Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage MTG Card


Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage - Throne of Eldraine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Rowan
Released2019-10-04
Set symbol
Set nameThrone of Eldraine
Set codeELD
Loyalty 5
Number304
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byZack Stella

Key Takeaways

  1. Gain board control by utilizing Rowan’s abilities to manipulate combat and stymie opponent strategies.
  2. Enhance your deck’s versatility and adaptability in various metagames with Rowan’s diverse skill set.
  3. Outmaneuver opponents by integrating Rowan’s unique strengths with creature-based or tempo playstyles.

Text of card


+1: Up to one target creature gets +3/+0 and gains first strike until end of turn.
-2: Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage deals 1 damage to each of up to two target creatures. Those creatures can't block this turn.
-9: Gain control of all creatures until end of turn. Untap them. They gain haste until end of turn.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage generates significant card advantage by deploying multiple loyalty abilities that disrupt the opponent while simultaneously building towards her ultimate ability, which can turn the tide in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Besides controlling the tempo, Rowan can contribute to resource acceleration by using her minus ability to untap elements pivotal for your game progression, aligning with mana ramp strategies and allowing you to outpace your opponent.

Instant Speed: While not instant speed herself, Rowan’s abilities are in synergy with instant-speed spells, granting them additional utility by potentially clearing the way for their unencumbered resolution or creating new windows of opportunity during complex board states.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage necessitates discarding a card for its loyalty ability. This can be risky, especially when your hand is already depleted, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Rowan’s activation cost includes red mana, which could restrict her inclusion in multicolored decks that might not consistently produce the required mana type.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that demands both generic and specific mana, Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage may be considered a high investment when you could opt for other planeswalkers or spells with lower and more flexible casting requirements.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage is a dynamic planeswalker card that can serve multiple roles within different deck archetypes. Her ability to deal damage to creatures can help control the board, while her loyalty abilities can both hinder opponents and empower your offensive tactics.

Combo Potential: This card’s -3 ability to grant +2/+0 and first strike to your creatures until end of turn opens up synergies with strategies focused on combat tricks or enabling quick wins with unblocked attackers. Additionally, Rowan can support decks that benefit from having a planeswalker in play for synergy with other cards.

Meta-Relevance: In the current scene where planeswalkers can determine the pace and outcome of the game, having Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage can give you an edge. She can adapt to various meta shifts, provide quick damage to pressure control decks, or even disrupt creature-centric aggro strategies, making her a versatile choice for many players.


How to beat

Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield. This formidable planeswalker’s ability to grant +3/+0 and first strike to a creature can turn the tide of combat in your opponent’s favor. However, there are effective strategies when facing this red-aligned spellcaster. When aiming to overpower Rowan, consider creature removal spells. These can neutralize the threats she empowers before they can capitalize on their buff. Spot removal like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can efficiently deal with the enhanced creatures, mitigating potential damage.

Another approach is to use direct damage spells to remove Rowan from the field. Lightning Bolt and other similar instant spells can quickly take her down before her loyalty abilities impact the game significantly. Counterspells also play a key role, disrupting your opponent’s plan by preventing Rowan from hitting the board in the first place. Consider using Negate or Dovin’s Veto to keep her at bay. Overall, prioritizing control of the board and denying the empowerment of creatures is your best bet when navigating a duel against Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage.


Cards like Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage

Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage is a compelling planeswalker in MTG, boasting abilities that foster both offensive and board control strategies. While Rowan may not offer the direct damage of Chandra, Torch of Defiance, her ability to deal 1 damage to each of up to two target creatures gives players a unique advantage in maintaining a clear battlefield and discouraging opponent’s smaller creature plays.

In comparison to other planeswalkers, Jace Beleren presents a distinct contrast. Although Jace doesn’t offer the same type of creature control, his card drawing ability can give a different kind of edge in the game. Where Rowan might excel in maintaining board superiority, Jace enables card advantage, which is crucial in many MTG strategies. Another card akin to Rowan is Nahiri, the Harbinger. Nahiri provides versatile removal options and can clear away not only creatures but also enchantments, artifacts, and tapped creatures, catering to a reactive style of play. Yet, Rowan’s focus remains on proactive field suppression.

Assessing Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage alongside her counterparts reveals her unique position as a tool for players who prefer an aggressive approach that keeps the opponent’s creatures at bay while gradually building towards her potent ultimate ability.

Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Jace Beleren - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, the Harbinger - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Jace Beleren - MTG Card versions
Nahiri, the Harbinger - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage by color, type and mana cost

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Chandra, Heart of Fire - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan the Masterless - MTG Card versions
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Jaya Ballard - MTG Card versions
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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Rowan, Fearless Sparkmage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-10-04 Gaining control of a creature doesn't cause you to gain control of any Auras or Equipment attached to it.
2019-10-04 If a target of Rowan's second ability is a legal target but an effect prevents the damage that would be dealt to it, that creature still can't block this turn.
2019-10-04 Rowan's second ability can't target the same creature twice to deal 2 damage to it.
2019-10-04 Rowan's third ability can affect creatures you already control or ones that are already untapped. It will untap them if applicable and give them haste.

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