Soldiers of the Watch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 28 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Edgar Sánchez Hidalgo |
Text of card
Double team
Cards like Soldiers of the Watch
Soldiers of the Watch is an interesting unit in the realm of creature cards within the Magic: The Gathering universe. It shares similarities with other soldier cards, most notably Precinct Captain. Both cards bring more than just a body to the battlefield; they contribute additional value when they engage in combat. Where Soldiers of the Watch stands out is in its vigilance ability, allowing it to remain on guard even after attacking, a trait Precinct Captain lacks.
Similarly, Captain of the Watch is another card that echoes the theme of soldier synergy. While Captain of the Watch brings a direct boost to soldier-type creatures and creates additional soldier tokens, it comes at a higher mana cost compared to the low-cost efficiency of deploying Soldiers of the Watch. This makes the latter more accessible earlier in the game. On the other hand, Consul’s Lieutenant represents another well-matched competitor, rewarding you with a renowned status and empowering other attackers when attacking, though without the stay-active vigilance of Soldiers of the Watch.
Evaluating the strategic roles each card can play in a deck, Soldiers of the Watch holds its own with cost-effective vigilance and potential to be a dependable addition to any player looking for steadfast units.
Cards similar to Soldiers of the Watch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Soldiers of the Watch card enhances your strategic depth by potentially increasing your hand size, giving you more options and putting you ahead of your opponent in resource availability. The ability to deploy multiple creatures from a single card swings the tide of battle to your favor, and keeping your hand well-stocked is usually a harbinger of victory.
Resource Acceleration: Deploying Soldiers of the Watch can be a turning point in the match as it swiftly boosts your board presence. This card efficiently places multiple bodies on the field, which can be crucial for both defensive and offensive strategies. Resource-wise, you are essentially getting multiple effects out of a single card, conserving mana and cards in hand for future plays.
Instant Speed: The versatility of playing Soldiers of the Watch at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows you to adapt to the battlefield on the fly, making strategic plays that can surprise your opponent. Whether you’re stopping an attack in its tracks or mustering forces for a counter-offensive, instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond effectively to the evolving game state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Soldiers of the Watch imposes a discard requirement that might be tough to meet during critical turns. This demand for card sacrifice could deplete your hand, potentially causing you to lose important pieces of your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes white mana, Soldiers of the Watch restricts deck-building freedom. This specific requirement can constrain players to certain archetypes or strategies, impacting the card’s versatility and utility across different types of decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its mana cost, this card may hit the battlefield later than desired. In an environment where efficiency is key, the mana investment could be deemed too steep, especially when alternatives might achieve similar effects at a lower cost, leaving more mana available for other plays.
Reasons to Include Soldiers of the Watch in Your Collection
Versatility: Soldiers of the Watch is a great addition to any deck that aims to build a strong defense while putting pressure on the opponent. Their ability to vigilantly guard your battlefield while still being available to attack makes them a formidable presence on any board.
Combo Potential: These stalwart defenders can work phenomenally with cards that capitalize on having a high number of creatures or soldiers. Their presence enhances strategies around tokens and synergizes with buffs that target soldier or creature types.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating nature of game environments, a card like Soldiers of the Watch remains relevant due to its ability to adapt to various strategies. It can bolster your forces against aggro playstyles or serve as reliable blockers in a more control-oriented meta.
How to beat
Soldiers of the Watch stands as a formidable presence on the battlefield in the world of MTG. Recognized for its steadfast defensive capabilities, it sets a strong barrier with its vigilance trait, preventing opponents from catching you unguarded. Nevertheless, conquering this card might seem challenging, but certain strategies can turn the tide in your favor.
To outmaneuver Soldiers of the Watch, employing removal spells that bypass its defensive stature can prove lethal. Sweeper spells that clear the board, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can effectively dispatch these vigilant soldiers. Alternately, crafting a strategy around cards that incapacitate without destroying, like Pacifism or Icy Manipulator, can nullify the strength of these steadfast troops. Ultimately, incorporating evasion abilities like flying or trample can ensure your creatures remain a perpetual threat, soaring over or barreling through the ranks of Soldiers of the Watch.
Adapting to your opponent’s strategies while maintaining a flexible deck composition is key. By focusing on the Soldiers’ vulnerabilities and exploiting them, you can secure victory even in the face of their disciplined ranks.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Soldiers of the Watch MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Soldiers of the Watch 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Soldiers of the Watch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |