Staunch Throneguard MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Vigilance
Power 2
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Provides consistent card advantage and enables diverse deck-building strategies with a focus on artifact synergy.
  2. Demands white mana and a card discard, which could complicate gameplay in multi-color or depleted-hand situations.
  3. Acts as a potent deterrent to aggressive strategies, reinforcing its standing as a durable defender.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.

Text of card

Vigilance When Staunch Throneguard enters the battlefield, you become the monarch.

"Brago in his arrogance let the throne's defenses fall dormant. Our new queen is not so incautious." —Livio, Oathsworn Sentinel


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Staunch Throneguard slots seamlessly into decks that capitalize on equipment and artifact strategies, enabling players to maintain a healthy hand by drawing a card each time an equipped creature dies. This consistent card replenishment aids in outmaneuvering opponents over the long haul.

Resource Acceleration: The Throneguard’s ability synergizes with cards that benefit from artifact creatures entering the battlefield and dying. This interaction not only paves the way for strategic board plays but, in combination with other synergistic pieces, can act as a springboard for resource acceleration within such decks.

Instant Speed: While Staunch Throneguard is a creature and doesn’t inherently have instant speed, it can be a crucial pawn in decks that utilize flash mechanics. Deploying this vigilant defender when least expected not only protects key assets during your opponent’s turn but also can trigger surprise card draw if it meets its end at instant speed, keeping your strategic options flexible.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Staunch Throneguard necessitates a card to be discarded for its ability to trigger. This can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleted, forcing you to choose between retaining your current strategy or activating the card’s feature.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting Staunch Throneguard requires a precise arrangement of mana, which includes white mana. This restriction means decking the card might not be feasible in multicolored or mana-intensive decks where color flexibility is crucial.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the card having a higher mana cost compared to others with similar or better effects, players may opt for alternatives that offer more bang for their buck. Its costliness could slow down your game pace, especially in fast-paced matches where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include Staunch Throneguard in Your Collection

Versatility: Staunch Throneguard offers solid defensive capabilities, making it a robust addition to decks aiming to hold the fort while setting up their board. Its capability to block multiple creatures thanks to Vigilance allows for flexible defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that take advantage of artifacts, Staunch Throneguard’s presence as both a creature and an artifact can be capitalized upon. Its Artifact synergy is particularly useful in decks that care about artifact count or those that utilize sacrifice mechanics for greater benefits.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting nature of the MTG landscape, a card like Staunch Throneguard can be a valuable asset against aggressive decks seeking to end games quickly. Its ability to serve as a reliable blocker makes it a strong contender in your arsenal, particularly in a meta full of creature-based strategies.


How to beat

Staunch Throneguard is a formidable creature card that can pose a real challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This vigilant sentinel often sees play in decks that value defensive strategies, as its Vigilance ability allows it to remain a blocker even after attacking. Its stats make it a robust presence on the field, capable of withstanding several types of removal spells.

To overcome the Staunch Throneguard, it’s crucial to employ strategies that bypass its durability. Consider leveraging spells or abilities that don’t target the creature directly, such as board wipes or global effects that reduce toughness. Moreover, exploit its lack of evasion by using flying or unblockable creatures to pressure your opponent’s life total. Efficient use of creature removal that exiles or sends cards to the graveyard without dealing damage can also be an effective countermeasure against the Throneguard.

Ultimately, although Staunch Throneguard embodies a linchpin in defensive MTG strategies, a well-thought-out plan utilizing the right tools can diminish its impact on the game, paving the way for your victory.


Cards like Staunch Throneguard

The Staunch Throneguard has found its place in the roster of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It stands in comparison with other creatures like the esteemed Solemn Simulacrum, which provide a mix of battlefield presence and utility. The Staunch Throneguard offers a durable defensive option, with its vigilant nature allowing it to act as both attacker and defender in a single turn. Solemn Simulacrum may not match this combative flexibility but compensates by enabling land ramp and card draw upon entering and leaving the battlefield.

Another kin to the Throneguard is the Guardian of the Ages. Although the Guardian initially seems unwavering sitting as a dormant defender, its power unleashes when provoked, turning it into an aggressive creature. Staunch Throneguard’s continual readiness for combat offers a steady reliability that the Guardian only delivers conditionally. Additionally, both cards add resilience to a player’s army, creating opportunities to fortify their battlefield strategy.

Lastly, Wall of Omens may echo the defensive theme but pivots on the functionality by focusing on immediate card draw rather than combat readiness. The Throneguard forgoes this quick card advantage for lasting board presence. Analyzing these aspects, Staunch Throneguard is a robust choice for players valuing vigilance and endurance in their MTG collection.

Solemn Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Guardian of the Ages - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Solemn Simulacrum - Mirrodin (MRD)
Guardian of the Ages - Magic 2014 (M14)
Wall of Omens - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Staunch Throneguard by color, type and mana cost

Ring of Renewal - MTG Card versions
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Clockwork Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ring of Renewal - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Clockwork Avian - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Gauntlets of Chaos - Chronicles (CHR)
Soldevi Steam Beast - Alliances (ALL)
Sand Golem - Mirage (MIR)
Pandora's Box - Astral Cards (PAST)
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Crumbling Sanctuary - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Mind's Eye - The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts (BRR)
Horizon Stone - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
The Deck of Many Things - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
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Timesifter - Mirrodin (MRD)
Leveler - Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils (FMB1)
Myr Matrix - Darksteel (DST)
Dross Golem - Darksteel (DST)
Razormane Masticore - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Thran Golem - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Coat of Arms - The List (PLST)
Clockwork Hydra - Time Spiral (TSP)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Staunch Throneguard MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends and Commander Masters, 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 Staunch Throneguard and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Staunch Throneguard Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-11-20 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 3442015normalblackVolkan Baǵa
22023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 4122015normalblackVolkan Baǵa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Staunch Throneguard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-11-10 If combat damage dealt to the monarch causes that player to lose the game, the triggered ability that causes the controller of the attacking creature to become the monarch doesn't resolve. In most cases, the controller of the attacking creature will still become the monarch as it is likely their turn.
2020-11-10 If the monarch leaves the game during another player's turn, that player becomes the monarch. If the monarch leaves the game during their turn, the next player in turn order becomes the monarch.
2020-11-10 If the triggered ability that causes the monarch to draw a card goes on the stack and a different player becomes the monarch before that ability resolves, the first player will still draw the card.
2020-11-10 The game starts with no monarch. Once an effect makes one player the monarch, the game will have exactly one monarch from that point forward. As a player becomes the monarch, the current monarch (if any) ceases being the monarch.
2020-11-10 There are two inherent triggered abilities associated with being the monarch. These triggered abilities have no source and are controlled by the player who was the monarch at the time the abilities triggered. The full texts of these abilities are "At the beginning of the monarch's end step, that player draws a card" and "Whenever a creature deals combat damage to the monarch, its controller becomes the monarch."

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