonus power and flying to a creature. While similar in providing an aerial advantage, it lacks the protective aspect and post-mortem token generation that Valor of the Worthy offers.
Evaluating against its counterparts, Valor of the Worthy presents a comprehensive package, enhancing both offensive capacity and field presence in one economic card, distinguishing itself among similar MTG auras.
Cards similar to Valor of the Worthy by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Valor of the Worthy MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 Valor of the Worthy and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Valor of the Worthy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
