Zealous Conscripts MTG Card


Zealous Conscripts can turn games by taking control of any target permanent. It serves as both a resource accelerator and a disruptive play. Not instant speed, but its entry effect makes an immediate impact.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Warrior
Abilities Haste
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Haste When Zealous Conscripts enters the battlefield, gain control of target permanent until end of turn. Untap that permanent. It gains haste until end of turn.


Cards like Zealous Conscripts

Zealous Conscripts holds a unique position in the array of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. Its closest equivalent might be Act of Treason, which similarly wrests control of a target creature for a turn. Zealous Conscripts goes a step further, enabling not only creature theft but the hijacking of any target permanent—adding a layer of versatility to your strategic options.

Another parallel can be drawn with Molten Primordial. Both cards grant temporary control of your opponents’ assets. While Molten Primordial can affect multiple creatures when it hits the battlefield, it comes at a heftier mana cost compared to the five mana for Zealous Conscripts, which could mean a delay in bringing this impactful play to the table.

In the broader context of MTG’s powerful red hijack effects, Zealous Conscripts stands out with its directness and flexibility. Its capability to turn the tides in a match by commandeering any permanent—including planeswalkers or enchantments—at the pivotal moment, rather than just creatures, justly garners the attention of experienced players seeking a dynamic and assertive approach in their games.

Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions
Act of Treason - MTG Card versions
Molten Primordial - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Zealous Conscripts by color, type and mana cost

Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions
Fire Elemental - MTG Card versions
Earth Elemental - MTG Card versions
Eron the Relentless - MTG Card versions
Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions
Hivis of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Hulking Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Flame Spirit - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions
Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions
Covetous Dragon - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions
Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions
Tephraderm - MTG Card versions
Avarax - MTG Card versions
Bonethorn Valesk - MTG Card versions
Frost Ogre - MTG Card versions
Heartless Hidetsugu - MTG Card versions
Shard Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Soul of Magma - MTG Card versions
Hunted Dragon - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Zealous Conscripts. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros InitiativeBoros Initiative LegacyBoros InitiativeLegacy League 2023-12-02
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo Canadian Highlander for Duals - Tundra Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Zealous Conscripts has a powerful effect that temporarily steals any target permanent when it enters the battlefield. This disruptive ability can turn the tide of the game by repurposing an opponent’s strength as your own, effectively serving as both removal and an unforeseen advantage.

Resource Acceleration: When you take control of an opponent’s permanent with ramping capabilities, such as a mana dork or a land with special abilities, Zealous Conscripts acts as a resource accelerator. It grants access to more mana for that turn, potentially allowing for a game-winning play.

Instant Speed: While Zealous Conscripts itself is not an instant, its ability to exert instant impact cannot be overstated. Deploying at sorcery speed, its surprise factor can disorient an opponent’s plan significantly, especially when taking control of an asset they were relying on for their next move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Players must be wary as they do not possess a discard requirement to fulfill, which can make it less synergistic with strategies that capitalize on cards leaving the hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Zealous Conscripts demands a precise combination of mana types to cast, requiring both red and other mana, potentially constraining deck-building diversity and mana base flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of five mana, including three generic and a double red commitment, this card’s activation may come later in the game than many players would like, limiting its early-game impact against fast-paced competitors.


Reasons to Include Zealous Conscripts in Your Collection

Versatility: Zealous Conscripts offers a highly adaptable addition to many decks because of its unique ability to temporarily gain control of any target permanent, not just creatures. This flexibility can turn the tide in different game situations, making it a valuable card across various formats.

Combo Potential: This card is famous for its combo potential with the likes of Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, forming an infinite loop to create numerous copies of hasty creatures for a game-winning move. It’s a sought-after piece for players keen on crafting intricate and devastating strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capability to disrupt opponents’ plans by hijacking their important permanents, Zealous Conscripts remains relevant in metas dominated by big creatures or planeswalkers. It’s a strategic asset in red decks, keeping the deck competitive in diverse game environments.


How to beat

Zealous Conscripts is a powerful card in MTG that can turn the tide of a game by temporarily seizing control of any target permanent. This include opponents’ creatures, artifacts, or even planeswalkers. The card’s strength lies not only in its capacity to disrupt opponents’ strategies but also in its potential to swing for a considerable amount of damage or utilize another permanent’s abilities for a turn.

Countermeasures against Zealous Conscripts mainly revolve around preventing it from entering the battlefield in the first place. Control decks might rely on counterspells or instant speed removals to neutralize the threat before it becomes active. Traditional removal spells are less effective since the Conscripts’ ability is a triggered ability that will resolve even if the card is later destroyed.

Another approach is to limit the number of high-value targets on your side of the field when playing against a deck that might be running Zealous Conscripts. Sacrifice outlets can also help, as they allow you to sacrifice key permanents in response to the hijack attempt, rendering their ability fruitless. Ultimately, understanding and anticipating the pivotal moment when Zealous Conscripts could be played is crucial in crafting a strategy to outmaneuver this formidable MTG card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Zealous Conscripts epitomizes the surprise factor that can define MTG matches. Harnessing the card’s ability to disrupt and turn assets against your opponent is a high-level strategy that can elevate your gameplay. For those keen to optimize their deck with versatile and impactful cards, understanding the nuances of such strategies is essential. Zealous Conscripts is not just a card; it’s a game-changer. Discover tactics to integrate this gem into your arsenal and counteract its threats on the battlefield. Gear up for your next duel; learn the intricacies and unlock the full potential of your deck with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zealous Conscripts MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Zealous Conscripts and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Zealous Conscripts Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 1662003NormalBlackSteve Prescott
22017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1162015NormalBlackSteve Prescott
32021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3541997NormalBlackSteve Prescott
42023-03-21Shadows of the PastSIS 472015NormalBlackSteve Prescott
52023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2312015NormalBlackRandy Vargas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zealous Conscripts has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 The triggered ability can target any permanent, including one that's untapped or one that you already control.