Serra Angel MTG Card
Text of card
Flying Does not tap when attacking.
Born with wings of light and a sword of faith, this heavenly incarnation embodies both fury and purity.
Cards like Serra Angel
Serra Angel stands as an iconic figure in Magic: The Gathering, renowned for its ability to attack without tapping. It shares traits with other vigilant creatures such as Baneslayer Angel, which also flies and possesses first strike and lifelink, enhancing board presence. However, Serra Angel is a more cost-efficient option for players aiming for a balanced approach.
Examining the vigilant roster further, we come across Aerial Responder, which, like Serra Angel, has vigilance and flying. Aerial Responder comes with lifelink as well, yet it’s a smaller creature compared to the robust stats of Serra Angel. Conversely, Archangel of Thune also exhibits vigilance and flying but adds a potent ability to strengthen your other creatures whenever you gain life.
In essence, while there are many vigilant flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Serra Angel is distinguished by its historic relevance and still resonates as a formidable choice for players who value endurance and tactical aggressiveness on the battlefield without sacrificing defensive readiness. It remains a steadfast option in decks where reliability and a balanced offense-defense strategy are key.
Cards similar to Serra Angel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Serra Angel card shines in maintaining board presence, forcing opponents to deal with it or face continuous damage. Being a formidable flyer allows it to evade many common ground-based defenses and often requires specific answers from opponents, costing them card resources while you maintain your angelic avenger.
Resource Acceleration: While Serra Angel itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its vigilant nature means it does not need to tap when attacking. This attribute potentially frees up mana and other resources that you can use for different plays during your turn, keeping the pressure on your opponent while advancing your board state.
Instant Speed: Serra Angel may not have instant speed, but its impact is certainly felt immediately upon entering the battlefield. Its ability to attack without tapping makes it an immediate threat that needs to be answered, which can shift the tempo of the game in your favor and make for some powerful strategic plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not a facet of Serra Angel itself, playing this iconic card may require strategic hand management. Preparing the necessary mana might lead you to discard other valuable cards to maintain a pace in the game—a decision that can sometimes backfire if not well calculated.
Specific Mana Cost: Serra Angel demands a dedicated white mana base with its specific casting cost of three generic and two white mana. This can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may struggle to meet the white mana requirement consistently, thereby potentially delaying her deployment to the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Serra Angel is on the pricier side when compared to other creatures. In a game where mana efficiency can be crucial, there are instances where players might opt for less costly creatures that provide similar benefits or fit the deck’s strategy better.
Reasons to Include Serra Angel in Your Collection
Versatility: Serra Angel commands a presence on the battlefield with its ability to attack without tapping. This attribute allows it to remain ready for defense, making it a staple in both aggressive and control-oriented decks.
Combo Potential: Serra Angel works well with equipment and auras that boost its combat capabilities. Its vigilance also makes it an ideal component in strategies that capitalize on untapped creatures to activate various abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with creatures, having a robust flyer like Serra Angel can provide a significant edge. Its strength in the air and readiness to defend can pivot the game state in your favor, especially against decks that struggle with handling sizeable flying creatures.
How to beat
The iconic Serra Angel is a classic staple in the world of Magic: The Gathering, known for its flying ability and vigilance, which lets it attack without tapping. This provides both an offensive presence and a defensive utility, making it a card to be reckoned with on the battlefield. However, overcoming this heavenly adversary is not beyond reach.
To beat Serra Angel, the key is to utilize effective removal spells that can bypass its abilities. Spells such as Doom Blade or Murder can dispatch it regardless of its vigilance. In the event you’re in a color that struggles with flyers, employing board controls like Day of Judgment or the versatile Cyclonic Rift can reset the board, removing the Angel and other threats at once. If you prefer a more direct approach, combat tricks and pump spells can help your creatures outmatch the Angel in battle. Lastly, remember that enchantments like Pacifism can neutralize Serra Angel, effectively grounding its attacks and defenses, which stalls your opponent and buys you valuable time to gain the upper hand.
While Serra Angel remains a formidable card, strategic planning and the right mix of spells can ensure your victory against this celestial force.
BurnMana Recommendations
Diving into the MTG realm, it’s evident that classics like Serra Angel still hold their ground in a constantly evolving metagame. It’s a card that embodies both history and utility, making it a worthy addition to your white-centered or angel-themed decks. Carrying an advantageous blend of offense and defense with its elegant vigilance, Serra Angel continues to be a reliable force in the skies. Whether you’re a new player attracted to its simple yet effective playstyle or a seasoned pro looking back at its strategic depth, there’s always something to gain from this card. For more insights and tips to optimize your deck around Serra Angel or similar cards, join our community of MTG enthusiasts and let your strategy take flight.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Serra Angel MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Angel and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Serra Angel Magic the Gathering card was released in 45 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2024-01-01. Illustrated by 8 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 39 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 40 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 40 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 40 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 40 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
6 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 40 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
7 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 40 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 40 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 50 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 50 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
11 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et50 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Douglas Shuler | |
12 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | bl50 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Douglas Shuler | |
13 | 1999-09-04 | Wizards of the Coast Online Store | PWOS | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
14 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 42★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
15 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 42 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Zug | |
16 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35942 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | ||
17 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 45★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
18 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 45 | 2003 | Normal | White | Mark Zug | |
19 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 43 | 2003 | Normal | White | Greg Staples | |
20 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 43★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
21 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 39★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
22 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 39 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
23 | 2009-04-10 | Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic | DDC | 10 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
24 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 29 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
25 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 27 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
26 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 25 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
27 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 30 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
28 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 33 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
29 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 31 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
30 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 32 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
31 | 2014-07-18 | Magic 2015 | M15 | 273 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
32 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. Demonic | DVD | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
33 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 276 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
34 | 2015-08-21 | From the Vault: Angels | V15 | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Rebecca Guay | |
35 | 2016-04-08 | Welcome Deck 2016 | W16 | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
36 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 28 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
37 | 2017-04-15 | Welcome Deck 2017 | W17 | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
38 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 22 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
39 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
40 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria Promos | PDOM | 33c | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott M. Fischer | |
41 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 33 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
42 | 2018-07-14 | Arena New Player Experience Cards | OANA | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
43 | 2018-11-16 | Game Night | GNT | 16 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
44 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 1161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Avon | ||
45 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 132 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
46 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 18 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
47 | 2022-10-14 | Game Night: Free-for-All | GN3 | 17 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
48 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 336 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
49 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
50 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 271 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
51 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 25 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | |
52 | 2024-01-01 | Wizards Play Network 2024 | PW24 | 1 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Jodie Muir |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Serra Angel has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Oldschool | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Restricted |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
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.