Varchild's Crusader MTG Card

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 82a

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 82b

Varchild's Crusader - Masters Edition II (ME2)

Masters Edition II (ME2)
2008-09-22 - Number 152

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Knight
Power	3
Toughness	2

Key Takeaways

Generates creature tokens, acting as card advantage and affecting board state dynamics.
Token creation facilitates resource acceleration, allowing more strategic plays in a match.
Ability adds unexpected tactical depth during combat, mimicking instant-speed interaction.

Text of card

: Varchild's Crusader cannot be blocked except by walls this turn. Bury Varchild's Crusader at end of turn.

"We could have peace, but Varchild would rather have the maps of the new Kjeldor drawn in Balduvian blood." —King Darien of Kjeldor

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Varchild’s Crusader is a strategic addition to a deck that focuses on leveraging creature presence for indirect card advantage. By potentially creating a creature upon each successful attack, you’re accumulating virtual cards on the field, which translates into leverage against your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s ability to put a token into play can work as a form of resource acceleration. Each token represents potential mana when synergies with convoke or sacrifice outlets are considered. These tokens can influence the pace of the game, allowing for quicker deployment of high-cost cards.

Instant Speed: While Varchild’s Crusader doesn’t operate at instant speed, its triggered ability activates during the combat phase, giving a semblance of surprise akin to instant speed applications. This can disrupt an opponent’s calculations during the combat phase and provides strategic value reminiscent of instant speed interactions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Varchild’s Crusader asks you to let go of another card to generate its benefit, which could deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage, particularly in tight game situations where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost to summon Varchild’s Crusader requires red mana, making it less flexible for decks that don’t primarily use red mana or for multicolored decks where mana base consistency is crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the steeper side for its offered effect, players often weigh other alternatives within the same cost bracket that could provide more immediate or impactful advantages on the battlefield.

Reasons to Include Varchild’s Crusader in Your Collection

Versatility: As a creature card, Varchild’s Crusader has the flexibility to be included in a variety of red-based decks. Whether you’re building an aggressive strategy or a deck that hinges on creature synergies, this card can easily find its place without constraining your deck’s design.

Combo Potential: Varchild’s Crusader harbors potential in combination with cards that reward you for damaging your opponents, such as cards that benefit from triggering enrage or raid abilities. Furthermore, its ability to generate Survivor tokens when it leaves the battlefield can be leveraged in decks that capitalize on creature tokens.

Meta-Relevance: Within the current competitive scene, where creature-based strategies are prevalent, including a card like Varchild’s Crusader can be a smart decision. The card’s resilience and the way it leaves behind tokens can help maintain board presence in a meta where every creature counts.

How to beat

Varchild’s Crusader presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in MTG. Its ability to potentially grow stronger with each survivor token generated can become overwhelming if not addressed quickly. To neutralize the growing threat of Varchild’s Crusader, consider cards that can either neutralize tokens or prevent the accumulation of such counters. Removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push that can bypass the token creation phase and directly target Varchild’s Crusader will be key to keeping the game in your favor.

Another strategy includes utilizing enchantments like Pacifism to render Varchild’s Crusader harmless, effectively leaving it on the field without the ability to attack or block. Additionally, countering the card before it even hits the play can save you the hassle. Counterspells are highly efficient in dealing with creatures like Varchild’s Crusader before they can become a menace. Cards like Counterspell or Essence Scatter can be critical in stopping the Crusader cold.

Finally, maintaining board control with sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation can ensure that any escalating threats, including Varchild’s Crusader, are taken care of in one fell swoop. Keeping these strategies in mind could make the difference between victory and defeat when facing off against this formidable foe.

Cards like Varchild's Crusader

Varchild’s Crusader presents an intriguing option for players looking to enhance their aggressive red strategies in MTG. This card might draw comparisons with other red creatures such as Goblin Guide, given their low casting cost and potential to deal early damage. While Goblin Guide consistently attacks with 2 power and potentially grants the opponent extra land cards, Varchild’s Crusader has the ability to grow stronger each time it is blocked.

Another card worth mentioning in the same breath is Tattermunge Maniac, which, like Varchild’s Crusader, can come out swinging early in the game. Both cards share the aggressive one-cost red factor. However, the Tattermunge Maniac comes with a forced attack clause, limiting strategic options compared to the Crusader’s more flexible attack trigger. Then, we have Rakdos Cackler, a versatile creature that also offers early game aggression but provides a player with a choice to unleash it, gaining +1/+1 but losing the ability to block.

In examining these alternatives, it’s clear that Varchild’s Crusader holds its own within the sphere of early red creature drops. Its growing potential upon being blocked could surprise opponents and lead to a swift advantage, making it a noteworthy choice for aggro red deck enthusiasts.

Cards similar to Varchild's Crusader by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Varchild's Crusader MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and Alliances, 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 Varchild's Crusader and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Varchild's Crusader Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Mark Poole.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	82a	1993	Normal	Black	Mark Poole
2	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	82b	1993	Normal	Black	Mark Poole
3	2008-09-22	Masters Edition II	ME2	152	1997	Normal	Black	Mark Poole