Sentinel of the Eternal Watch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Giant Soldier |
| Abilities | Vigilance |
| Released | 2015-07-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic Origins |
| Set code | ORI |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 30 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Bastien L. Deharme |
Key Takeaways
- It’s a repeated, board-controlling asset, essential for maintaining advantage each turn by limiting aggression.
- Versatile and valuable, Sentinel of the Eternal Watch synergizes well in decks focused on creature-based interactions.
- Knowledge of removal counters, including board wipes and non-targeting spells, is critical for overcoming Sentinel’s dominance.
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.) At the beginning of combat on each opponent's turn, tap target creature that player controls.
The portcullis is superfluous.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sentinel of the Eternal Watch is a vigourous tool in MTG as it establishes board control each turn by tapping target creature your opponent controls. This repetitive effect constrains your opponent’s offensive capabilities while maintaining your defensive posture, potential to create an incremental card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly accelerating resources, the Sentinel acts as a force multiplier. With its formidable presence, it allows for your other cards to be utilized with greater efficiency and can pave the way for a swift game conclusion, overall contributing to a more effective resource allocation.
Instant Speed: While Sentinel of the Eternal Watch is not an instant itself, its ability triggers during each opponent’s upkeep, simulating an instant-speed effect that continually restricts your opponent’s options. This allows you to keep the pressure up even when it’s not your turn, effectively using the clock as a resource to gain advantage in the long game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Sentinel of the Eternal Watch doesn’t ask for a card discard directly, it’s important to note that having cards with high mana costs might force players to discard other cards earlier in the game to keep a balanced hand.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Sentinel of the Eternal Watch, players need specific mana resources, which can make it challenging to fit into multi-color decks. Players need to manage their mana base carefully to ensure they can play the card when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With six mana to cast, which includes one white mana, Sentinel of the Eternal Watch can be a significant investment. In the current playing environment, there are other creatures or control spells that could be cast earlier, giving an advantage before the Sentinel can make an impact on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Sentinel of the Eternal Watch in Your Collection
Versatility: Sentinel of the Eternal Watch serves as a robust addition to any deck that capitalizes on controlling the battleground. Its vigilance attribute allows it to remain a steadfast defender, acting both as a deterrent to attackers and as a reliable blocker for protecting your life total.
Combo Potential: The card’s untap ability shines in combinations with other cards that either benefit from tapping and untapping creatures or need protection from potential threats. This makes Sentinel of the Eternal Watch a strategic piece in decks that hinge on synergistic creature abilities.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the shifting landscape of the meta, a card like Sentinel of the Eternal Watch holds its value by countering numerous creature-based strategies prevalent in the game. Its ability to neutralize the strongest opponent’s creature each turn makes it a noteworthy contender in any meta where creatures dominate the field.
How to beat
Sentinel of the Eternal Watch stands as a formidable presence in the realm of control cards within MTG. Its ability to lock down an opponent’s most formidable creature each turn can turn the tide in a drawn-out match. Facing off against this vigilant giant, players must consider strategies that circumvent or neutralize this significant threat.
Bypassing the Sentinel’s grasp can be achieved through effects that don’t target creatures or by deploying creatures with hexproof or protection from white. Board wipes like Wrath of God also prove devastating as they clear the sentinel alongside other threats, irrespective of indestructible or vigilance. Moreover, efficient removal spells like Doom Blade can dispatch the Sentinel before its ability becomes a major impediment, particularly because it doesn’t have hexproof or protection itself. Remember to prioritize threats and understand the Sentinel’s influence within your opponent’s strategy to determine the most opportune time for removal.
Ultimately, understanding the Sentinel’s strengths and weaknesses paves the way for tactical plays that can dismantle your opponent’s game plan. While the Watch may be eternal, your victory against it depends on well-timed counters and a solid knowledge of your removal options.
Cards like Sentinel of the Eternal Watch
Sentinel of the Eternal Watch stands as a notable creature within the realm of Magic: The Gathering, boasting a vigilant posture on the battlefield as well as control over opponents’ creatures. When considering cards with similar abilities, one might draw parallels to Nessian Courser. Although the Nessian Courser shares the same power and toughness, it lacks Sentinel of the Eternal Watch’s formidable ability to keep an opponent’s creature tapped during their upkeep. This unique trait gives the Sentinel a significant edge in maintaining board control.
Looking towards the Entangler, another creature that offers a method to incapacitate opponent’s assets, we see a different approach. The Entangler allows you to tap any number of creatures when it attacks, but unlike the Sentinel, it doesn’t offer a consistent lockdown. Vigilance isn’t inherent to the Entangler either, granting the Sentinel another advantage in being always ready for both offense and defense. Lastly, consideration may be given to Guardians of Meletis. While this defender provides a durable wall with a high toughness, the lack of offense and creature-controlling abilities puts it in a distinct category compared to the offensive and controlling Sentinel.
Ultimately, Sentinel of the Eternal Watch offers a blend of offense, defense, and tactical suppression that sets it apart, making it an exceptional choice in decks leveraging continuous control over the game state.
Cards similar to Sentinel of the Eternal Watch by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sentinel of the Eternal Watch MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins, 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 Sentinel of the Eternal Watch 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 Sentinel of the Eternal Watch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
