Wall of Diffusion MTG Card

Maintains card advantage by deterring attacks without directly influencing card draw. Offers cost-effective defense, saving mana for other spells and strategies. Enhances instant speed spell strategies by allowing mana to remain open.

Tempest (TMP)
1997-10-14 - Number 211

Wall of Diffusion - Vintage Masters (VMA)

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 191

Wall of Diffusion - Tempest Remastered (TPR)

Tempest Remastered (TPR)
2015-05-06 - Number 164

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Wall
Abilities	Defender
Power	0
Toughness	5

Text of card

(Walls cannot attack.) Wall of Diffusion can block creatures with shadow.

"The injury was being caught between this world and our own; the insult was to find walls within." —Lyna, Soltari emissary

Cards like Wall of Diffusion

The Wall of Diffusion card stands as a reliable defensive option among Magic: The Gathering’s assortment of wall creatures. With its toughness of 5 for a modest two mana, it rivals the likes of Wall of Wood, which offers less toughness but requires only one green mana. Wall of Diffusion’s distinctive ability to block creatures with shadow, however, sets it apart, making it a tactical choice in specific situations.

Another comparable card is Wall of Air. This card boasts a similar cost and ability to block flying creatures, providing a different defensive angle. However, Wall of Diffusion has the edge in the current meta where shadow creatures might be more prevalent. Additionally, we see Wall of Brambles, which provides a considerable defensive presence and the potential for regeneration, though it demands a higher mana investment.

Ultimately, Wall of Diffusion holds a unique niche with its specialized blocking ability. In the realm of defensive creatures in Magic: The Gathering, it serves as an effective tool for stalling your opponent, particularly in formats where evasion abilities such as shadow are common.

Cards similar to Wall of Diffusion by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Wall of Diffusion doesn’t directly contribute to card draw, its functionality serves to protect your other card investments on the board. By deterring attacks, it maintains the cards in play which can be crucial for long-term advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Wall of Diffusion itself might not accelerate resources in terms of mana production, but it provides a robust defense at a low cost, effectively saving mana that you might otherwise spend on multiple spells to prevent damage.

Instant Speed: This particular card isn’t an instant, but its relevance to instant speed lies in its utility as a surprise blocker. As a creature with defender, Wall of Diffusion can be played on your turn, keeping your mana open to respond with instant speed spells in the opponent’s turn without worrying about leaving your defenses down.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Wall of Diffusion doesn’t intrinsically require you to discard a card, it’s notable that it can put you at a disadvantage if it becomes necessary to discard for another card’s synergy or effect. This could happen in decks where every card is vital to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Wall of Diffusion includes one red mana, which ties it specifically to red or multicolored decks. If you’re not running a deck with red mana, it can be challenging to incorporate this defensive creature seamlessly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a two mana cost, you might expect a more impactful creature or an additional ability beyond just being a defender with a power of 0. Although its toughness of 5 for two mana can be useful, some players may find other options more cost-effective in terms of both mana and deck strategy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Wall of Diffusion serves as a robust defender in various deck builds, capable of halting numerous threats with its toughness and imposing enough to deter attacks, making it a solid choice for control or midrange strategies.

Combo Potential: This wall can synergize with cards that reward you for having creatures with defender, such as Axebane Guardian, or cards that enable you to utilize defenders for other effects, potentially unlocking new tactical avenues for your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive, creature-focused decks prevail, Wall of Diffusion offers a cost-effective means of fortifying your defenses, helping you stabilize the board and frustrate your opponent’s offense until you deploy your game-winning plays.

How to beat

Wall of Diffusion is a unique card in the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering a solid defense mechanism for players. Known for its toughness and the ability to block creatures with shadow, this wall can be a real stumbling block. To counteract this defensive stronghold, consider using spells that don’t target, as Wall of Diffusion is impervious to targeting when blocking a shadow creature. Mass removal spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the board of such defenders without the need to target them individually.

Moreover, you can bypass Wall of Diffusion altogether by using creatures with flying or reach, positioning you to strike directly without engagement on the ground. Spell options that alter combat abilities, like granting trample to your creatures, can also prove effective, as damage can be carried over the wall and onto the opponent. Likewise, cards with the ‘can’t be blocked’ attribute can effortlessly slip past the wall’s defense and deliver damage.

Even with a strong presence, Wall of Diffusion can be overcome by strategic use of non-targeted removal, evasion, or alteration of combat abilities, thus maintaining the flow and momentum of your game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wall of Diffusion MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and Vintage Masters, 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 Wall of Diffusion and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Wall of Diffusion Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by DiTerlizzi.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1997-10-14	Tempest	TMP	211	1997	Normal	Black	DiTerlizzi
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA	191	2015	Normal	Black	DiTerlizzi
3	2015-05-06	Tempest Remastered	TPR	164	2015	Normal	Black	DiTerlizzi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wall of Diffusion has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal