Lotus Guardian MTG Card

Lotus Guardian provides valuable card advantage and serves as a mana accelerator. Its mana generation at instant speed adds flexibility, enabling powerful plays. Despite its benefits, the card’s high mana cost and discard requirement balance its power.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact Creature — Dragon
Abilities	Flying
Released	2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Invasion
Set code	INV
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	305
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dana Knutson

Text of card

Flying oc T: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.

Lotus fields are too valuable to leave undefended.

Cards like Lotus Guardian

Lotus Guardian is an intriguing artifact creature card that draws comparisons with other mana-generating permanents in Magic: The Gathering. It stands out with its high converted mana cost and the ability to produce one mana of any color. Notably, creatures such as Birds of Paradise offer a lower-cost alternative for mana fixing, being able to tap for one mana of any color at the mere cost of one green mana.

When comparing heavy hitters, Gilded Lotus is a non-creature equivalent, tapping for three mana of one color. Though Gilded Lotus doesn’t have flying or combat capabilities like Lotus Guardian, it’s also less vulnerable to creature removal. On the other hand, Chromatic Lantern provides a lower-cost mana-fixing option for any land you control without the fragility of a creature-based mana source. It stands as a useful comparison for players valuing persistence over power.

Ultimately, while Lotus Guardian isn’t the most efficient mana generator available, its dual role as both mana source and potential aerial threat provides a unique angle within the realm of MTG’s vast array of mana-focused cards.

Cards similar to Lotus Guardian by color, type and mana cost

Mishra's War Machine - MTG Card versions

Death-Mask Duplicant - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Lotus Guardian shines in providing card advantage. When played on the board, this artifact creature not only serves as a formidable blocker or attacker but also helps you draw into more cards, especially in decks designed around artifact synergies.

Resource Acceleration: As an efficient source of resource acceleration, the Lotus Guardian taps for an impressive three mana of any single color. This incredible mana boost can be pivotal in casting high-cost spells earlier in the game, paving the way to outpace your opponents.

Instant Speed: While the Lotus Guardian itself is not instant speed, its ability to generate a large amount of mana at will can help you utilize instant-speed spells in your arsenal more effectively. Having ample mana available means being able to respond to threats or opportunities on the fly without constraint.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A glaring drawback of the Lotus Guardian lies in its need for a card to be discarded upon activation. This can place players in a precarious position, especially when their hand is already depleted, further straining their strategic reserves.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation of this card is its specific mana cost requirement. To unleash the Lotus Guardian’s potential, players must tap into a substantial amount of diverse mana sources, a condition that might not mesh well with more streamlined or color-focused decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weaving the Lotus Guardian into your spell sequence can be taxing due to its relatively high mana cost. With the card’s effect on the battlefield measured against the vast array of options available, players may discover alternatives that offer similar benefits without the hefty mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Lotus Guardian thrives in numerous deck builds as it doesn’t lock you into a single color of mana. Its ability to provide mana of any color can help players easily cast spells outside their deck’s primary colors, or utilize activated abilities that require varied mana inputs.

Combo Potential: This card is a boon to decks that capitalize on artifact synergy or those that benefit from the presence of a dragon on the field. This can open up combo routes with cards that interact or are empowered by these elements.

Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability and how it accommodates multi-colored decks, Lotus Guardian can be a valuable addition in a meta where flexibility and color fixing are key to outmaneuvering opponents.

How to beat

The allure of Lotus Guardian in the world of Magic: The Gathering lies in its powerful mana-production ability, reminiscent of the legendary Black Lotus artifact. As a formidable flyer, Lotus Guardian demands immediate attention on the battlefield. To effectively counter this aerial threat, players may consider including removal spells in their deck strategies. Cards such as Path to Exile or Terminate offer efficient solutions for dealing with such formidable creatures, regardless of their mana-producing capabilities.

Moreover, countering the spell before it hits the board is often the most effective strategy. Blue players can hold mana open for counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak, nipping the problem in the bud. Additionally, tapping into the power of board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the board, sweeping away Lotus Guardian and its ilk. It’s essential to have a game plan for flying threats and consider including cards that proactively handle or circumvent high-threat creatures.

To sum up, while Lotus Guardian can be a game-changer with its resemblance to MTG’s historical Black Lotus in terms of mana acceleration, a well-constructed deck with the right control elements can mitigate the risks posed by this powerful artifact creature.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lotus Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Lotus Guardian and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lotus Guardian has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal