Mirror-Shield Hoplite MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Vigilance |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 247 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alex Brock |
Text of card
Vigilance Whenever a creature you control becomes the target of a backup ability, copy that ability. You may choose new targets for the copy. This ability triggers only once each turn.
In the shield's gleaming surface, the Phyrexian saw a reflection of what it once had been, and paused.
Cards like Mirror-Shield Hoplite
The Mirror-Shield Hoplite brings a unique edge to creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its comparison with similar cards shows a distinct tactical advantage, particularly in its ability to thwart creatures with deathtouch. Gideon’s Lawkeeper is a card that shares the mechanism of controlling combat by disabling a target creature. However, Mirror-Shield Hoplite goes a step further by also protecting itself and other creatures from deathly touches.
Sunweb offers a different kind of protection with its flying-centric defensive capabilities, useful against decks reliant on aerial assaults. Still, it doesn’t provide the same level of versatility as the Hoplite. A more direct comparison is made with Guardian of the Ages, which, like the Hoplite, becomes a robust offensive force when triggered but lacks the initial reactive defense against deathtouch.
In summary, the value of Mirror-Shield Hoplite becomes clear when contrasted with these counterparts. It holds its own as a defensive asset, capable of turning the tides in your favor with its proactive protection against one of the game’s deadliest mechanics, making it a noteworthy card for players to consider in their MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Mirror-Shield Hoplite by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mirror-Shield Hoplite’s ability can potentially offer card advantage by neutralizing opposing threats without losing cards from your own hand. This creates an opportunity to outpace opponents in resources over time.
Resource Acceleration: Although Mirror-Shield Hoplite doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, ensuring the battlefield remains clear of powerful enemy creatures can indirectly accelerate your game plan by leaving your resources unthreatened.
Instant Speed: The ability of Mirror-Shield Hoplite to trigger at instant speed gives players the flexibility to respond to threats or opportunities swiftly. This adaptability is key in game situations where timing can be as crucial as the plays themselves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mirror-Shield Hoplite comes with a caveat – discarding a card as part of its casting condition. This can put players at a disadvantage, especially when hand size is already diminished, and the ability to hold onto crucial cards is vital to maintaining an upper hand in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Mirror-Shield Hoplite includes white mana, which requires a commitment to that color and potentially limits deck compatibility. Players running multicolored or off-theme decks might find it challenging to consistently meet the mana requirement for this card.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep mana cost for its abilities, Mirror-Shield Hoplite may not always be the optimal choice for players seeking value. There are other options in the game that could offer similar or better effects for less mana, making those cards potentially more desirable choices in competitive play.
Reasons to Include Mirror-Shield Hoplite in Your Collection
Versatility: Mirror-Shield Hoplite can serve as a defensive staple in your deck by easily synergizing with equipment and aura strategies. Its ability to become a potent blocker can fit into any deck that prioritizes protection for valuable creatures or seeks to stall the opponent’s offensive.
Combo Potential: With its capability to be equipped or enchanted, Mirror-Shield Hoplite can be part of intricate combos, transforming into a significant threat or a tactical asset. Pairing it with cards that capitalize on hexproof or protection from certain colors can produce an unrivaled battlefield presence.
Meta-Relevance: Given a meta where creature interaction is crucial, Mirror-Shield Hoplite’s inherent abilities make it a relevant card. Capable of deflecting the power of targeted removal spells, it ensures your key creatures survive while enabling a counter attack against prevalent adversary strategies.
How to Beat Mirror-Shield Hoplite
In navigating the challenges of Magic: The Gathering, encountering a Mirror-Shield Hoplite can present a unique puzzle. This card is designed with hexproof, a staple for those looking to fortify their creatures against targeted spells. Much like its mythological inspiration, the Hoplite is robust and presents a sturdy defense. However, this isn’t to suggest that the card is unbeatable. There are strategies to circumvent its protections.
To tackle a Mirror-Shield Hoplite effectively, one must shift focus to board-wide effects. Spells or abilities that affect all creatures generally bypass hexproof, rendering the Hoplite’s primary defense less effective. Sweeper spells like Wrath of God or the more nuanced Settle the Wreckage are pivotal in these scenarios. Additionally, leveraging combat tricks or forcing unfavorable blocks can diminish the Hoplite’s board presence, especially if you can turn the Hoplite’s strength in defense into a liability.
Adept players will recognize that the key to overcoming such obstacles lies in flexibility and resourcefulness within their deck construction and in-game tactics. By preparing for a variety of challenges, including hexproof-wielding creatures, you can ensure that the Mirror-Shield Hoplite doesn’t hinder your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mirror-Shield Hoplite MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Mirror-Shield Hoplite and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mirror-Shield Hoplite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mirror-Shield Hoplite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | Backup confers only abilities that are actually printed below it. Any abilities that are gained by the permanent are ignored, including abilities gained due to a resolving spell or ability or copy effects. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a backup ability causes another creature to gain abilities, the creature with backup will still have those abilities. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a backup ability targets the creature with backup, that creature will get +1/+1 counters, but it won’t gain additional abilities. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a creature other than the creature with backup ends up as the target of both the backup ability and the copy, it will end up with two +1/+1 counters and it will gain the non-backup abilities twice. In some cases, the duplicate abilities will be redundant (two instances of flying, for example). However, if it picks up two triggered abilities, for example, those abilities trigger independently. |
| 2023-04-14 | If a permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a card with a backup ability or a token is created that is a copy of that card, the order of the printed abilities is maintained. |
| 2023-04-14 | The abilities that backup grants to the target creature are determined only once, at the time the ability triggers. They won’t change if the permanent with backup loses any abilities before the backup ability resolves. |
| 2023-04-14 | The source of the copy is the same as the source of the original backup ability. If the creature that ends up as the target of the copy is that original creature with backup, it will get a +1/+1 counter, but it won’t gain any abilities. If it’s a creature other than that original creature, it will get a +1/+1 counter and gain abilities. |
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.