Steady Aim MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2019-05-03
Set symbol
Set name	War of the Spark
Set code	WAR
Number	177
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ralph Horsley

Key Takeaways

Steady Aim offers card advantage by replacing itself under certain conditions in combat.
The card can be cast at instant speed, offering a flexible combat tactic.
Discarding a card as a cost for Steady Aim can sometimes be a disadvantage.

Text of card

Untap target creature. It gets +1/+4 and gains reach until end of turn.

The archer's heart broke seeing her compatriots die far below, but she held position until the enemy was in range.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Steady Aim can provide a significant edge in combat scenarios, allowing not only for an unexpected buff but also maintaining hand equilibrium by replacing itself when certain conditions are met.

Resource Acceleration: Even though Steady Aim doesn’t directly generate mana or treasure, it can speed up your resource leverage by ensuring your key creatures survive combat and continue to produce value turn after turn.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Steady Aim at instant speed offers you the tactical advantage of surprising your opponent during their attack or defense phase, potentially swinging the tide of battle in your favor without preemptively committing resources during your own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One limiting factor for Steady Aim is the necessity to discard a card to cast it. This cost can put you at a disadvantage, especially in situations where your hand is already depleted and you need to maintain card advantage on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Steady Aim comes with a specific mana requirement that could restrict its flexibility. If your mana base isn’t well-tuned to accommodate this card, or if your deck doesn’t naturally produce the necessary colors, it can be awkward to use when you need it most.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to investing in your game’s strategy, mana efficiency is key. Steady Aim demands a notable amount of mana that might be better allocated towards other spells or creatures that yield a higher impact or value in a given match-up.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Steady Aim is a flexible addition to decks looking to enhance their creatures’ combat capabilities, as it can instantaneously bolster defense and deter aggressive opponents.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that benefit from untapping creatures, using the surprise untap to enable further plays or disrupt your opponent’s expectations.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where combat tricks and creature-based strategies are prevalent, Steady Aim can offer an unexpected edge, making it a savvy choice for your arsenal.

How to beat

Steady Aim stands out in MTG as a card that can give creatures a sudden advantage during combat. Much like other combat tricks, the key to outmaneuvering Steady Aim is anticipation and strategic counterplay. Since Steady Aim can only be cast at instant speed, keeping mana open for a counterspell or instant-speed removal can ensure that the buff it provides doesn’t tip the combat scales.

Similar strategies include surprising your opponent with combat chips that can override the +1/+3 boost, such as bounce effects or using spells that prevent damage altogether. Cards like Unsummon can effectively negate the benefit of Steady Aim by returning the augmented creature back to the player’s hand. Alternatively, damage prevention spells like Healing Salve can counteract the combat damage boost provided by Steady Aim.

Ultimately, beating Steady Aim requires a blend of foresight and reactive play. Having the right mix of instant-speed interaction in your deck can neutralize not only Steady Aim but a host of other combat tricks opponents may employ. This positions you well to maintain control over the battlefield dynamics.

Cards like Steady Aim

Within the collection of combat tricks in MTG, Steady Aim stands as a practical tool for creature enhancement during battles. This card echoes the functionality of cards like Giant Growth, which also provides a temporary boost to a creature’s power and toughness. Where Steady Aim adds its unique touch is in the additional untap feature, allowing creatures to be ready for either unexpected blocks or further attacks.

Comparatively, we look at the likes of Ranger’s Guile, which not only boosts a creature’s power but also gives it hexproof for the turn at a similar cost. This element of protection can be critical in shielding your creatures from targeted spells or abilities. However, it doesn’t provide the untapping advantage that Steady Aim does, which can be pivotal during combat maneuvers.

Resolute Strike is another notable comparison. This spell is cost-efficient and untaps a creature, but its boost is conditional based on having a Warrior or an equipped creature. Steady Aim requires no such condition, providing its benefits to any creature you control. This flexibility makes Steady Aim a versatile choice for decks that want to stay agile and responsive during the heat of battle.

Cards similar to Steady Aim by color, type and mana cost

Might of the Nephilim - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Steady Aim MTG card by a specific set like War of the Spark, 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 Steady Aim and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Steady Aim has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Steady Aim card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.