Shield-Wall Sentinel MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Golem
Abilities	Defender
Released	2022-09-09
Set symbol
Set name	Dominaria United
Set code	DMU
Power	1
Toughness	3
Number	238
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Titus Lunter

Key Takeaways

Opens up strategic plays with its reveal mechanic, influencing opponents’ attack decisions.
Can protect valuable permanents, acting as a resource-saving defender on the field.
Demanding specific mana cost and discard requirement for its full potential, weighing its worth.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shield-Wall Sentinel MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Shield-Wall Sentinel and other MTG cards:

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Text of card

Defender When Shield-Wall Sentinel enters the battlefield, you may search your library for a creature card with defender, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle.

"Unit alpha-6 locking into position!"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Shield-Wall Sentinel doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it employs a strategic reveal mechanic that can potentially deter opponents from attacking, subtly influencing the pace and control of the game to your advantage.

Resource Acceleration: The Sentinel does not directly contribute to resource acceleration; however, it acts as a solid defensive unit on the field which can protect your more valuable nonland permanents, indirectly preserving the resources you’ve already put into play.

Instant Speed: This stalwart defender might not be an instant, but the Sentinel’s convoking ability allows you to leverage untapped creatures as a resource, which can be pivotal in deploying this card during your main phases without hindering your mana pool for instant-speed responses later.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shield-Wall Sentinel necessitates a card be discarded to unlock its full potential. This can deplete your hand at crucial moments, leaving you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: This sentinel demands a precise mana arrangement to cast. If your deck isn’t aligned with the colors needed, weaving this card into your strategy could be more difficult.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that may be considered steep by some players, you’ll have to weigh whether the defensive benefits justify a significant chunk of your mana pool.

Reasons to Include Shield-Wall Sentinel in Your Collection

Versatility: Shield-Wall Sentinel introduces strategic options to a variety of deck builds, especially those that focus on defense. Its ability to become a creature or remain an artifact allows for adaptive tactics during gameplay.

Combo Potential: As a flexible card, it can easily integrate into artifact-centric decks or those that capitalize on defender synergies, unlocking new combinations and interactions within your game.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment heavy with aggressive strategies, Shield-Wall Sentinel can serve as a reliable deterrent, potentially shifting the board state in your favor with its defensive capabilities.

How to beat

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Shield-Wall Sentinel can be pivotal in a game of MTG. This card is designed as a strong defense mechanism, typically employed by players looking to fortify their battlefield against aggressors. The key to mitigating the effectiveness of this card lies in maneuvering around its formidable defensive capabilities.

To counteract Shield-Wall Sentinel’s defensive stance, consider employing removal spells that bypass its guard. Cards that offer unconditional removal, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, can dispose of the Sentinel without having to engage in combat. Alternatively, evasion tactics like flying or trample can help your creatures bypass or deal damage despite the Sentinel’s presence. Moreover, utilizing bounce spells to return the Sentinel to its owner’s hand disrupts your opponent’s defense, giving you an opening to strike.

Deploying these strategies necessitates a degree of tactical acumen, demanding that players carefully consider their deck construction and in-game decisions. By identifying and exploiting the weak points in cards like Shield-Wall Sentinel, you increase your chances of gaining the upper hand and steering the game towards victory.

Cards like Shield-Wall Sentinel

In the strategic arena of Magic: The Gathering, the Shield-Wall Sentinel offers a steadfast option for players building a defensive line. It draws parallels to other durable creatures such as Looming Altisaur. Both provide significant toughness to withstand opponent attacks. While Looming Altisaur showcases its sheer size to deter aggressors, Shield-Wall Sentinel takes utility a step further with its unique ability to become indestructible for a turn.

Wall of Runes is another creature that shares a similar defensive role. It has a lower toughness compared to Shield-Wall Sentinel, but it compensates by allowing for a scry upon entry, fine-tuning future draws. Nevertheless, Shield-Wall Sentinel holds an edge with its potential for permanent battlefield presence, resisting most removal spells when activated. Contrastingly, creatures like Prowling Caracal, while not defenders, offer a more aggressive stance balancing attack power with cost-effectiveness.

Analyzing these options showcases Shield-Wall Sentinel as a reliable choice for players prioritizing endurance over an immediate offensive. Among Magic: The Gathering’s defensive creatures, it stands out with its blend of durability and the strategic advantage it brings to the game with its indestructibility.

Cards similar to Shield-Wall Sentinel by color, type and mana cost

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shield-Wall Sentinel has restrictions

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