The Wandering Emperor MTG Card
2022-02-18 - Number 42p
2022-02-18 - Number 42s
2022-02-18 - Number 42
2022-02-18 - Number 316
2022-02-18 - Number 303
2022-02-18 - Number 418
2002-06-24 - Number 97907
2022-02-18 - Number 49
2022-02-18 - Number 50
Text of card
Flash
As long as The Wandering Emperor entered the battlefield this turn, you may activate her loyalty abilities any time you could cast an instant.
+1: Put a +1/+1 counter on up to one target creature. It gains first strike until end of turn.
-1: Create a 2/2 white Samurai creature token with vigilance.
-2: Exile target tapped creature. You gain 2 life.
Cards like The Wandering Emperor
The Wandering Emperor has made a marked impact on deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering, often compared to standout planeswalkers like Elspeth, Sun’s Champion. Both cards generate soldier tokens, though The Wandering Emperor offers more immediate board influence with flash, allowing players to cast it during any phase. Unlike Elspeth, who provides a significant number of tokens and an overwhelming ultimate ability, The Wandering Emperor prides itself on versatile control, featuring removal and protection.
Another card often weighed against The Wandering Emperor is Gideon, Ally of Zendikar. Gideon carries the ability to become a formidable creature, while The Wandering Emperor shines with its loyalty ability to exile a tapped creature, giving players critical control in combat. Although Gideon’s emblem can be a consistent power boost for creatures, The Wandering Emperor’s ability to protect and exert pressure at instant speed adds a unique tactical layer to gameplay.
In comparing MTG planeswalkers, The Wandering Emperor stands out with its instant playability and defensive capacities, gaining an edge in control-based decks. This card rewards strategic foresight and timing, positioning it as a multi-faceted option for players aiming to dominate the battlefield.
Cards similar to The Wandering Emperor by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using The Wandering Emperor. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Domain | Standard | Domain | Standard Preliminary 2024-05-01 |
 | Esper Midrange | Standard | Esper Midrange | Standard League 2024-04-29 |
 | Azorius Control | Pioneer | Azorius Control | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29 |
 | Esper Control | Pioneer | Esper Control | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29 |
 | Jeskai Indomitable Creativity | Pioneer | Jeskai Indomitable Creativity | Pioneer League 2024-04-30 |
 | Mono-White Midrange | Pioneer | Mono-White Midrange | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Wandering Emperor shines by providing multiple abilities that can disrupt your opponent’s plans while also drawing you cards. This versatility is key in maintaining a strong hand throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, The Wandering Emperor enables resource acceleration by potentially increasing your field presence with Samurai tokens that can become a significant force if left unchecked.
Instant Speed: The flash ability allows you to cast The Wandering Emperor unexpectedly during your opponent’s turn, which can completely alter the state of the battlefield and give you the upper hand in interaction-heavy games.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Wandering Emperor doesn’t directly have a discard requirement, yet its loyalty abilities may indirectly cause card disadvantage. To maximize its potential, players often need a well-stocked hand to respond to various board states, which can strain resources.
Specific Mana Cost: This planeswalker demands a precise mana combination of one generic, two white, and one blue mana. This requirement can complicate deck building, particularly for those who prefer a more flexible mana base to accommodate a wider array of spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the mana cost is average for a planeswalker, it is worth noting that The Wandering Emperor’s initial loyalty is somewhat low relative to its casting cost. This could be seen as a setback when compared to other three to four-mana cost cards that might provide a more impactful immediate board presence or long-term value.
Reasons to Include The Wandering Emperor in Your Collection
Versatility: The Wandering Emperor offers a broad range of abilities including creature control, loyalty manipulation, and instant speed interaction, making it a powerful addition across various deck types. Utilize this card to protect and strengthen your board presence while disrupting opponents’ strategies.
Combo Potential: With its capability to create Samurai creatures and put counters on others, this planeswalker can be the linchpin in synergistic combos. It seamlessly integrates with strategies that thrive on loyalty counters or benefit from proliferate mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment evolves, this card remains a formidable choice due to its playability in multiple phases, allowing for defensive and offensive adjustments that align with the shifting meta. Its ability to disrupt opponents at critical moments makes The Wandering Emperor a card worth considering for competitive play.
How to beat
The Wandering Emperor, a new powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering, can sway the battlefield in your opponent’s favor. When facing this legendary planeswalker, it’s crucial to apply pressure early and often. Cards like Duress or Thoughtseize can dismantle your opponent’s strategy by removing the card from their hand before it’s played. Heroic Intervention can protect your creatures from her -2 ability, keeping your side of the board intact.
A disruptive strategy can mitigate the impact of The Wandering Emperor, using counter spells such as Negate when your opponent casts their spell. Instant-speed removal like Murderous Rider can destroy the planeswalker during your turn, eliminating her influence. Sustained board presence and tactical spell usage are the keys to dampening the Emperor’s command over the game.
In summary, conquer The Wandering Emperor by disrupting your opponent’s hand, countering the spell, or removing the planeswalker swiftly. This proactive approach can ensure that The Wandering Emperor’s reign is short-lived and your path to victory remains clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase The Wandering Emperor MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Promos, 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 The Wandering Emperor 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 The Wandering Emperor Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 97907 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Terada Katsuya | ||
| 2 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Promos | PNEO | 42p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tommy Arnold | |
| 3 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty Promos | PNEO | 42s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tommy Arnold | |
| 4 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty | NEO | 42 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tommy Arnold | |
| 5 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty | NEO | 316 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hisashi Momose | |
| 6 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty | NEO | 303 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Terada Katsuya | |
| 7 | 2022-02-18 | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty | NEO | 418 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Hisashi Momose | |
| 8 | Neon Dynasty Art Series | ANEO | 49 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | |||
| 9 | Neon Dynasty Art Series | ANEO | 50 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where The Wandering Emperor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering The Wandering Emperor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-02-18 | You may still only activate one of The Wandering Emperor's loyalty abilities on the turn she entered the battlefield. |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.
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.