Wall of Dust MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 168
1995-04-01 - Number 229
1995-04-01 - Number 229
1995-08-01 - Number 97
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Creatures blocked by Wall of Dust cannot attack during your opponent's next turn. Use counters to mark these creatures.
An ever-moving swarm of dust engulfs and disorients anything that comes near.
Cards like Wall of Dust
Wall of Dust holds a distinct place in the defender archetype of Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to other defender cards, such as Wall of Bone, which also provides a sturdy defensive option. However, Wall of Dust has a unique ability to prevent creatures it blocks from untapping during the opponent’s next untap step. Although Wall of Bone has the advantage of regeneration, it lacks this incapacitating feature which can be a game-changer in disrupting opponent strategies.
Comparatively, we observe cards like Wall of Frost, which shares a similar mechanic to Wall of Dust by locking down creatures it blocks. Wall of Frost is stronger in terms of defense, boasting a higher toughness, but it comes with a higher mana cost. Glacial Wall, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective defense solution, but without any additional effects, it doesn’t impact the board quite like Wall of Dust.
In sum, Wall of Dust finds its strength not just in being a barrier but also in its ability to hinder the opponents’ plans. In the realm of defensive MTG cards, it presents an interesting balance between cost, defense, and tactical advantage. Thus, within its niche, Wall of Dust can be considered a compelling choice for players who seek to add a strategic layer to their defense.
Cards similar to Wall of Dust by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wall of Dust may not directly allow you to draw cards, but it blocks multiple creatures throughout the game, effectively neutralizing several of an opponent’s cards with just one of yours.
Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t generate mana or Treasure, its two-mana cost can help you establish board presence early, preserving your resources for more critical plays in the later stages.
Instant Speed: While Wall of Dust is not an instant, its ability to be summoned early can act as a deterrent, persuading opponents to hold back their attacks similar to the effect an instant would have during their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Integrating Wall of Dust into your gameplay might be demanding as it doesn’t necessitate discarding, but it does particularly challenge deck building strategies that streamline card economy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both generic and red mana, Wall of Dust asks for a commitment to red sources in your land composition, potentially restricting deck versatility and consistency in multicolor builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that could be considered steep for its ability, Wall of Dust faces stiff competition from other options that might deliver better defensive capabilities or additional utility for the same or lower investment.
Reasons to Include Wall of Dust in Your Collection
Versatility: Wall of Dust is a solid defensive option that fits into decks geared toward stalling the game. Its ability to deter attackers can be crucial for strategies that need time to build up their board or resources.
Combo Potential: As a Wall creature, it works well with other cards that capitalize on defenders or cards that tap creatures for various effects, potentially setting up synergy within a deck.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggressive creature decks are prevalent, Wall of Dust provides a cost-effective barrier, making it relevant for maintaining balance against such strategies.
How to beat
Wall of Dust presents a unique challenge in the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering a formidable defensive stance with its ability to halt creatures in their tracks. This particular card, when on the battlefield, can prevent creatures it blocks from attacking during the opponent’s next turn, creating a temporary but impactful stonewall defense.
To effectively circumvent the Wall of Dust, players should consider the adoption of flying creatures, which can soar over this earthbound obstruction. Alternatively, spells that provide unblockability or remove Wall of Dust from play can be instrumental. Employing removal spells that can target and destroy this particular wall, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, prove to be an effective tactic. Additionally, direct damage spells or abilities that do not require engagement in combat can bypass the wall’s static defense and strike at your opponent’s life total directly.
Successfully managing this card hinges on strategic adjustments in deck building and gameplay. Understanding the strengths and vulnerabilities of Wall of Dust can ensure that its presence on the battlefield becomes a minor inconvenience rather than an insurmountable obstacle.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wall of Dust MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Dust and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Wall of Dust Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 1995-08-01. Illustrated by Richard Thomas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 168 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 229 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 229 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 97 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wall of Dust has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |