Serra MTG Card

Serra cards enable strong card advantage, crucial for sustaining momentum in games. They allow resource acceleration, particularly for angel-type spells and creatures. Designed for instant speed plays, Serra cards provide flexibility during combat.

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Vanguard Series
Set code	PVAN
Number	404
Frame	1993
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	Matthew D. Wilson

Text of card

All creatures you control get +0/+2.

Named for a benevolent goddess at birth, Serra fulfilled the prophecy of that goddess's coming. As a planeswalker, she embodies white mana and helps whole civilizations develop while both directly and indirectly inspiring countless individuals to be steadfast and strong in the service of light.

Cards like Serra

The Serra card represents a storied legacy in Magic: The Gathering as one of the first iconic angel-themed cards. Its nearest relatives in terms of functionality and flavor can be found in cards like Serra Angel, a classic creature card that shares the namesake and theme. Both cards exude the same angelic lore but Serra Angel is a creature card known for its vigilance and not requiring tapping to attack, ensuring defense readiness.

Serra Avatar is another relative, scaling its power and toughness with the player’s life total, reflecting the pervasive notion of justice and retribution that Serra cards embody within the game. Meanwhile, Serra Ascendant gives players a taste of raw power in the early game, offering life gain synergy and the potential to swiftly escalate into a major board presence as soon as life totals increase.

Despite the varying mechanics and roles in gameplay, the Serra themed cards continue to fascinate players with their unique blend of lore and powerful abilities, maintaining Serra’s enduring legacy within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering cards. They are treasured not just for their competitive edge but also for their deep connection to the game’s rich history.

Cards similar to Serra by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Serra cards are celebrated for their ability to generate card advantage, often through drawing cards or recurring key cards from the graveyard back to hand or battlefield. This capability ensures that players using Serra cards can stay ahead in the resource game and maintain pressure on the opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Many Serra-themed cards contribute to resource acceleration by allowing players to ramp their mana or reduce costs on angel spells. With the Serra motif strongly tied to the angel creature type, such acceleration can be pivotal in casting high-cost creatures sooner than usual and effectively changing the battlefield’s dynamic.

Instant Speed: Instant speed interactions in Serra cards give players the element of surprise and flexibility. Whether it is instant-speed removal, protection, or the classic Serra’s instant-speed combat tricks, these powerful interactions can turn the tide of a game with smart timing, retaining the player’s momentum and throwing the opponent off balance.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One potential downside to this card is the necessity to discard other cards to fully utilize its abilities. This can be particularly challenging for players who are already stretched thin on cards in hand, thereby diminishing their strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Serra cards often come with specific mana requirements that lean heavily on white mana. This can restrict the card’s inclusion in multi-colored decks and may demand a deck to be built around a white mana curve, potentially limiting deck diversity and flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investments in mana can be significant when it comes to Serra cards. The high mana cost can be a significant drawback, especially in fast-paced games where efficiency and speed are paramount. Players might find other options that provide similar benefits at a lower mana investment, allowing them to execute their strategy more effectively.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Serra cards offer a broad spectrum of utility for various deck builds. From supplying steadfast flying creatures to providing enchantments that bolster your squad, a Serra card can enhance both offensive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: Serra’s angels and related spells often synergize well with life-gain mechanics and other angelic-themed cards, nurturing powerful interactions and board presence that can swiftly shift the tide of gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: Given that angel decks, especially in the white color pie, hold a solid position in the meta, including Serra cards in your arsenal ensures that you have access to key pieces that interact effectively with many of the prevalent archetypes.

How to beat

Overcoming a Serra card in Magic: The Gathering often implies dealing with powerful flying creatures and potent life gain abilities. A seasoned player knows that these celestial beings can quickly become overwhelming if left unchecked on the battlefield. Facing such a card, you would be wise to incorporate ample removal spells in your deck. Creature-based strategies might struggle against the vigilance and size of Serra’s angels, so opt for direct removal like Murder or board wipes like Wrath of God to level the playing field.

A different approach involves undercutting the life gain strategy inherent to many decks that utilize Serra cards. Utilizing cards like Tainted Remedy can turn an opponent’s strength into a weakness, while Leyline of Punishment can shut down life gain entirely. Moreover, countering the high-cost spells Serra decks are known for with a well-timed Counterspell or Mana Leak will keep their board presence to a minimum. Always remember, timing and knowing when to play your disruption is just as important as the cards you include in your deck.

In encountering a Serra card, adaptability is key. Evaluate your resources, anticipate your opponent’s moves, and employ the right mix of removal, disruption, and counter measures to ensure victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Serra MTG card by a specific set like Vanguard Series, 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 Serra and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products