Nemata, Grove Guardian MTG Card


Nemata Grove Guardian excels in creating an ongoing threat with its saproling-generation ability. It enables dynamic play through instant speed interactions and resource acceleration. Despite its power, the card’s efficiency can be challenged by its mana and discard demands.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Treefolk
Power 4
Toughness 5

Text of card

o G: Put a 1/1 green Saproling creature token into play. Sacrifice a Saproling: All Saprolings get +1/+1 until end of turn.


Cards like Nemata, Grove Guardian

Nemata, Grove Guardian stands out within its category of green creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Comparable to other green tokens generators, Nemata has the unique ability to produce 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens at will, which sets it apart from others like Tendershoot Dryad or Verdeloth the Ancient. Tendershoot Dryad, like Nemata, produces Saprolings but does so at each upkeep, offering less flexibility. Although Tendershoot Dryad also bolsters its Saprolings’ strength under certain conditions.

Another card in the discussion is Verdeloth the Ancient, which similarly strengthens your Saproling army and can make multiple tokens upon entry to the battlefield. However, Nemata allows continuous production without needing additional mana investment. Also, Nemata can sacrifice Saprolings for a sturdy +1/+1 boost to all other Saprolings, making it a formidable presence, unlike its counterparts. This sacrifice mechanic offers strategic depth, as it can turn a swarm of tokens into an urgent threat.

Overall, Nemata, Grove Guardian provides MTG players with impactful board presence and decision-making opportunities. When evaluating green token generators and the gameplay dynamics they inspire, Nemata proves its merit through its versatility in token creation and empowerment, making it a commanding force in decks geared towards token strategies.

Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Tendershoot Dryad - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nemata, Grove Guardian by color, type and mana cost

Gaea's Liege - MTG Card versions
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Fangren Pathcutter - MTG Card versions
Groffskithur - MTG Card versions
Gaea's Liege - MTG Card versions
Wiitigo - MTG Card versions
Autumn Willow - MTG Card versions
Ancient Silverback - MTG Card versions
Sulam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Verdeloth the Ancient - MTG Card versions
Gang of Elk - MTG Card versions
Kavu Howler - MTG Card versions
Crashing Centaur - MTG Card versions
Giant Warthog - MTG Card versions
Rhox - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the East Tree - MTG Card versions
Terra Stomper - MTG Card versions
Feral Throwback - MTG Card versions
Brontotherium - MTG Card versions
Elvish Aberration - MTG Card versions
Force of Nature - MTG Card versions
Craw Wurm - MTG Card versions
Fangren Pathcutter - MTG Card versions
Groffskithur - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nemata Grove Guardian can tap to create 1/1 Saproling creature tokens, which effectively translates into potentially endless card advantage by continually expanding your board presence without expending additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Nemata itself acts as a resource acceleration by leveraging the Saprolings you control. You can sacrifice a Saproling to give Nemata Grove Guardian +1/+1 until end of turn, turning each Saproling into a potential power boost, allowing you to adapt your tactics dynamically according to the game state.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Nemata allows you to create Saprolings at instant speed. This flexibility lets you wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to create tokens, keeping mana available for other instant speed interactions and responses during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nemata, Grove Guardian demands a discard when leveraging its saproling-generating ability. This can be a drawback when your hand size is already dwindling, as it pressures you to give up other potentially valuable plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card comes with a demand for green mana sources, which could restrict its integration into multi-color decks that may not have the resources to reliably satisfy this rigid mana requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that might be seen as steep for the creature’s base stats and abilities, Nemata, Grove Guardian might not always be the most mana-efficient option, especially in games where pacing and early board presence are crucial.


Reasons to Include Nemata Grove Guardian in Your Collection

Versatility: Nemata Grove Guardian is a flexible inclusion for decks focused on token strategies or commander games where board presence is crucial. Its ability to create saproling tokens makes it a solid choice for various game plans, ensuring a persistent threat on the board.

Combo Potential: With the right synergies, this card can become a powerhouse. It can be paired with cards that increase the potency of green creatures or those that benefit from sacrificing creatures, turning each saproling into a significant advantage.

Meta-Relevance: As the game shifts with new sets and strategies, a card like Nemata Grove Guardian maintains relevance. It’s particularly effective in environments where building a large board presence can be decisive, and it can often fly under the radar as a less-anticipated threat compared to flashier cards.


How to beat

Nemata, Grove Guardian presents a distinct challenge on the battlefield. This formidable card from Magic: The Gathering has the ability to produce saproling tokens, which can quickly overwhelm unprepared opponents. To counter this ever-growing threat, it’s important to disrupt the growth process. Removal of the Guardian before it ramps up its token production is key. Cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push work efficiently, especially when Nemata is not yet buffed with its saprolings.

Board wipes are also highly effective strategies against a swarm of tokens. A well-timed Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the field, negating the token advantage. Keeping an eye on mana availability can suppress Nemata’s potential as well. Preventative measures, such as land destruction or counterspells like Mana Leak, hinder the player’s ability to summon and sustain the Guardian in the first place. It’s a delicate balance of timing and resource management, but with the right approach, Nemata, Grove Guardian can be contained and conquered.


BurnMana Recommendations

Optimizing your MTG deck with a card like Nemata Grove Guardian could be a game-changer. Its ability to build a formidable army of Saprolings caters to a strategy of overwhelming opponents with sheer numbers. As your collection grows, including versatile cards that offer both a defensive bulwark and an offensive option expands your tactical horizon. To further develop your gameplay and explore innovative deck-building techniques, why not delve deeper into the potential that Nemata Grove Guardian offers? Unlock new synergies and strategies by adding Nemata to your arsenal, and let us guide you through the journey of becoming an adept MTG strategist.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nemata, Grove Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and The List, 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 Nemata, Grove Guardian and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Nemata, Grove Guardian Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by John Avon.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-02-05PlaneshiftPLS 851997NormalBlackJohn Avon
22020-09-26The ListPLST PLS-851997NormalBlackJohn Avon
32023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 3072015NormalBlackJohn Avon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nemata, Grove Guardian has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal