Setessan Starbreaker MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Warrior |
| Released | 2014-02-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Born of the Gods |
| Set code | BNG |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 139 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Chase Stone |
Text of card
When Setessan Starbreaker enters the battlefield, you may destroy target Aura.
"Who says you cannot touch the stars?"
Cards like Setessan Starbreaker
Setessan Starbreaker adds an intriguing dynamic to creature-based removal strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It holds a resemblance to cards such as Reclamation Sage, an eminent creature notorious for its ability to destroy artifacts or enchantments upon entering the battlefield. Setessan Starbreaker ensures a similar effect but is exclusively focused on the destruction of enchantments, reflecting a narrower purpose compared to Reclamation Sage’s broader utility.
Another parallel might be drawn with Wilt, an instant with the flexibility to either destroy target artifact or enchantment or be cycled away for another card. Although Wilt offers instant speed and thus more control over timing, Setessan Starbreaker brings a body to the board which can be reused or repurposed. In contrast, Caustic Caterpillar offers a similar enchantment destruction utility attached to a creature, yet it requires an additional mana to activate its ability, potentially delaying your plans.
While evaluating options for enchantment control, Setessan Starbreaker caters well to strategies that benefit from creature presence, enhancing both your offensive lineup and your ability to interact with troublesome enchantments on the fly.
Cards similar to Setessan Starbreaker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Setessan Starbreaker provides inherent card advantage by combining a creature with an enter-the-battlefield effect that can remove an opponent’s enchantment, effectively dealing with two cards with a single play. This is especially crucial in games where enchantments play a key role.
Resource Acceleration: While the Setessan Starbreaker doesn’t directly accelerate resources like some mana-ramp cards, by destroying mana-producing enchantments or key combo pieces, it can indirectly slow down an opponent’s resource acceleration, thereby giving you the upper hand in terms of board presence and available resources.
Instant Speed: Although the Setessan Starbreaker isn’t at instant speed, its ability to disrupt opponents by targeting enchantments can force them into a less-than-optimal play sequence. A savvy player can capitalize on the potential threat of enchantment removal, influencing an opponent’s decisions in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Setessan Starbreaker doesn’t directly require a card to be discarded, possessing a card in hand that doesn’t synergize well with the Starbreaker can feel similar to a discard when you’re forced to play a less optimal game.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific green mana cost in its casting requirement. Players not running a green or multicolored deck that includes green might find Setessan Starbreaker to be restrictive and against their deck’s color identity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Setessan Starbreaker’s mana cost is set at four mana—three generic and one green. In comparison to other creature or enchantment removal options available, the cost seems steep, especially considering it is also a creature with modest stats.
Reasons to Include Setessan Starbreaker in Your Collection
Versatility: Setessan Starbreaker isn’t just another creature; it’s a flexible tool for decks that deal with enchantments. By destroying target enchantment upon entering the battlefield, it offers you a strategic advantage by disrupting your opponent’s game plan.
Combo Potential: This card is particularly valuable in decks that revolve around creature and enter-the-battlefield triggers. Combining Setessan Starbreaker with ways to bounce it back to your hand or flicker it can lead to repeatable enchantment removal, ensuring that the path stays clear for your win conditions.
Meta-Relevance: Given that enchantments are often pivotal in many competitive decks, having Setessan Starbreaker at your disposal ensures you’re prepared to dismantle key pieces of your opponent’s strategy. Its relevance increases especially if the meta includes popular decks that rely heavily on enchantments.
How to Beat Setessan Starbreaker
Setessan Starbreaker represents a niche role in Magic the Gathering as a creature that doubles as artifact or enchantment removal. Despite its utility, there are strategies to counteract its effects. Primarily, keeping your critical artifacts and enchantments to a minimum can reduce the impact of its ability. If the Starbreaker’s target is essential, prioritize having counter-magic in hand to negate its ability, or employ instant-speed removal to dispatch of the Starbreaker before its effect resolves.
Should your deck rely heavily on artifacts or enchantments, consider diversifying your threats. This way, Setessan Starbreaker’s entrance on the battlefield becomes less devastating. Explore options like hexproof or shroud-enabling spells that can cloak your key permanents from such targeted removal. Moreover, playing creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects that can neutralize the Starbreaker, such as those that tap or return it to its owner’s hand, can be instrumental in preserving your board state. It’s all about anticipating the disruptiveness of Setessan Starbreaker and implementing preemptive measures to maintain your gameplay strategy.
In managing a game against this card, flexibility and protective measures are paramount. Foresight in deck construction and in-game tactics ensures that the moment Setessan Starbreaker hits the table, its presence is mitigated, allowing you to maintain control over your plays and the overall pace of the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Setessan Starbreaker MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods, 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 Setessan Starbreaker 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Setessan Starbreaker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |