Wall of Ice MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 224
1993-10-04 - Number 225
1993-12-01 - Number 225
1993-12-10 - Number 225
1993-12-10 - Number 225
1994-04-01 - Number 225
1994-04-01 - Number 225
1994-06-21 - Number 225
1995-04-01 - Number 283
1995-04-01 - Number 283
2022-11-28 - Number 517
2022-11-28 - Number 220
| Card sets | Released in 12 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 7 |
Text of card
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
"And through the drifts the snowy cliffs/ Did send a dismal sheen:/ Nor shapes of men nor beasts we ken—/ The ice was all between."/ —Samuel Coleridge, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner"
Cards like Wall of Ice
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, the Wall of Ice stands as a formidable defensive card. Its strength is matched by other walls like Wall of Stone, which boasts a higher toughness but for an additional mana cost. Wall of Ice provides a stout barrier early on, with three mana securing a seven-toughness blocker.
Looking at Tree of Redemption, another defensive behemoth, we notice a striking difference. Although its toughness can match the player’s life total, this ability has a price – the switching of said toughness with your life points. This can be both a drawback and a boon, depending on the situation. Wall of Ice, on the other hand, offers consistent defense without the potential life total gamble.
Wall of Blossoms also deserves a mention, coming in at two mana with a toughness of four, it lacks the sheer blocking power of Wall of Ice. In exchange, it brings card draw to the table, adding to your hand upon entering the battlefield. Each of these walls provides its own unique defensive angle, yet Wall of Ice remains a solid choice for its sheer impenetrability granted at an efficient cost.
Cards similar to Wall of Ice by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Wall of Ice may not enable you to draw additional cards, it serves as a robust defensive measure on the board. Its presence compels opponents to seek alternative strategies or burn resources to bypass its dominating toughness, potentially leading to a favorable shift in card advantage for you.
Resource Acceleration: While Wall of Ice doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in the form of mana production, its low casting cost makes it an economical addition to your defense. It can save your more valuable creatures and spells from being targeted, effectively guarding your resources for crucial points in the match.
Instant Speed: Despite Wall of Ice not being an instant, its sheer size for its cost can act as a deterrent, much like an instant would in combat. Its ability to be cast early in the game ensures that your defenses are set up promptly, allowing you flexibility with your mana in subsequent turns to cast spells that can be played at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some defensive options that offer additional benefits, Wall of Ice obliges you to purely invest in the defense without providing card advantage or utility beyond its blocking capability.
Specific Mana Cost: Wall of Ice’s casting cost necessitates two green mana, which can be restrictive in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is crucial for optimal play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Wall of Ice can be considered costly for its sole function as a blocker, especially when other cards may provide greater versatility or a more substantial board presence for a similar investment.
Reasons to Include Wall of Ice in Your Collection
Versatility: Known for its robust defensive abilities, Wall of Ice can be a strategic addition to any deck focusing on fortification and control. Its high toughness makes it a reliable barrier against early and mid-game attackers.
Combo Potential: As a defender with significant toughness, Wall of Ice works well with cards that capitalize on high-toughness creatures. It can be a key piece in defensive strategies that stall opponents while you set up winning combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where aggressive creature decks are popular, having Wall of Ice can be a crucial play. It holds the line effectively, allowing you to maintain board presence and navigate through fast-paced matches.
How to beat
The Wall of Ice presents a chilling challenge with its substantial toughness, giving it the ability to halt many attackers in their tracks. However, savvy players can find effective strategies to circumvent this obstacle. Overcoming the Wall starts with recognizing its limitations. As a creature that’s all braun with no bite, it can’t fight back.
Spells that inflict direct damage or offer deathtouch to crease powerful synergies can break through the Wall’s defenses. Additionally, flying creatures sail over it, unfazed by its icy barrier. For those favoring brute force, spells that bolster your creatures’ power or spells that remove or tap the Wall without destroying it will render it useless. Enchantment removals also chip away at its defenses if it’s been enhanced.
Ultimately, even the sturdiest defenders have a breaking point. Understanding the mechanics at your disposal allows you to strategize effectively against defensive stalwarts like the Wall of Ice. As you plan your game, keep these tactics in mind to maintain your offensive momentum and turn what seems like an impenetrable defense into just another stepping stone towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wall of Ice MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Ice and other MTG cards:
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- 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 Ice Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by Richard Thomas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 224 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 225 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 225 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 225 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 225 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 6 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 225 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 7 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 225 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
| 8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 225 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
| 9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 283 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
| 10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 283 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 11 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 517 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 12 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 220 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wall of Ice has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |