Steadfast Guard MTG Card
Text of card
Attacking doesn't cause Steadfast Guard to tap.
The Mercadians were prepared for the guard, but the guard was even more prepared for the Mercadians.
Cards like Steadfast Guard
Steadfast Guard presents an interesting point of comparison among creature cards in MTG. As a member of the relatively exclusive club of creatures with vigilance, it stands shoulder to shoulder with other two-mana creatures like Knight of Glory. However, unlike the Knight of Glory, which offers protection from black and exalted, Steadfast Guard provides a consistent 2/2 that can attack and defend without tapping, a solid move for players aiming to maintain a defensive stance while pressuring opponents.
Looking to the likes of Loyal Sentry, we also see a one-mana creature that can destroy any creature it blocks, though unlike Steadfast Guard, it doesn’t live to tell the tale. Then consider the Elite Inquisitor, a two-mana creature that boasts first strike and protection from vampires, werewolves, and zombies, positioning it as a niche but powerful card against certain decks. While these abilities are certainly useful, they are conditional unlike the straightforward utility of Steadfast Guard’s vigilance.
Evaluating each card’s strengths, Steadfast Guard holds a reliable position within MTG’s creature roster, favorably situated for players who value the flexibility of being able to commit to attack without leaving their defense wide open.
Cards similar to Steadfast Guard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Steadfast Guard promotes strategic hand maintenance by allowing you to stage robust defenses without sacrificing offensive potential. Skilled players can leverage its vigilance to retain board presence and card parity.
Resource Acceleration: While Steadfast Guard itself does not directly accelerate resources, its low mana cost and the value it provides can free up mana resources for other plays, effectively smoothing out your mana curve and bolstering your ability to develop your board state and strategic options more quickly.
Instant Speed: Although Steadfast Guard is not an instant, its vigilance trait allows it to act in both offensive and defensive capacities which can simulate the tactical flexibility typically afforded by instant-speed interactions. By maintaining a ready blocker and an able attacker simultaneously, it facilitates an adaptability in playstyle often associated with the use of instant-speed spells.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Steadfast Guard does not have a discard requirement, being aware of cards that do is crucial since they can put you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand, especially when facing resource denial strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Steadfast Guard’s mana cost contains white mana symbols, which means it fits exclusively in decks that can produce white mana. This can restrict deck-building options and make it less flexible for players who prefer a multicolor strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a 2/2 creature, the requirement of two white mana can be considered high. There are numerous other two-mana creatures that may offer additional abilities or synergies, potentially overshadowing Steadfast Guard in certain deck builds.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Steadfast Guard provides consistent defensive capabilities for decks needing reliable blockers. Its vigilance allows it to remain active for both offense and defense.
Combo Potential: As a soldier, Steadfast Guard can synergize with soldier-centric mechanics, boosting its utility in tribal themed decks that capitalize on such synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive strategies dominate, the inclusion of solid defensive units like Steadfast Guard can be crucial for holding the line and stabilizing the board until your game plan takes full effect.
How to beat
Steadfast Guard presents a challenge in combat scenarios for MTG enthusiasts, offering a resilient blocker thanks to its vigilance ability. This white creature can be tough to bypass due to its ability to remain untapped after attacking, making it a constant defensive presence on the battleground. Yet, even the most vigilant guardians have their weaknesses.
To effectively counter this card, consider using removal spells that can bypass its combat prowess. Spells that cause exile, such as Path to Exile, or those that can destroy without targeting, like Wrath of God, are ideal solutions. Alternatively, making the Guard irrelevant by using flyer or reach creatures can also turn the tide, soaring over the steadfast soldier to deliver crucial damage. Cards that inhibit abilities or remove them outright, such as Turn to Frog, can prove to be effective ways to neutralize the guard’s constant vigilance. In the strategic landscape of MTG, there is always a path to overcoming such steadfast obstacles.
In essence, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Steadfast Guard helps players formulate strategies that assure victory in the face of unwavering defense. With careful planning and the right cards, turning the tide against this vigilant creature card is well within any skilled player’s reach.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steadfast Guard MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Tenth Edition, 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 Steadfast Guard 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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Printings
The Steadfast Guard Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 50 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 48 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Komarck | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 48★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael Komarck |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Steadfast Guard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | 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.