Paladin of Predation MTG Card


The card supplements land drops and sustains card advantage with each attack it makes. Accelerating mana resources, it can give players crucial early advantages in the game. Demanding immediate responses, it maintains a persistent threat during combat phases.
Paladin of Predation - Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Phyrexian Knight
Abilities Toxic
Released2023-02-03
Set symbol
Set namePhyrexia: All Will Be One
Set codeONE
Power 6
Toughness 7
Number178
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLorenzo Mastroianni

Text of card

Toxic 6 (Players dealt combat damage by this creature also get six poison counters.) Paladin of Predation can't be blocked by creatures with power 2 or less.

The strategies and politics of the Vicious Swarm are as subtle as Vorinclex himself.


Cards like Paladin of Predation

The Paladin of Predation is a novel entrant into the arena of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. This card stands tall in the venerated knight archetype, reminiscent of the history-steeped Silverblade Paladin which also shared similar combat abilities. However, Paladin of Predation forges its own path with a unique twist on power and toughness dynamics. It brings an adaptive edge based on the number of enchantments in play, distinguishing itself from the static power of Silverblade Paladin.

Comparatively, Gideon’s Avenger draws a parallel as another creature that thrives in growing its attack capability. The Avenger gains strength through tapped creatures your opponents control, creating an imposing threat on the battlefield. While Paladin of Predation focuses on enchantment count, Gideon’s Avenger looks towards the strategic movements of adversaries, both fostering a buildup of force during the skirmish.

Delving deeper into the repertoire, Knight Exemplar is another creature casting a shadow over the discussion. It not only boosts fellow knights but also grants them indestructibility. In a game where board wipes are common, indestructibility is invaluable. Paladin of Predation may not offer such wide-reaching protection but excels in personal combat prowess, fueled by enchantment prevalence.

When evaluating these cards collectively, Paladin of Predation stands out for its potential to both escalate in force and influence enchantment strategies, marking its territory among the elite in creature-based MTG decks.

Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Avenger - MTG Card versions
Knight Exemplar - MTG Card versions
Silverblade Paladin - MTG Card versions
Gideon's Avenger - MTG Card versions
Knight Exemplar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Paladin of Predation by color, type and mana cost

Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Gladehart Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Regal Force - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions
Thorn Elemental - MTG Card versions
Penumbra Wurm - MTG Card versions
Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions
Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions
Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions
Cultivator Colossus - MTG Card versions
Garruk's Horde - MTG Card versions
Krosan Tusker - MTG Card versions
Avenger of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Gladehart Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Hundroog - MTG Card versions
Enormous Baloth - MTG Card versions
Ancient Ooze - MTG Card versions
Cytospawn Shambler - MTG Card versions
Panglacial Wurm - MTG Card versions
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Duskdale Wurm - MTG Card versions
Regal Force - MTG Card versions
Pelakka Wurm - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: One of the shining benefits of Paladin of Predation is that each time it attacks, it provides the opportunity to play a land from the exiled cards, bolstering your land drops and helping you maintain card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: The Paladin of Predation helps ramp up your resources by potentially giving you an extra land each turn. This steady increment of lands accelerates your game by increasing the mana you have at your disposal for casting more impactful spells sooner.

Instant Speed: Though Paladin of Predation does not operate at instant speed, its ability to exert pressure each combat phase compensates by forcing your opponent to have an answer ready at all times, lest they fall behind on board presence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Paladin of Predation requires you to part with another card from your hand. This additional cost can set you back especially when you’re already grappling with scant resources during crucial gameplay moments.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a specific mana cost that involves green, this card may not smoothly transition into every deck archetype. Players focusing on a multicolored base or non-green strategies might find integrating it a tad challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Paladin of Predation is quite hefty. As players navigate through the mana curve of their deck, they may encounter other creatures or spells that yield more impact or versatility for a similar, if not lower, mana cost.


Reasons to Include Paladin of Predation in Your Collection

Versatility: Paladin of Predation offers a flexible role in many deck types with its mix of offensive capabilities and life gain. It’s an excellent choice for players building decks centered around Creature strategies or Lifegain themes.

Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics that reward you for gaining life or dealing combat damage. Its ability to potentially disrupt opponents by eating enchantments also opens up synergies with graveyard play.

Meta-Relevance: To adapt to an environment where enchantments are prevalent, Paladin of Predation can serve as a strategic piece to control the board state. Its capacity for consistent pressure and life gain keeps you firm against various oppositions.


How to beat

Paladin of Predation presents an intriguing challenge in the current MTG meta. As a creature that can be difficult to remove due to hexproof from white, players must carefully strategize to overcome its defenses. The key is to leverage removal spells that don’t target or to utilize board wipes that affect all creatures, regardless of their protections. Cards like Wrath of God or Doomskar are excellent examples of such mechanics in action.

Another strategy is to use creatures with deathtouch or those that can force a block, thus circumventing the hexproof ability. Cards that alter combat scenarios, like those that grant menace to force adversarial double blocks, can also be effective. Lastly, countering the Paladin upon casting by using spells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can prevent it from becoming a threat on the battlefield entirely.

In dealing with such formidable cards as Paladin of Predation, it’s essential to plan and have various responses ready. By preparing your deck to handle problematic cards, you enhance your gameplay and adaptability, ensuring you stay at the top of your game in MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the tactical play of MTG with cards like Paladin of Predation that offer more than just brute force. Understand the pros and cons of integrating such a dynamic card into your deck. Enhance your mana acceleration, press your opponents with relentless attacks, and adapt to enchantment-heavy metas to maintain superiority. Tackle the challenges this card poses by preparing versatile removal strategies and elevating your deckbuilding craftsmanship. Whether you’re tweaking your collection or preparing for competitive play, let Paladin of Predation guide your strategy to new heights. Ready for advanced insights and tips? Follow us to enrich your MTG gameplay experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Paladin of Predation MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Paladin of Predation and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Paladin of Predation has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-02-04 A player with ten or more poison counters loses the game. This is a state-based action and doesn't use the stack. In other words, it happens immediately and players can't respond to it, just like a player losing the game due to having 0 or less life.
2023-02-04 Any other effects of that damage, such as life gain from lifelink, still apply.
2023-02-04 Conversely, replacement effects that apply to the number of counters put on a player can modify the counters placed this way. For example, Vorinclex, Monstrous Raider's last two abilities can apply to counters placed this way.
2023-02-04 Damage dealt by a creature with toxic grants the same number of counters regardless of how much damage is dealt. Notably, if a replacement effect modifies the damage in some way (such as that of Gratuitous Violence), the number of counters given remains unchanged.
2023-02-04 If a creature with toxic deals combat damage to a creature or planeswalker, or if it deals noncombat damage, toxic has no effect and no player gets poison counters.
2023-02-04 Multiple instances of toxic are cumulative. For example, if a creature has toxic 2 and gains toxic 1 due to another effect, combat damage that creature deals to a player will cause that player to get 3 poison counters.
2023-02-04 Once it has become blocked, reducing the power of a creature blocking Paladin of Predation to less than 2 won't cause it to become unblocked.
2023-02-04 Toxic doesn't change the amount of combat damage a creature deals. For example, if a 2/2 creature with toxic 1 deals combat damage to a player, that creature will deal 2 damage. The results of that damage are the player loses 2 life and gets a poison counter.