Steelclad Spirit MTG Card
2021-11-19 - Number 80
2022-01-28 - Number 347
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Defender Whenever an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control, Steelclad Spirit can attack this turn as though it didn't have defender.
Some geists imitate the lives they left behind. Others follow the dreams they never realized.
Cards like Steelclad Spirit
Steelclad Spirit is an intriguing addition to the suite of defender creatures in MTG. It bears resemblance to other low-cost defender cards such as Wall of Mist, which shares the same mana cost and also has the ability to block multiple enemy attacks without being destroyed. However, what sets Steelclad Spirit apart is its conniving cantrip ability allowing you to draw a card when cast using its channel ability, combining defense with card advantage.
Guardians of Meletis is another card akin to Steelclad Spirit, providing a solid defensive option for three mana. While both cards are excellent blockers, Guardians of Meletis lacks the additional benefit of drawing a card. Conversely, Mnemonic Wall is a creature with a higher mana cost that not only blocks but also retrieves an instant or sorcery card from the graveyard when it enters the battlefield, adding a layer of utility beyond just defense.
In evaluating defender creatures that balance out protection and value, Steelclad Spirit becomes a compelling choice for decks aiming to maintain a strong defensive line while cycling through the deck for more options. Its hybrid nature as a card advantage tool and a sturdy wall offers strategic flexibility in gameplay.
Cards similar to Steelclad Spirit by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Steelclad Spirit is a card that has the potential to offer incremental card advantage. With its ability to be evasive in the battlefield, you can expect to connect with your opponent more consistently, paving the way for more consistent damage and a steadier draw into your deck’s deeper strategies.
Resource Acceleration: While the Steelclad Spirit itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, its presence can influence the board in a way that you may be able to conserve spell resources. This can lead to using your mana more efficiently and advancing your board state without overspending on your turns.
Instant Speed: The capability of Steelclad Spirit to benefit from instant speed spell interactions can be a significant pro. It thrives in an environment where you can play instants that can change the state of the game, allowing the Spirit to slip through defenses or dodge removal, effectively saving your resources and keeping your pressure on the opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Steelclad Spirit necessitates a discard to activate its key ability, which could be detrimental when your hand is sparse.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that requires both generic and blue mana, this spirit may not seamlessly fit into multicolor decks that are tight on mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its base stats and abilities, some players might view its cost as steep compared to other options, potentially making it a less attractive pick in mana-efficient strategies.
Reasons to Include Steelclad Spirit Mtg Card in Your Collection
Versatility: Steelclad Spirit offers a unique element in decks where consistent defender abilities are essential. It can serve as an early blocker while providing card draw opportunities, making it a useful addition in a variety of deck strategies.
Combo Potential: With its ability to draw a card when it comes into play if you control another Spirit or enchantment, Steelclad Spirit has innate synergies that can be leveraged in Spirit tribal decks or enchantment-heavy builds.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on shifts in the competitive landscape, Steelclad Spirit’s natural fit in control decks may give it an edge. Its utility in delaying opponents while setting up your game plan makes it a card worth considering for its flexibility in response to various meta scenarios.
How to beat
Confronting the Steelclad Spirit in MTG requires a strategic approach to disrupt its unique advantage – escape from targeted spells. This creature stands out with a cost-effective defense mechanism, costing mere two mana to cast. Players can find its ability to avoid single-target removal spells such as Doom Blade or Murder to be particularly challenging. However, its resilience can be undercut using board wipes like Wrath of God or global -1/-1 effects like Cry of the Carnarium.
Similarly, Steelclad Spirit’s ability to block only creatures with flying often lands it in ethereal skirmishes, out of reach of most ground-based threats. To circumvent this aerial defense, players can employ creatures with reach or use enchantments and artifacts that grant this ability. Cards such as Spider Umbra or Cobbled Wings can bridge the gap, offering a chance to engage the Spirit directly. Moreover, leveraging counterspell tactics or hand disruption methods before the Steelclad Spirit hits the board cuts off the problem at the source, ensuring you maintain control over the gameplay.
In essence, while Steelclad Spirit brings to the table a blend of evasion and defense, a well-prepared arsenal that anticipates and neutralizes its strengths can preserve your deck’s upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steelclad Spirit MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Innistrad: Double Feature, 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 Steelclad Spirit 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
Printings
The Steelclad Spirit Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Artur Treffner.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-11-19 | Innistrad: Crimson Vow | VOW | 80 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Artur Treffner | |
| 2 | 2022-01-28 | Innistrad: Double Feature | DBL | 347 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Artur Treffner |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Steelclad Spirit has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |