Companion of the Trials MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Bird Soldier
Abilities	Flying
Released	2017-04-28
Set symbol
Set name	Amonkhet
Set code	AKH
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	271
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Aaron Miller

Key Takeaways

Enables efficient planeswalker ability use, acting as a pseudo-card advantage source.
Indirect resource acceleration achieved by the unique ability to untap key permanents.
Demands card sacrifice upon entry, potentially stalling momentum in tight situations.

Text of card

Flying : Untap target creature. Activate this ability only if you control a Gideon planeswalker.

"The fiercest loyalties are earned in battle." —Gideon Jura

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Companion of the Trials offers unique synergies with planeswalkers, particularly those with the Gideon subtype. This grants the flexibility to untap a Gideon planeswalker, effectively providing a form of card advantage by maximizing the use of your planeswalker’s abilities in a single turn.

Resource Acceleration: While Companion of the Trials itself is not directly a resource acceleration card, its ability to untap key permanents can lead to a sort of indirect acceleration. By enabling repeated use of planeswalker abilities, it allows for more efficient use of resources present on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed provides a tactical edge, allowing players to react to opponents’ actions during their turn. Although Companion of the Trials doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, it can reset planeswalkers so they can use their abilities as if they had instant speed potential, disrupting an opponent’s strategy and timing.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Stepping into the battlefield, Companion of the Trials demands a certain forsaking. It requires players to let go of another card in hand, which could lead to a disadvantage in game momentum, especially during moments when resources are scarce and every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: To call this ally to your side, the correct blend of mana is essential. The card’s mana cost is specialized, asking for an exact combination which may not align well with multi-color decks or those that struggle with mana diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the cost against benefits taken is key. Companion of the Trials commands a relatively high investment of mana. This could dampen the pace for players, considering there could be other cards that bring similar or greater value to the table with less of a mana burden.

Reasons to Include Companion of the Trials in Your Collection

Versatility: Companion of the Trials offers flexibility as a flying creature that can synergize with various deck themes, especially those revolving around the Amonkhet block’s Trials and Cartouches. Its ability to interact with other permanents on the board makes it adaptable in different game situations.

Combo Potential: This card has a noteworthy combo potential as it can untap other creatures with the exert mechanic. The synergy with exert creatures can lead to uncommon and powerful interactions that enhance your board presence and create opportunities for tactical advantages.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where sky-based or exert-centric strategies are prevalent, Companion of the Trials gains additional importance. Its role as a support card enables it to fit into specific archetypes that capitalize on those mechanics, thus maintaining relevance in such an environment.

How to beat

Companion of the Trials is a card that presents a unique synergy with the Planeswalker Gideon in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to untap a Gideon Planeswalker resonates well with strategies looking to maximize loyalty abilities. To effectively counter this card, intercepting the Companion before it activates its potential is key. Removal spells can disrupt this synergy, as can controlling the pace to prevent Gideon from reaching the battlefield.

Similarly, early game pressure can prevent your opponent from establishing the combo. Cards like Thoughtseize can extract key components from their hand, while also giving you insight on how to navigate your strategy. Furthermore, creature control through board wipes or targeted removal like Fatal Push can ensure that Companion of the Trials doesn’t become an accomplice in your opponent’s victory.

Keeping a versatile and responsive set of answers ready in your deck will put you at a significant advantage. Effective sideboard strategies can adapt your deck after the first game to further mitigate the Companion’s effectiveness. Considering these tactics, Companion of the Trials can be overcome, maintaining the balance of play.

Cards like Companion of the Trials

Companion of the Trials is an intriguing card within the vast array of creatures in MTG. It shares a kinship with cards such as Gust Walker, which also has the exert mechanic allowing it to gain bonuses without the ability to untap during the next untap step. Yet, Companion of the Trials stands out with its synergy with Gideon planeswalkers, granting it the unique utility of untapping a Gideon planeswalker during combat.

Another card that comes into play is Winged Shepherd. This card showcases vigilance and cycling, adding to the deck’s adaptability and steadfastness. However, it doesn’t offer the same interactivity with other cards as Companion of the Trials does. Azure Drake is similarly valued for flying ability, ensuring aerial defense, unlike Companion of the Trials, which offers a more ground-based approach with added planeswalker interaction.

Ultimately, Companion of the Trials fits snugly into MTG decks oriented around Gideon planeswalkers, providing a specialized role that sets it part from other comparable creatures. When analyzed for its uniqueness and cross-card synergy, it emerges as a particularly tailored choice for specific strategic implementations.

Cards similar to Companion of the Trials by color, type and mana cost

Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Companion of the Trials MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet, 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 Companion of the Trials and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Companion of the Trials has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

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