Staunch Crewmate MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Pirate |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 79 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | LA Draws |
Text of card
When Staunch Crewmate enters the battlefield, look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal an artifact or Pirate card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.
"Leave you? Not a chance. You still owe me money."
Understanding Staunch Crewmate
In the extensive universe of MTG, Staunch Crewmate makes a definitive mark as a creature card that players can rely on for consistency in their decks. With a presence that rivals other well-known creatures, it brings both functionality and tactical edge to the gameplay. Staunch Crewmate is not just a creature; it’s a steadfast partner that echoes the traits of other trusted two-drop creatures but with its unique features that set it apart in a player’s arsenal.
When assessing its worth on the battlefield, Staunch Crewmate’s vigilance ability shines, making it an optimal defender that doesn’t shy away from attacks. This positions it alongside cards like The Watchdog, which also grants vigilance, yet The Watchdog lacks the human aspect that can be crucial for tribal synergies. On the other end of the spectrum, we find Avacynian Priest, another vigilant creature which pairs control abilities with its stature, offering a different approach to utility in comparison to Staunch Crewmate’s straightforward defensive posture.
Cards like Staunch Crewmate
Staunch Crewmate enters the fray of MTG standing tall next to peers like Loyal Pegasus and Knight of the White Orchid. Like the Crewmate, Loyal Pegasus is cost-effective, though it requires another creature to unlock its potential in combat. Knight of the White Orchid, on the flip side, also brings a two-mana cost, but its real value stems from its land-fetching ability, something the Crewmate does not offer. However, Staunch Crewmate’s resilience through vigilance and adaptability in various deck themes cannot be underestimated.
The comparability between these cards illustrates that while Staunch Crewmate may not have the flashiest of abilities, its reliable presence provides a solid foundation for any player seeking a dependable two-drop with staying power on the battlefield. Whether you’re looking for a steady defender or a synergetic human creature, Staunch Crewmate is a card that deserves consideration in MTG deck builds.
Cards similar to Staunch Crewmate by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Staunch Crewmate can potentially provide card advantage in the form of crewing vehicles, allowing you to maintain or increase board presence without spending additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting resources, its low mana cost makes it a reliable play, enabling you to allocate mana to other spells sooner, and its presence can contribute to the synergy and efficiency of your overall strategy.
Instant Speed: This card can be played at regular sorcery speed, but with its Vigilance trait, it allows you to remain on the defensive. Coupled with instant speed spells in your deck, Staunch Crewmate helps you keep a stronghold on the board while being ready to respond swiftly to your opponent’s actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Staunch Crewmate’s ability might compel a player to part with a precious card, which can be a notable setback when hand size is already dwindling or when the discarded card is essential for upcoming strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring an exact combination of mana to cast, Staunch Crewmate can sometimes be a challenge to play in multicolored or mana-flexible decks, potentially restraining its inclusion only to decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In a game where efficiency is paramount, the mana investment to bring Staunch Crewmate into play may be seen as steep, especially when other cards at a lower cost can fulfill similar roles with less strain on a player’s mana resources.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Staunch Crewmate fits seamlessly into various deck types, particularly those seeking to fortify their defenses with vigilant creatures. Its low mana cost and Human Pirate type also make it a solid addition in human or pirate tribal synergies.
Combo Potential: Its crew ability allows you to tap any number of creatures you control with total power 1 or more, which works well in strategies that benefit from tapping and untapping creatures or for enabling vehicle-related combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to block multiple attackers, Staunch Crewmate stands out in a meta crowded with aggressive strategies, acting as a reliable line of defense in your lineup and potentially swinging the tempo in your favor.
How to beat
Staunch Crewmate is a notable card in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal for those who appreciate a durable defender. Serving as not only a loyal blocker but also providing your creatures with the ability to crew Vehicles with its steadfast presence, Staunch Crewmate can be a real thorn in an opponent’s side. The key to outmaneuvering this card lies in strategic removal.
Utilizing spells that can bypass its sturdy fortifications is crucial. Look for removal options that don’t depend on combat. Sorceries and instants that can exile or destroy without needing to deal damage are invaluable against such steadfast defenders. Consider cards like Path to Exile or Doom Blade, efficient tools to clear the way for your attack without getting entangled in the fray of battle. Moreover, mass removal spells can sweep the Crewmate aside along with any other crew members it might be protecting.
Navigating through the challenges posed by Staunch Crewmate requires a thoughtful approach, targeting the key elements that make it a formidable adversary on the board. With the right tactical spell use, this Crewmate can be banished from the deck seas, allowing you to sail smoothly towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Staunch Crewmate MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Staunch Crewmate 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 Staunch Crewmate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |