Oltec Cloud Guard MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 28 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Evyn Fong |
Text of card
Flying When Oltec Cloud Guard enters the battlefield, create a 1/1 colorless Gnome artifact creature token.
Many Oltec youth dream of one day joining the elite bat-riding cavalry of the Thousand Moons military force.
Cards like Oltec Cloud Guard
The Oltec Cloud Guard adds strategic defense to a player’s aerial arsenal in Magic: The Gathering. It shares kinship with cards like Welkin Tern, which also features the flying ability and serves as an excellent blocker in the air. However, Oltec Cloud Guard offers a larger stat line, providing more durability on the battlefield compared to the Tern’s fragile nature.
In parallel, we spot the Concordia Pegasus, another creature that takes to the skies. The Pegasus also boasts flying, though it carries a modest stats profile. What makes the Cloud Guard stand out is its sturdier presence, able to withstand more substantial hits and stay aloft. Not to be overlooked is Azorius Knight-Arbiter, with a similar defensive role but touting vigilance alongside flying. The Knight-Arbiter can be indispensable with its uninterrupted offensive and defensive capabilities, a feature the straightforward Cloud Guard does not possess.
Ultimately, when comparing functionality and board impact, Oltec Cloud Guard serves as a reliable airborne bulwark. It confidently claims its spot among Magic: The Gathering creatures that both shield the skies and press an attack when called upon, making it a valued pick for its robustness and cost efficiency.
Cards similar to Oltec Cloud Guard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Oltec Cloud Guard offers a tactical benefit by providing potential card draw. In the dynamic environment of a match, drawing additional cards can lead to a more versatile and reactive strategy.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be a catalyst for resource acceleration, especially in decks that capitalize on flying creatures. Efficiently developing your board presence can pivot the momentum in your favor.
Instant Speed: The capability to flash in Oltec Cloud Guard gives you the freedom to optimize your turn structure. This allows for strategic maneuvers, aligning your defenses at the most opportune moments without compromising the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Oltec Cloud Guard’s playability may be hindered by its discard requirement, meaning you’ll have to sacrifice another card in hand, potentially depleting your options too early in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a particular combination of mana to cast, Oltec Cloud Guard can pose a challenge in multicolored decks that might struggle to produce the necessary mana at a crucial time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side for its abilities, you might find that Oltec Cloud Guard competes for a play slot against other cards with more impactful presence or lower cost, affecting its inclusion in a finely tuned deck.
Reasons to Include Oltec Cloud Guard in Your Collection
Versatility: Oltec Cloud Guard serves as a multi-role player in decks. Its ability to control the skies acts both as a defender and an evasive attacker, fitting seamlessly into various deck builds that aim for robust battlefield presence.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations that capitalize on flying creatures. Its synergies with buffs and enchantments that target flyers can make it a linchpin in an aerial assault strategy or a defensive lynchpin against opponents with similar tactics.
Meta-Relevance: Given its cost-effectiveness and role in managing the battlefield, Oltec Cloud Guard holds its own in many metas, particularly if flying creatures or control decks are prevalent, by offering a reliable and accessible creature option.
How to beat
Oltec Cloud Guard presents itself as a sturdy contender in the realm of flying defenders within Magic: The Gathering. Its capacity to block other flying creatures makes it a tactical obstacle, specifically in formats where aerial threats are common. Yet, despite its fortitude in the skies, this card has vulnerabilities that can be exploited by resourceful players.
To effectively counter Oltec Cloud Guard, it’s advisable to have removal spells that don’t rely on targeting creatures with flying, as this guardian’s strength is in air defense. Cards with “destroy all creatures” effects, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, circumvent its flying capability altogether. Including spells in your deck that can deal damage regardless of creature abilities or that can change the battlefield’s dynamics, like Languish or Blasphemous Act, provides a strategic advantage over decks relying on this particular guardian.
Moreover, utilizing non-flying creatures with the “reach” ability can be a methodical choice, bridging the gap in defense against flying threats. Ultimately, when constructing a deck, it’s crucial to anticipate aerial defenses like Oltec Cloud Guard and include versatile solutions that maintain your momentum in varied gameplay scenarios.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oltec Cloud Guard MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Oltec Cloud Guard and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oltec Cloud Guard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |