Walking Wall MTG Card

Walking Wall’s ability to attack at instant speed allows surprise flips between defense and offense. Resource demands and specific mana require thoughtful planning when including Walking Wall in a deck. Versatility and combo synergy make Walking Wall a tactical addition against current metagame trends.

Ice Age (ICE)
1995-06-03 - Number 346

Deckmasters (DKM)
2001-12-01 - Number 38

Masters Edition (ME1)
2007-09-10 - Number 172

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Wall
Abilities	Defender
Power	0
Toughness	6

Text of card

Counts as a wall o3: Walking Wall gets +3/-1 until end of turn and can attack this turn. Walking Wall cannot attack the turn it comes under your control. Use this ability only once a turn.

"The fortress is not what it seems." —Arcum Dagsson, Soldevi Machinist

Exploring the Unique Mechanisms of Walking Wall

Walking Wall is a distinct card in MTG that beckons us to reconsider how we assess artifacts with defensive abilities. Sharing qualities similar to those of creatures, Walking Wall offers utility that aligns with artifact creatures like Wall of Tanglecord or Guardian of the Ages but adds a unique flair. The common thread among these is their initial purpose as hefty blockers. Wall of Tanglecord boasts reach, preparing you against aerial threats without an activation cost, contrasting with Walking Wall’s ground-based fortitude and activation cost to attack.

Cards like Walking Wall

Walking Wall stands out in the realm of defensive artifacts. When compared to Guardian of the Ages, both have high defense values, but Walking Wall’s attack activation is a rare trait for such a card. It’s akin to Wall of Tombstones in terms of cost and upkeep, but distinguishes itself as you can turn it into an attacker. Comparatively, there’s Animate Wall, a spell that also gifts a previously dormant defensive wall the vigor to strike. Yet Walking Wall provides this utility inherently without reliance on external spells.

In reflecting on Walking Wall’s place, it is an intriguing piece with its ability to convert from static defense to unexpected attacker. For players valuing flexibility, this MTG card fosters strategic depth and can catch an opponent off-guard, marking it as a notable choice against similar defensive options.

Guardian of the Ages - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Walking Wall by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although not directly providing card draw, Walking Wall’s ability to convert from a blocker to an attacker can force your opponents to commit more cards to the board to deal with it, potentially giving you a subtle yet tangible edge.

Resource Acceleration: Though Walking Wall does not directly generate mana or other resources, its four toughness for a relatively low cost is a sturdy obstacle that can slow down opponents, effectively buying you more time to access your resources and develop your board presence.

Instant Speed: The real flexibility of Walking Wall lies in its ability to become a 3/3 attacker at instant speed. This capability allows you to surprise an unwary opponent during their turn, potentially turning the tide of combat in your favor without preempting your own turn’s actions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Magic the Gathering players, managing resources effectively is crucial, and having to discard as part of the activation of Walking Wall might not always be a favorable option. This requirement could potentially put you at a disadvantage, particularly in games where each card in hand is vital to maintaining control and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: Walking Wall demands a precise blend of mana to get onto the battlefield, specifically requiring two colorless and one generic. This can hinder its inclusion in multi-colored decks or those that rely on a tight mana curve. Players might find it challenging to fulfill this mana arrangement, thereby limiting the potential plays and strategies that could synchronize with this artifact creature.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana to cast and an additional three to activate its ability to attack, Walking Wall incurs a higher expense compared to other creatures or defenses you could deploy. Other cards within a similar mana range may offer greater flexibility, power, or utility, thus making Walking Wall a less-than-ideal choice when economy and efficiency are paramount in deck construction.

Reasons to Include Walking Wall in Your Collection

Versatility: Walking Wall offers a unique form of defense that can become offensive when needed. Its ability to switch from a wall to an attacker provides adaptive strategies for decks that require flexible role cards.

Combo Potential: This card has the capacity to surprise opponents and work in conjunction with cards that capitalize on artifacts or creatures becoming tapped or untapped. By using its ability, you can activate synergies with tap/untap mechanics within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where stalling tactics and board control are paramount, Walking Wall can be a cost-effective way to hinder aggressive strategies while setting up for your key plays. Its capability to block early onslaughts and later transition into an attacker meshes well with decks that outpace the current meta’s tempo.

How to beat

Walking Wall, a unique artifact creature in Magic: The Gathering, poses a different sort of challenge on the battlefield. Unlike typical creature cards, Walking Wall can become a formidable blocker thanks to its ability to boost its defense at the cost of mana. Though it seems sturdy on the surface, there are multiple strategies players can employ to bypass its defenses.

Direct removal spells are particularly effective against Walking Wall. Spells that can destroy artifact creatures or target nonland permanents can make quick work of the Wall, irrespective of its toughness. Additionally, flying creatures serve as an efficient workaround, soaring over the Wall to deal damage to your opponent unimpeded. One may also consider using spells or abilities that require the creature to tap, as Walking Wall’s strength lies in being an untapped and ready blocker.

With these strategic insights, MTG players can appreciate that while Walking Wall might seem like an immovable object, it certainly has its weaknesses. By judiciously applying the right tactics and keeping a keen eye on resource management, you can confidently overcome the challenges posed by this distinctive card and maintain advantage on the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Walking Wall MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Deckmasters, 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 Walking Wall and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Walking Wall Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Anthony S. Waters.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1995-06-03	Ice Age	ICE	346	1993	Normal	Black	Anthony S. Waters
2	2001-12-01	Deckmasters	DKM	38	1997	Normal	White	Anthony S. Waters
3	2007-09-10	Masters Edition	ME1	172	1997	Normal	Black	Anthony S. Waters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Walking Wall has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal