Herald of War MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Angel
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Herald of War enables casting powerful spells by reducing mana costs for Angel and Human types.
  2. It acts as a resource accelerator, allowing players more strategic freedom with their mana.
  3. Though not instant, it affords pseudo-instant speed advantages, optimizing creature cast timing.

Text of card

Flying Whenever Herald of War attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on it. Angel spells and Human spells you cast cost less to cast for each +1/+1 counter on Herald of War.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Herald of War, once on the battlefield, can pave the way for a significant card advantage. As you deploy more creatures, especially Angel and Human types, its ability to reduce mana costs allows you to play an additional creature or potentially more powerful spells that would normally be out of reach. Slashing the mana required opens opportunities to extend the number of threats on the board, overwhelming opponents with a flurry of activity and bolstering your positions both defensively and offensively.

Resource Acceleration: This card acts as a resource accelerator by lessening the mana cost for successive creatures. Each attack not only pressures the opponent but also strategically invests in future turns, granting you more leeway with your resources. This kind of cost reduction can be a game-changer, enabling you to allocate mana originally destined for creature spells to other disruptive or protective uses, giving you an edge over your competition.

Instant Speed: While Herald of War itself is not an instant-speed spell, the reduced mana costs it provides can allow you to keep your mana untapped longer, waiting for the perfect moment to cast your creatures. This results in a form of pseudo-instant speed advantage, as you’re able to deploy threats or responses with increased flexibility in timing—a strategic boon for any player looking to optimize their gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For players aiming to get Herald of War on the field, not having a card based drawback might seem like an upside. However, commanders that synergize with discard mechanics miss out on potential strategy depth and advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Herald of War requires a combination of generic and white mana which can restrict its integration into multicolor decks that aren’t heavily weighted towards white. This can be limiting in terms of deck building flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of five, including three generic and two white mana, Herald of War can be a substantial investment early in the game. Considering its abilities, it might not immediately impact the board compared to other creatures or spells at a similar cost.


Reasons to Include Herald of War in Your Collection

Versatility: Herald of War’s ability to lessen the mana cost for Angel and Human spells can be an integral part of decks focusing on these tribal synergies. Its versatility lies in the smooth casting of typically high-cost creatures earlier in the game.

Combo Potential: As Herald of War accumulates +1/+1 counters with each attack, it grows not just in power but also in its potential to lead to explosive plays. Pair it with cards that benefit from creature buffs or counters to unlock powerful combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tribal decks are prevalent, the Herald secures its spot. Its cost-reduction ability can give an edge in casting pivotal spells more quickly, making it a valuable asset when facing opponents with similar strategies.


How to beat

Herald of War is a unique card in the MTG realm, bringing a dynamic edge to decks revolving around Human and Angel spell types. Its ability to reduce casting costs can swiftly turn the tide of a game, enabling a swift deployment of formidable creatures that could overwhelm an unprepared opponent. To effectively counteract Herald of War, key tactics revolve around control measures. Removal spells are the cornerstone here, swiftly dispatching the Herald before the cost reduction becomes impactful. It’s essential to keep instant-speed removal like Path to Exile or Go for the Throat at the ready, ensuring that there’s little to no opportunity for advantage gain.

In decks that lack targeted removal, the key lies in undercutting the Herald’s influence through board wipes. A well-timed Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, nullifying the Herald’s ability. For those focusing on countermagic, a simple Negate or Counterspell can prevent the Herald from entering the battlefield in the first place. In summary, efficient removal and strategic countering are the hallmarks of overcoming the otherwise cascading advantage presented by Herald of War in MTG contests.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Herald of War is a beacon of potential for your MTG deck, effortlessly blending resource acceleration with engrossing gameplay. For decks focused on Angel and Human synergies, its mana cost-reduction prowess could be the cornerstone of a victorious strategy. Staying ahead of the curve by outpacing your opponent’s board development is invaluable, and Herald of War provides that edge. Understanding its interactions and optimal use are key. Looking to master the intricate playstyles it enables and elevate your game? Join our MTG community for insights, strategies, and in-depth analysis to harness the full might of Herald of War in your next encounter.


Cards like Herald of War

Herald of War is an engaging presence on the battlefield within Magic: The Gathering. It sails into the skies alongside other angelic creatures such as Baneslayer Angel, both boasting powerful abilities. Yet, Herald of War stands out with its unique cost-reduction effect, accruing counters with each attack that make your Angel and Human spells cheaper. Baneslayer Angel, for instance, lacks this utility, instead offering lifelink and protection from demons and dragons.

Angelic Overseer is another celestial counterpart, sharing the Human synergies. It gains indestructible and hexproof as long as you control a Human, unlike Herald of War which focuses on bolstering your army’s deployment by reducing mana costs. Then there’s Seraph Sanctuary, a land card that provides a life-gain trigger whenever an Angel enters the battlefield. While not a creature itself, in decks leveraging Angel synergies, it enhances longevity but doesn’t assist in the casting of high-cost creatures as Herald of War does.

By comparing Herald of War to these similar cards, it’s clear that its ability to make Angels and Humans more affordable over time adds a strategic layer to MTG deck building, particularly in commander formats where casting multiple creatures swiftly can be game-deciding.

Baneslayer Angel - MTG Card versions
Angelic Overseer - MTG Card versions
Seraph Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Baneslayer Angel - Magic 2010 (M10)
Angelic Overseer - Innistrad (ISD)
Seraph Sanctuary - Avacyn Restored (AVR)

Cards similar to Herald of War by color, type and mana cost

Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Rashida Scalebane - Mirage (MIR)
Avenging Angel - Tempest (TMP)
Lancers en-Kor - Stronghold (STH)
Radiant, Archangel - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Karmic Guide - Forgotten Realms Commander (AFC)
Master Healer - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Angel of Mercy - The List (PLST)
Serra Angel - Commander Anthology (CMA)
Border Patrol - Judgment (JUD)
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Sigardian Savior - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Glory - World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)
Celestial Gatekeeper - Legions (LGN)
Collector Protector - Unhinged (UNH)
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - Saviors of Kamigawa Promos (PSOK)
Belfry Spirit - Guildpact (GPT)
Petra Sphinx - Masters Edition (ME1)
Barrenton Medic - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Ivory Gargoyle - Masters Edition II (ME2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Herald of War MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Midnight Hunt Commander, 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 Herald of War and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Herald of War Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2021-09-24. Illustrated by Eric Deschamps.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 242003normalblackEric Deschamps
22021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 862015normalblackEric Deschamps

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Herald of War has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2012-05-01 A creature spell that's both an Angel and a Human will cost less to cast for each +1/+1 counter on Herald of War.
2012-05-01 If there are additional costs to cast a creature spell, such as a kicker cost, apply those increases before applying cost reductions.
2012-05-01 The +1/+1 counter is put on Herald of War before blockers are declared and combat damage is dealt.
2012-05-01 The cost reduction is based on the total number of +1/+1 counters on Herald of War, not just the ones put on it by its own ability.

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