Roving Keep MTG Card

Roving Keep serves as both a resilient defender and a potential aggressor, altering typical game dynamics. Its high mana cost is a drawback, but strategically it can become an unexpected, significant threat. Adaptability and interaction with artifacts highlight Roving Keep’s unique place within certain deck types.

Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
2019-10-04 - Number 228

Jumpstart (JMP)
2020-07-17 - Number 480

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Wall
Abilities	Defender
Power	5
Toughness	7

Text of card

Defender : Roving Keep gets +2/+0 and gains trample until end of turn. It can attack this turn as though it didn't have defender.

"It wandered slowly across the landscape, calling out in its lonely voice, but no other castles answered its cries." —*Beyond the Great Henge*

Cards like Roving Keep

Within the expansive universe of MTG, the Roving Keep stands out as a unique creature card owing to its sheer size and the defender keyword. This formidable artifact creature card is akin to other massive units like the Wall of Stone which possesses a similar defensive focus boasting a solid structure to bolster your defenses. The key difference, though, lies in Roving Keep’s ability to become a proactive threat with its seven power level, given the right circumstances and mana investment.

Another card bearing resemblance is the Colossus of Akros, a behemoth in its own right. It shares the defender keyword and the potential to turn into a massive attacker. However, the Colossus steps ahead with its indestructible quality and the prowess to double its might, becoming virtually an unstoppable force. Whereas Roving Keep requires a strategic approach, taking into account the balance between its activation cost and the final push for a towering offensive move.

Comparatively, while Roving Keep may not have the intrinsic indestructibility or self-doubling capabilities of some peers, its blend of defensive posture and possible offensive transformation makes it a notable card among high-toughness creature strategies in MTG.

Cards similar to Roving Keep by color, type and mana cost

Mishra's War Machine - MTG Card versions

Death-Mask Duplicant - MTG Card versions

Pilgrim of the Fires - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Despite not directly allowing draw, Roving Keep’s ability to become an attacking creature without tapping can put your opponents on the defense, effectively forcing them to deal with it and potentially leading to advantageous board states for you.

Resource Acceleration: Although Roving Keep itself doesn’t accelerate resources, its presence synergizes well with strategies that do. Deploying it early can deter opponents from attacking, buying you time to ramp up your resources unhindered.

Instant Speed: Roving Keep doesn’t function at instant speed, but its activation can be used at the end of your opponent’s turn, surprising them by transforming what appeared to be a passive board position into an aggressive stance for your next turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though not relevant to Roving Keep, other cards may suffer from this drawback, affecting hand advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Roving Keep asks for a precise mana alignment with seven colorless, which can be a challenge in multicolored decks seeking to capitalize on diverse mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a steep seven mana to summon, Roving Keep competes with other late-game titans that might present more immediate board influence or utility.

Reasons to Include Roving Keep in Your Collection

Versatility: Roving Keep is a unique inclusion for decks that are looking for a formidable defensive option that can also turn into an offensive powerhouse. Its ability to become an 8/8 creature with trample ensures that it has a place in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s potential lies in its synergy with various artifact interactions and its ability to surprise opponents by transforming into a heavy hitter later in the game. It works well with mechanics that animate artifacts or modify creature stats.

Meta-Relevance: With the right setup, Roving Keep has the capability to stand against popular aggressive decks. Its solid stature on the battlefield makes it a noteworthy consideration for decks that aim to stall the game and win with late-game threats.

How to beat

Roving Keep presents a unique challenge in the battlefield with its massive structure and potential to become a heavy-hitting creature in Magic: The Gathering. However, defeating this card is not impossible. Players can turn the tide by using creature removal spells, such as Murder or Doom Blade, which can swiftly take the Keep out of play. Efficient mana usage is key when facing creatures like Roving Keep that require significant investment to become a substantial threat.

Board wipes are another reliable strategy. Utilizing spells like Wrath of God or Day of Judgment can clear the board of all creatures, including powerful animations like the Roving Keep, regardless of its size or abilities once it’s animated. Always be mindful of your mana pool, and keep control spells handy to neutralize this card before your opponent has an opportunity to capitalize on its siege capabilities. Adjusting your deck to include versatile and cost-effective solutions will ensure you’re well-equipped to dismantle Roving Keep and secure victory.

Lastly, keeping the creature tapped and unable to attack or block with cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia can immobilize the Keep, rendering it ineffective as both an offensive and defensive tool. This allows you to navigate around this formidable fortress and focus on advancing your own game plan for the win.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Roving Keep MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Jumpstart, 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 Roving Keep and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Roving Keep Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2019-10-04	Throne of Eldraine	ELD		228	2015	Normal	Black	Svetlin Velinov
2	2020-07-17	Jumpstart	JMP		480	2015	Normal	Black	Svetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Roving Keep has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal