Metathran Soldier MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Metathran Soldier
Released	1999-06-07
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Destiny
Set code	UDS
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	39
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Paolo Parente

Key Takeaways

Metathran Soldier’s card synergy allows for a dominant battlefield presence while managing your card resources effectively.
Blue mana requirement and discard conditions may limit the Metathran Soldier’s versatility in diverse MTG decks.
When playing against it, timely removal spells are key to mitigating the early game advantage it provides.

Text of card

Metathran Soldier is unblockable.

Just as Serra crafted angels of light and faith, Urza constructed an army of sorcery and power to resist the coming invasion.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Metathran Soldier provides a strategic edge through its card synergy capabilities. It fosters an environment where you can intensify your battlefield presence while maintaining a steady flow of resourceful cards in your hand. This can be a critical factor in outpacing your opponent in resource management and board control as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: This card may not produce resources directly, but its cost-effectiveness contributes to resource acceleration by enabling a rapid deployment. This allows players to allocate their mana more effectively and potentially cast multiple spells in the same turn, effectively speeding up the pace of the game and outmatching opponents in resource utilization.

Instant Speed: If Metathran Soldier had instant speed, it would permit players to tactically time their plays, offering the flexibility to react swiftly to an opponent’s actions. This adaptability allows you to keep your opponents guessing while providing the opportunity to optimize your maneuvers during the battle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Metathran Soldier card might diminish your hand by necessitating the discard of another card to activate certain abilities. This can be particularly detrimental when your hand size is already sparse, putting you at a disadvantage in maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting the Metathran Soldier requires blue mana. This can be restrictive as it doesn’t seamlessly fit into all deck types. Players running multicolored decks or those that don’t focus on blue may find the mana requirements challenging to fulfill consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s higher than some other creatures of similar stature, the Metathran Soldier can be a less optimal choice. Players may find that other cards offer comparable or better abilities for less mana, making them potentially more cost-effective inclusions in a deck’s lineup.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Metathran Soldier offers adaptability on the battlefield, fitting seamlessly into various deck archetypes that can utilize its characteristics. This can be incredibly useful in decks that seek to maintain a strong board presence.

Combo Potential: As a creature with a distinct tribal identity, Metathran Soldier can be instrumental in decks designed around creature synergies or tribal bonuses, further bolstering your strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on shifts and trends in the game’s competitive environment, the utilization of Metathran Soldier can prove to be a tactical advantage, especially in metas that favor creature-based strategies and interactions.

How to Beat

Metathran Soldier, a classic creature from Magic: The Gathering’s historical sets, presents a straightforward challenge on the battlefield. With efficient mana cost and average stats, Metathran Soldier can be an early game presence. However, toppling this soldier requires a bit of strategy. Key tactics include utilizing instant-speed removal spells that can dispatch the soldier before it can contribute to your opponent’s board state.

Control decks have a significant advantage here, housing a wealth of removal options. Spells like Fatal Push and Path to Exile are outstanding choices to eliminate Metathran Soldier without having to invest heavily in terms of mana or card advantage. Timing is critical; removing the soldier during your opponent’s turn can prevent them from leveraging any buffs or combat tricks they may have been planning.

For those not running black or white control elements, Red’s direct damage spells or Blue’s bounce mechanics offer alternative paths to clearing the soldier off the board. Whichever color you’re embracing, it’s about knowing your deck and choosing the right moment to strike. So keep your removal handy, and with a little bit of finesse, Metathran Soldier will be no more than a minor blip on your path to victory.

Cards like Metathran Soldier

In the realm of MTG, Metathran Soldier is a card that invites comparison with its fellow creatures, due to its well-defined role on the battlefield. One such card is Elite Vanguard, a staple in white weenie decks, boasting an identical mana cost for the same power and toughness. Elite Vanguard, however, lacks the synergy that Metathran Soldier offers within its own tribe.

Conversely, considering utility, the Savannah Lions, another one-mana creature featuring similar stats, once set the standard for aggressive white one-drops. But with time and evolving gameplay, additional options like Metathran Soldier offer thematic consistency in tribal decks, which can outweigh the raw power of standalone cards.

Examining these comparisons helps players to filter their choices based on the strategy they desire to deploy. While Metathran Soldier may not be the apex of aggressive one-drops, it finds its strength in decks that capitalize on tribe interactions and thematic plays. It’s a card that shines with the right support and in the correct deck environment.

Cards similar to Metathran Soldier by color, type and mana cost

Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions

Kaijin of the Vanishing Touch - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Metathran Soldier MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Metathran Soldier and other MTG cards: