Opal Archangel MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1998-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Saga |
| Set code | USG |
| Number | 23 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jeff Miracola |
Text of card
When one of your opponents successfully casts a creature spell, if Opal Archangel is an enchantment, Opal Archangel becomes a 5/5 creature with flying that counts as an Angel. Attacking does not cause Opal Archangel to tap.
Cards like Opal Archangel
Opal Archangel holds a unique position within the array of enchantments in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarity to cards like Ghostly Prison, which also provides a defensive utility by deterring attacks. Yet, the Archangel stands out with its transformative ability that converts it into a formidable creature when an opponent initiates an attack. In contrast, Ghostly Prison simply makes attacks more costly for opponents without altering its board state.
Looking at similar enchantment-creature hybrids, Myth Realized is another card worth mentioning. It allows players to build up its strength over time with each noncreature spell cast, but it lacks the immediate board impact Opal Archangel potentially offers. Conversely, Opal Archangel immediately presents a tangible threat once triggered. Another enchantment-creature card is Luminarch Ascension, which can create powerful Angel tokens, albeit with a condition tied to your opponents failing to damage you.
In essence, for those seeking an enchantment with the dual functionality of both deterring opponents and becoming an offensive asset, Opal Archangel is an excellent choice that aligns well with defensive strategies while having the capacity to turn the tide in MTG engagements.
Cards similar to Opal Archangel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Opal Archangel provides a unique advantage as it transforms into a potent creature, effectively providing you with an additional threat that doesn’t require a separate card or turn to cast.
Resource Acceleration: Although not direct in producing mana or tokens, Opal Archangel can be a form of resource acceleration by protecting your other resources. When it becomes a creature under specific conditions, it can deter attacks, saving you from using mana and cards on other defensive measures.
Instant Speed: One of the key aspects of Opal Archangel is its Vanguard ability, which operates at instant speed. This allows you to surprise your opponent by transforming it into a creature right before damage is dealt, which can drastically alter the course of a battle.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Opal Archangel mandates you to meet a specific condition before its transformation effect triggers, potentially leaving you waiting or orchestrating specific plays to get it to flip, which not always aligns with your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Costing a combination of white and generic mana, Opal Archangel can be somewhat restrictive. These mana requirements make it less flexible, especially if you’re playing a multicolor deck with a tight mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of five, including two white, it’s challenging to play Opal Archangel early in the game when you need to establish board presence. There are alternate creatures and enchantments with lower mana costs and potentially more immediate impacts on the game.
Reasons to Include Opal Archangel in Your Collection
Versatility: Opal Archangel is a unique card capable of transforming your game plan across various formats. With the ability to turn into a powerful creature upon the condition of being dealt damage, it adds a layer of defense and offensive might to strategies that can protect themselves for a turn or two.
Combo Potential: This card has great synergy with decks that can manipulate damage to trigger its transformation consistently. It can be a part of combos that revolve around preventing damage to creatures or using damage redirects to achieve a potent board presence.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where direct damage spells or abilities are prevalent, Opal Archangel can serve as both a deterrent and a swingy threat. Its presence in a collection is justified for players who participate in meta-games where its transformation can be regularly triggered, thereby impacting the board significantly.
How to beat
Opal Archangel is a unique creature card in MTG that brings an impactful twist to the battlefield. It has a special ability that might catch players off guard – the transformation into an Angel when a player is hit. This power to flip into a 5/5 flying, vigilance behemoth changes the dynamics of the game and poses a significant challenge for opponents. For those facing this celestial force, understanding how to neutralize it is crucial.
The key to overcoming Opal Archangel lies in preventing damage or dealing with the creature before it transforms. Removal spells that can bypass its protective veil or effects that nullify damage altogether are invaluable. This might involve a preemptive strike using instant speed removal or employing cards that limit combat damage, such as Ghostly Prison, to contain the Angel. Additionally, edict effects which force a player to sacrifice a creature can be a failsafe removal strategy, as they aren’t bothered by the Archangel’s imposing transformation. By strategically dismantling your opponent’s game plan or managing the battlefield, Opal Archangel becomes less of a game-ender and more of an obstacle you’re prepared to overcome.
In summary, MTG players can beat Opal Archangel by anticipating its transformation and employing smart, targeted removal strategies or preventative measures. With the right approach, this formidable creature can be handled effectively, allowing players to maintain control over the game’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Opal Archangel MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Opal Archangel 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Opal Archangel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Opal Archangel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It changes into a creature even if the spell is countered. |
| 2004-10-04 | It triggers when the spell is cast, which means it becomes a creature before that spell resolves. |
| 2004-10-04 | When it turns into a creature, it is no longer an enchantment. |
| 2008-04-01 | A “creature spell” is any spell with the type Creature, even if it has other types such as Artifact or Enchantment. Older cards of type Summon are also Creature spells. |
| 2008-08-01 | A noncreature permanent that turns into a creature can attack, and its abilities can be activated, only if its controller has continuously controlled that permanent since the beginning of their most recent turn. It doesn’t matter how long the permanent has been a creature. |
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.