Pristine Angel MTG Card

Protection through its ability easily turns it into a persistent threat on the battlefield. Instant speed defensive capabilities make it a tactical asset during combat. Demands thoughtful play, as it requires specific mana and cards to maximize potential.

Darksteel (DST)
2004-02-06 - Number 9

Conspiracy (CNS)
2014-06-06 - Number 78

Commander 2019 (C19)
2019-08-23 - Number 70

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Angel
Abilities	Flying
Power	4
Toughness	4

Text of card

Flying As long as Pristine Angel is untapped, it has protection from artifacts and from all colors. Whenever you play a spell, you may untap Pristine Angel.

Cards like Pristine Angel

Pristine Angel offers a distinct blend of protection and attacking prowess in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Baneslayer Angel, both providing flying and an additional layer of defense. However, Pristine Angel stands out with its ability to become indestructible when it’s untapped, offering a unique tactical advantage. In contrast, Baneslayer Angel, while powerful, possesses lifelink and first strike but lacks the dynamic defensive mechanism of Pristine Angel.

Another card worth comparing is Serra Angel. Serra Angel also boasts vigilance and flying, yet does not have the same protective qualities. What makes Pristine Angel truly shine is not having to tap to attack, which allows it to ward off any dangers even when it’s on the offensive. This effectively maintains its indestructibility, unlike the classic Serra Angel, who is vulnerable after attacking.

In essence, while there are angels with similar attack and defense attributes in Magic: The Gathering, Pristine Angel’s ability to dodge spells and abilities while untapped certainly carves a niche for itself, especially in decks that value staying power on the battlefield.

Cards similar to Pristine Angel by color, type and mana cost

Personal Incarnation - MTG Card versions

Archon of Coronation - MTG Card versions

Crovax, Ascendant Hero - MTG Card versions

Spirit of the Hearth - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pristine Angel’s protection ability ensures that it can often avoid detrimental spells and effects, keeping it on the board longer. This can lead to card advantage as opponents are forced to use additional resources to deal with the angel.

Resource Acceleration: While Pristine Angel itself doesn’t directly provide mana, its mere presence can accelerate your game plan. By deterring attacks and requiring opponents to address it, you can strategically plan the use of your resources more effectively.

Instant Speed: One of Pristine Angel’s standout features is its capacity to gain protection at instant speed. Since it gains protection any time you cast a spell, it can effectively surprise attackers and blockers, usually preserving your key creature and sometimes leading to favorable combat scenarios.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside is the necessity to have a card to discard for enabling the untap feature of Pristine Angel. This stipulation can be cumbersome, particularly in the late game when your hand might be running low, potentially limiting its defensive capabilities.

Specific Mana Cost: Pristine Angel’s casting cost requires two white mana, making it somewhat restrictive and often confining it to mono-white or two-color decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Pristine Angel is on the higher end of the mana curve. Other creatures or cards may offer similar protection at a lower mana investment, potentially making Pristine Angel a less appealing option in faster-paced games.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Pristine Angel offers a dynamic defense mechanism, being able to slot seamlessly into decks that prioritize protection and evasion. Its ability to become untouchable while untapped can shore up defenses across various playing styles.

Combo Potential: This angel synergizes with cards that manipulate tapping and untapping, enabling a range of combos that can protect it or potentially untap it during your opponent’s turn, all the while keeping your defense solid.

Meta-Relevance: In environments fraught with targeted removal or creature-based strategies, Pristine Angel has the staying power to remain a relevant and persistent threat on the board, potentially turning the tide in your favor.

How to beat

Pristine Angel is a venerable creature among MTG’s vast array of cards, offering protection and aggression all in one. With its special ability to gain protection from all colors as long as it’s untapped, Pristine Angel can seem invincible at times. This potent defense mechanism can often leave opponents scrambling for answers. However, there are ways to circumvent the angel’s shield.

Cards that do not target, like global board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation, circumnavigate Pristine Angel’s protection by not singling it out. Additionally, using spells and abilities during the owner’s upkeep or end step, before the angel has the chance to attack and subsequently untap, can be a strategic moment to act. Moreover, enforcing a tap-down strategy with cards like Blinding Beam can keep the Angel perpetually vulnerable. The key is to anticipate the opportune moments and execute these options swiftly to ensure the Pristine Angel does not dominate the battlefield. Keeping versatility in your deck build and maintaining an understanding of your opponent’s strategies are vital components in claiming victory over this celestial adversary.

Eventually, with the right control elements and timing, Pristine Angel’s purity can be tarnished, turning what seems like an impregnable fortress into an overcoming triumph on your path to victory in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pristine Angel MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Conspiracy, 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 Pristine Angel and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pristine Angel Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2019-08-23. Illustrated by Scott M. Fischer.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2004-02-06	Darksteel	DST	9	2003	Normal	Black	Scott M. Fischer
2	2014-06-06	Conspiracy	CNS	78	2003	Normal	Black	Scott M. Fischer
3	2019-08-23	Commander 2019	C19	70	2015	Normal	Black	Scott M. Fischer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pristine Angel has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal