Sanctuary Warden MTG Card


Generates card advantage and upgrades board presence through additional cards and counters. Instant speed abilities allow strategic flexibility, impacting plays with surprise maneuvers. Versatility and combo potential make it a strong player in counter-centric deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Angel Soldier
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying Sanctuary Warden enters the battlefield with two shield counters on it. Whenever Sanctuary Warden enters the battlefield or attacks, you may remove a counter from a creature or planeswalker you control. If you do, draw a card and create a 1/1 green and white Citizen creature token.


Cards like Sanctuary Warden

Sanctuary Warden offers a mix of board presence and card advantage that is not commonly found in Magic: The Gathering. As a newcomer to the roster, it brings a unique twist on generating card value. When compared to Solemn Simulacrum, also known as Sad Robot, the Warden’s extra card draw linked to Exile tokens is a novel approach, diverging from the Simulacrum’s one-time land fetch and draw upon death.

Another parallel can be drawn with Tireless Tracker. Both cards excel in gaining incremental value as the game advances; however, Sanctuary Warden’s method of accruing advantage is less dependent on land drops and more on its activated ability involving Exile tokens. Contrastingly, while Tireless Tracker grows in power with each clue token, the Warden instead offers card draw without requiring the sacrifice of resources, setting it apart.

Ultimately, Sanctuary Warden’s dual functionality as a steady card draw engine and a formidable creature presents a compelling choice within the MTG universe. Its ability to maintain hand advantage while offering a substantial presence on the battlefield establishes its place in strategies that value long-term resource accumulation.

Solemn Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions
Solemn Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sanctuary Warden by color, type and mana cost

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Auriok Survivors - MTG Card versions
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Personal Incarnation - MTG Card versions
Pearl Dragon - MTG Card versions
Alabaster Dragon - MTG Card versions
Cho-Arrim Bruiser - MTG Card versions
Radiant Solar - MTG Card versions
Guardian Archon - MTG Card versions
Archon of Coronation - MTG Card versions
Shieldmage Elder - MTG Card versions
Gempalm Avenger - MTG Card versions
Noble Templar - MTG Card versions
Silverstorm Samurai - MTG Card versions
Oathsworn Giant - MTG Card versions
Kjeldoran Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Duskrider Peregrine - MTG Card versions
Crovax, Ascendant Hero - MTG Card versions
Lairwatch Giant - MTG Card versions
Spirit of the Hearth - MTG Card versions
Sun Titan - MTG Card versions
Auriok Survivors - MTG Card versions
Aegis Angel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sanctuary Warden. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov MidrangeStandard Challenge 64 2024-02-11
Orzhov AngelsOrzhov Angels StandardOrzhov AngelsTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 29, 2024
Orzhov ControlOrzhov Control StandardOrzhov MidrangeNRG Series $5,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Standard)
Mono-White ControlMono-White Control StandardMono-White ControlStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-31
Mono-White MidrangeMono-White Midrange StandardMono-White ControlGeek Central RCQ Round 6
Bant ComboBant Combo StandardBrokers AscendancyBOP! Standard Open
WBWB StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024
Domain ControlDomain Control StandardDomainDEN24 Sun 10:00 - Standard $5k Open 8-slot RCQ
Boros MidrangeBoros Midrange StandardBoros ControlJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro StandardOrzhov MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sanctuary Warden offers card advantage by providing an opportunity to generate additional cards. Utilizing its abilities can help you stay ahead of your opponent by ensuring you have more options as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: The card facilitates resource acceleration through its effects that can place counters or tokens on the battlefield. This aspect can be particularly useful in ramping up your board presence and providing the necessary mana to deploy other high-cost cards more quickly.

Instant Speed: The card’s activated abilities can be used at instant speed, providing you with the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves. This can catch opponents off guard and allow you to make strategic plays that can swing the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sanctuary Warden necessitates a card from your hand to be exiled, a steep price if your hand is already sparse.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of this card is intricately color-locked, requiring a precise blend of mana types which can complicate its integration into multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a substantial mana value of six, you may encounter other creatures or spells that could be more effective or provide a swifter impact on the gameplay.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sanctuary Warden is a powerhouse in decks looking for a dynamic defender. Not only does it offer a solid presence on the board with its imposing stats, but its ability to produce and manipulate +1/+1 counters makes it a flexible addition to numerous strategies.

Combo Potential: In the right setup, this card’s synergistic nature comes to life, particularly in counters-centric decks or with cards that benefit from or facilitate the use of +1/+1 counters. Its ability to create and use counters can unlock powerful combinations and escalate your board position rapidly.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment teeming with competitive play, Sanctuary Warden holds its own, especially as the meta shifts to favor creature-based tactics. Its robust defense and potential for growth make it a card that can adapt to a myriad of opponent strategies, cementing its place in a well-curated collection.


How to beat

Sanctuary Warden is an impactful card that players encounter in MTG, providing significant board presence with its capacity to create emblem tokens. However, even the most formidable cards have their Achilles’ heel. Overcoming Sanctuary Warden hinges on disrupting its emblem token generation strategy. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant that target artifacts are effective here, as they eliminate the tokens Sanctuary Warden relies on for defense and offense.

Moreover, employing removal spells that can bypass its protection mechanics, such as Bloodchief’s Thirst or Doom Blade in cases where it’s not indestructible, can directly tackle the Warden. Counterspells also play a vital role, preventing Sanctuary Warden from ever hitting the battlefield. Lastly, leveraging instant speed interactions allows players to act on their opponent’s turn, reducing the Warden’s impact and preserving their strategy for victory. These are practical steps that players can incorporate into their gameplay to confidently face and possibly defeat Sanctuary Warden in their MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay is akin to a grand duel of wits and strategy, where each card can tip the scales in your favor. Sanctuary Warden has shown potential as both an offensive and defensive asset, offering a dual threat of card advantage and board presence. The ability to activate at instant speed creates numerous tactical opportunities. Keep in mind its higher mana cost and the balance required in deck building, to fully exploit its strengths. Want to maximize your deck’s potential and gain the upper hand in your next clash? Dive deeper with us, and discover how Sanctuary Warden can be a linchpin in your MTG arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sanctuary Warden MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna Promos and Streets of New Capenna, 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 Sanctuary Warden and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sanctuary Warden Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 30s2015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
22022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 302015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
32022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 4432015NormalBlackJulie Dillon
42022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 30p2015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
52022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 3432015NormalBlackJulie Dillon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sanctuary Warden has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-04-29 A creature with a shield counter on it may still be destroyed by state-based actions if it has damage marked on it equal to its toughness or has been dealt unpreventable damage by a source with deathtouch.
2022-04-29 If a permanent that would be dealt damage has more than one shield counter on it, that damage is prevented and only one shield counter is removed.
2022-04-29 If a permanent with a shield counter is dealt unpreventable damage, that damage will be dealt and a shield counter will still be removed.
2022-04-29 Removing a shield counter in this way isn't the same as regenerating a creature.
2022-04-29 Sanctuary Warden's triggered ability allows you to remove any kind of counter, not just a shield counter.
2022-04-29 Shield counters don't prevent players from sacrificing creatures.
2022-04-29 “Shield” is not an ability that creatures have and shield counters are not keyword counters. If a creature with a shield counter loses its abilities, the shield counter will still protect it as normal.