Kithkin Greatheart MTG Card
2007-10-12 - Number 25
2013-06-07 - Number 21
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kithkin Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
As long as you control a Giant, Kithkin Greatheart gets +1/+1 and has first strike.
Sometimes a curious giant singles out a "little one" to follow for a few days, never realizing the effect it will have on the little one's life.
Cards like Kithkin Greatheart
Kithkin Greatheart holds its ground as an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to other cards such as Knight of Meadowgrain in its low mana cost and potential to quickly affect the battlefield dynamics. Yet, Kithkin Greatheart reserves its strength enhancement for a specific condition – the presence of another giant creature. Unlike Knight of Meadowgrain, Kithkin Greatheart does not have lifelink and is more dependent on the synergistic presence of other cards to unlock its full potential.
Considering another peer, Veteran Swordsmith, we notice a more unconditional boost to fellow soldiers though it lacks the potential to beef up itself. Kithkin Greatheart, in contrast, turns itself into a formidable attacker or blocker under the right circumstances. Still, the cooperative nature of White Weenie decks can make either card a valuable choice, just for taking different tactical roles within a creature lineup.
Thus, while Kithkin Greatheart may not always be the standalone powerhouse, its synergistic quality enables it to shine within giant-infused or tribal decks where its attack and defense can be elevated, distinguishing it among other two-drop creatures in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Kithkin Greatheart by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When it comes to maintaining tempo and options on the battlefield, Kithkin Greatheart can be a strategic addition. While it may not directly allow you to draw additional cards, its synergy with other kithkin or giant cards can result in considerable card advantage. This is achieved by maximizing the utility of each card played, enhancing your board presence with each carefully played synergy.
Resource Acceleration: Although Kithkin Greatheart itself doesn’t accelerate resources in terms of mana, it does offer a cost-efficient creature for its stats. This can lead to a resource acceleration in terms of board development, allowing you to deploy multiple threats early on. Combining Kithkin Greatheart with other cost-effective kithkin or cards that benefit from having a warrior in play could amplify your resource spread on the board quickly.
Instant Speed: While Kithkin Greatheart is a creature card that doesn’t operate at instant speed, its two-mana cost means it can be played early and leaves mana open for other instant-speed interactions. This allows you to be flexible with your plays, holding back spells that could interrupt your opponent’s strategy while continuing to build your board presence with a solid creature.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Kithkin Greatheart doesn’t require a discard, it is important to consider the role of any discard requirements present in other cards within your deck. Discarding as a cost can lead to a loss of card advantage, particularly if Kithkin Greatheart is part of a larger strategy that includes such mechanisms.
Specific Mana Cost: Kithkin Greatheart requires a specific mana cost that includes white, which may not align with all deck types. This mana specificity can pose a limitation, especially in multicolor decks that may not have a consistent source of white mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: One might argue that as a 2/1 creature, the mana cost for Kithkin Greatheart is on the higher side, particularly when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. Players could find more cost-effective creatures that provide greater utility or power on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Kithkin Greatheart in Your Collection
Versatility: Kithkin Greatheart is a card that easily adapts to various deck builds. With a solid 2/1 body for two mana, it can serve as an early-game aggressor or a key player in tribal synergies. Its ability to become stronger in the presence of another Giant makes it a useful piece in decks that can exploit this creature type interaction.
Combo Potential: This creature can be quite a powerhouse when combined with Giant cards or ones that create Giant tokens. The boost Kithkin Greatheart receives encourages creative deck builds around Giant synergies, enhancing its attack capability and opening up opportunities for devastating combos.
Meta-Relevance: Knowing the landscape of the game, Kithkin Greatheart may fit perfectly in a meta where a quick curve and substantial two-drops are crucial. Its ability to stand up to other aggressive creatures in the early stages can give players the edge needed to maintain tempo and control the battlefield.
How to beat
Kithkin Greatheart is an interesting creature in the world of Magic the Gathering, offering solid support in decks that synergize with its kithkin or giant tribal affiliations. It transforms from an unassuming 2/1 to a formidable 3/2 with first strike when paired with a giant, turning it into a strong offensive and defensive asset on the battlefield.
To counter this stout-hearted warrior, removal spells are your straightforward answer. Efficient kill spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can handle the Greatheart before it becomes a larger threat. Moreover, combat tricks and creatures with greater toughness can often block and remove Kithkin Greatheart without much fuss. Since its strength relies on tribal synergies, disrupting these connections or applying pressure to control the board state before these tribes assemble can be key strategies.
Remember that keeping the Kithkin Greatheart from reaching its full potential greatly diminishes its impact. As in any battle within Magic the Gathering, understanding your opponent’s strategy and staying one step ahead will often lead you to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kithkin Greatheart MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Modern Masters, 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 Kithkin Greatheart 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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Printings
The Kithkin Greatheart Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Greg Staples.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 25 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2013-06-07 | Modern Masters | MMA | 21 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kithkin Greatheart has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kithkin Greatheart card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-06-07 | If, after dealing first-strike combat damage, Kithkin Greatheart loses first strike (perhaps because the Giant you controlled was destroyed by first-strike combat damage), it won’t deal regular combat damage. |