Rangers of Ithilien MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 517
2023-06-23 - Number 66
2023-06-23 - Number 353
2023-06-23 - Number 66s
2023-06-23 - Number 764
Text of card
Vigilance When Rangers of Ithilien enters the battlefield, gain control of up to one target creature with lesser power for as long as you control Rangers of Ithilien. Then the Ring tempts you.
"We have a new errand on this journey: to ambush the Men of Harad."
Cards like Rangers of Ithilien
The Rangers of Ithilien card provides a unique flair to creature decks in MTG. An apt comparison might be drawn with Elvish Visionary, which similarly brings card advantage upon entering the battlefield. While the Visionary is more cost-effective for its ability, focusing on drawing a card immediately, Rangers of Ithilien offer a more flexible approach, capable of setting up defenses while rewarding longer-term strategy.
Another card that echoes the utility of Rangers of Ithilien is Wall of Omens. This defender allows for an immediate card draw upon arrival. Although it shares the defensive capabilities, it doesn’t present the same offensive potential as Rangers of Ithilien, which can turn into attackers when needed. Then we have Palace Jailer, a card that also interacts with creature control and draws cards, albeit through monarch mechanics—highlighting an alternative method to manage the board and gain card advantage.
Scrutinizing these comparable options, it becomes clear that Rangers of Ithilien aligns well with cards intended for defensive strategies while offering adaptability to switch roles. Their multi-faceted utility within MTG solidifies them as a formidable choice for players looking to balance defense with opportunistic offense.
Cards similar to Rangers of Ithilien by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Rangers of Ithilien allows for efficient deck filtering by letting you look at the top cards of your library, ensuring that you get the cards you need when you need them. The ability to play with the top card of your deck revealed can also provide sustained card quality and advantage throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: This card synergizes well with decks that benefit from having a multitude of creatures on the battlefield, potentially ramping up your mana resources by accelerating the deployment of land cards, enabling you to outpace your opponent’s development.
Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by an instant-speed interaction cannot be understated; Rangers of Ithilien can surprise opponents by impacting the board unexpectedly during their turn or at the end of their turn to set up a pivotal play for your upcoming turn without compromising your mana needed for other instant-speed responses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To utilize Rangers of Ithilien to its fullest potential, players need to discard a card. This can be a strategic setback especially when your hand is dwindling and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Rangers of Ithilien’s demand for a precise mana configuration can be a deck-building puzzle. Its color combination aligns with a narrower archetype, potentially excluding it from various deck ideas.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When playing this card, the output may not match the investment since the mana cost is on the higher side. Savvy players often weigh options that can provide tactical advantages earlier in the game or at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include Rangers of Ithilien in Your Collection
Versatility: Rangers of Ithilien is a flexible card that can be seamlessly integrated into various green or multicolored decks. Its ability to interact with both creatures and lands allows it to adapt to multiple situations, whether you need board presence or land ramp.
Combo Potential: With the ability to untap lands, Rangers of Ithilien can be key in setting up combos that require a burst of mana. It also pairs well with abilities that trigger on creature casts or when lands are tapped for mana, enhancing intricate gameplay strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that’s filled with fast-paced aggro strategies or counterspell-heavy control decks, Rangers of Ithilien provides a robust option that can hold its ground. It can swiftly become a staple in your deck as it aligns well with the pace and demands of the current metagame.
How to beat
Rangers of Ithilien presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, offering strategic advantages that mirror the cunning of Gondor’s elite guardians. When facing this card, one must consider its ability to strengthen other creatures and provide a formidable presence. Therefore, overcoming this card demands a multifaceted approach.
Firstly, removal spells are highly effective. Since Rangers of Ithilien can tip the scales in your opponent’s favor, spot removal or board wipes can mitigate the threat. Options such as Doom Blade for individual threats, or Day of Judgment for a wider impact, become critical. Additionally, countering it upon casting denies its abilities outright, so keep your counterspells ready. It’s also worth considering the role of tempo plays. Setting back your opponent’s development with cards such as Unsummon or Bounce spells can hinder their plans and buy you time.
In summary, facing Rangers of Ithilien requires calculated measures, disrupting your opponent’s strategy while remaining vigilant of the card’s synergistic potential. By prioritizing its removal, countering its play, or delaying its impact, you can navigate around the strength of Rangers of Ithilien and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Rangers of Ithilien MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Rangers of Ithilien and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Printings
The Rangers of Ithilien Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Torgeir Fjereide.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 517 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 66 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
| 3 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 353 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
| 4 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Promos | PLTR | 66s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
| 5 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 764 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Rangers of Ithilien has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rangers of Ithilien card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-16 | As the Ring tempts you, you get an emblem named The Ring if you don't have one. Then your emblem gains its next ability and you choose a creature you control to become (or remain) your Ring-bearer. |
| 2023-06-16 | Each player can have only one emblem named The Ring and only one Ring-bearer at a time. |
| 2023-06-16 | Each time the Ring tempts you, you must choose a creature if you control one. |
| 2023-06-16 | If the creature you choose as your Ring-bearer was already your Ring-bearer, that still counts as choosing that creature as your Ring-bearer for the purpose of abilities that trigger "whenever you choose a creature as your Ring-bearer" or abilities that care about which creature was chosen as your Ring-bearer. |
| 2023-06-16 | If you gain control of a creature with the triggered ability, you can immediately choose that creature as your Ring-bearer as the Ring tempts you. |
| 2023-06-16 | Rangers of Ithilien's triggered ability lets you gain control of a creature if it has lesser power than Rangers of Ithilien at the time that you choose the target and at the time that the ability resolves. After that, it no longer matters what the creature's power is; you will continue to control it for as long as you control Rangers of Ithilien. |
| 2023-06-16 | Some spells and abilities that cause the Ring to tempt you may require targets. If each target chosen is an illegal target as that spell or ability tries to resolve, it won't resolve. The Ring won't tempt you. |
| 2023-06-16 | The Ring can tempt you even if you don't control a creature. In this case, abilities that trigger "whenever the Ring tempts you" will still trigger. |
| 2023-06-16 | The Ring gains its abilities in order from top to bottom. Once it gains an ability, it has that ability for the rest of the game. |
| 2023-06-16 | When Rangers of Ithilien's ability triggers, you can choose not to target a creature just to have the Ring tempt you. However, if you do choose a target, and that target is illegal at the time the ability tries to resolve, the ability won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. The Ring won't tempt you. |
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.