Citadel Castellan MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Knight
Abilities Renown, Vigilance
Power 2
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Vigilance and renown make Citadel Castellan a multifaceted threat, balancing attack and defense efficiently.
  2. Dependencies on Selesnya colors and its mana cost dictate deck-building strategies and overall flexibility.
  3. Potential combos and meta-relevance ensure Citadel Castellan is a noteworthy addition to any collection.
Vigilance card art

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.

Text of card

Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.) Renown 2 (When this creature deals combat damage to a player, if it isn't renowned, put two +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes renowned.)

"I am the first line of defense. You will not encounter the second."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Citadel Castellan stands out by providing a substantial board presence that can pressure opponents. When supported by other cards that bolster its abilities or protect it, the Castellan can effectively contribute to sustaining your card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: This vigilant knight doesn’t directly increase your mana resources, but by serving as a steadfast defender while still being an aggressive attacker, it allows you to allocate resources elsewhere, potentially accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: Citadel Castellan itself may not have instant speed, but its synergy with instant speed spells is noteworthy. Being able to cast combat tricks or removal during your opponent’s turn while still attacking with the Castellan each round amplifies its value on the battlefield.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As Citadel Castellan enters the battlefield, it doesn’t demand you to discard cards, thus it avoids placing you at an immediate disadvantage in hand resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Citadel Castellan requires both green and white mana, demanding a deck tailored to Selesnya colors and potentially restricting deck-building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might seem reasonable, but in a game where efficiency is key, there are alternatives that may provide greater impact or versatility for the same or lower investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Citadel Castellan offers flexibility in deck-building due to its synergy with both aggressive strategies and those that favor +1/+1 counters. Its ability to gain vigilance can prove useful in a variety of situations, making it more than just a simple attacker.

Combo Potential: Given its renown mechanic, Citadel Castellan has the potential to grow in strength with each successful combat, blending well with cards that capitalize on counters or combat victories. This can open up numerous combo avenues in decks designed around such mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment that appreciates durable creatures that can serve as both attackers and defenders, Citadel Castellan can be particularly effective. As the meta shifts, its presence on the board can influence opponents’ strategies, especially in games that stretch into the mid-game phase.


How to Beat

Citadel Castellan, with its noteworthy vigilance and renowned ability, can be a formidable opponent on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. To effectively counter this creature, players should consider using removal spells before it becomes renowned to prevent it from becoming a larger threat. Cheap removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can do the job efficiently at a low mana cost.

Blocking the Castellan with creatures that can survive the initial combat or kill it in retaliation before it deals combat damage will also prevent it from getting the renowned bonus. Additionally, playing around the Castellan’s attacks by using flash creatures or instant-speed tricks can give players the upper hand. Moreover, keep in mind the importance of card advantage and board control when facing creatures with such growing potential in MTG.

Ultimately, preparing a strategy incorporating these elements can unlock the path to victory against Citadel Castellan and the strategies it supports. Understanding how to dismantle an opponent’s game plan is as crucial as developing one’s own in the dynamic world of Magic: The Gathering.


Cards like Citadel Castellan

Citadel Castellan stands as a noteworthy member of creature cards with both vigilance and renown in MTG. It finds a kinship with cards like Topan Freeblade, a card with similar qualities. The Topan Freeblade also gets +1/+1 counters through renown, yet it’s more modestly costed and can fit into a lower mana curve. Both give players the potential for an early, aggressive presence on the battlefield.

Comparatively, another creature to consider is the renowned Undercity Troll. While it shares the renown mechanic with Citadel Castellan, this Troll also boasts the regenerative ability, enabling it to survive circumstances that Citadel Castellan may not. This capacity for resilience can be a game-changer, offering persistent pressure on opponents.

Lastly, Knight of the Pilgrim’s Road is another creature that showcases the might of renown. Although it doesn’t wield vigilance like Citadel Castellan, the creature still poses a growing threat as the game progresses. Citadel Castellan, with its green and white mana alignment, combines swift assault with defensive endurance, casting a notable shadow in its category.

Topan Freeblade - MTG Card versions
Undercity Troll - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Pilgrim's Road - MTG Card versions
Topan Freeblade - Magic Origins (ORI)
Undercity Troll - Magic Origins (ORI)
Knight of the Pilgrim's Road - Magic Origins (ORI)

Cards similar to Citadel Castellan by color, type and mana cost

Beast Walkers - MTG Card versions
Radiant Essence - MTG Card versions
Ranger en-Vec - MTG Card versions
Noble Panther - MTG Card versions
Benalish Emissary - MTG Card versions
Hedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Anurid Brushhopper - MTG Card versions
Wilt-Leaf Cavaliers - MTG Card versions
Oracle of Nectars - MTG Card versions
Kitchen Finks - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Reliquary - MTG Card versions
Centaur Healer - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Smiter - MTG Card versions
Chronicler of Heroes - MTG Card versions
Selvala, Explorer Returned - MTG Card versions
Veteran Warleader - MTG Card versions
Joraga Auxiliary - MTG Card versions
Renegade Rallier - MTG Card versions
Wayfaring Temple - MTG Card versions
Pride Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Beast Walkers - Homelands (HML)
Radiant Essence - Mirage (MIR)
Ranger en-Vec - Anthologies (ATH)
Noble Panther - Invasion (INV)
Benalish Emissary - Invasion (INV)
Hedge Troll - Planar Chaos Promos (PPLC)
Anurid Brushhopper - World Championship Decks 2003 (WC03)
Wilt-Leaf Cavaliers - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)
Oracle of Nectars - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Kitchen Finks - Ultimate Masters (UMA)
Knight of the Reliquary - Historic Anthology 2 (HA2)
Centaur Healer - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Loxodon Smiter - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Chronicler of Heroes - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Selvala, Explorer Returned - Dominaria United Commander (DMC)
Veteran Warleader - Battle for Zendikar Promos (PBFZ)
Joraga Auxiliary - Oath of the Gatewatch (OGW)
Renegade Rallier - Friday Night Magic 2017 (F17)
Wayfaring Temple - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Pride Sovereign - Hour of Devastation (HOU)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Citadel Castellan MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Mystery Booster, 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 Citadel Castellan and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Citadel Castellan Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Anastasia Ovchinnikova.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 2132015normalblackAnastasia Ovchinnikova
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14082015normalblackAnastasia Ovchinnikova
32020-09-26The ListPLST ORI-2132015normalblackAnastasia Ovchinnikova

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Citadel Castellan has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Citadel Castellan card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2015-06-22 If a creature with renown deals combat damage to its controller because that damage was redirected, renown will trigger.
2015-06-22 If a renown ability triggers, but the creature leaves the battlefield before that ability resolves, the creature doesn’t become renowned. Any ability that triggers “whenever a creature becomes renowned” won’t trigger.
2015-06-22 Renown won’t trigger when a creature deals combat damage to a planeswalker or another creature. It also won’t trigger when a creature deals noncombat damage to a player.

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