Warden of the Beyond MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Abilities	Vigilance
Released	2014-07-18
Set symbol
Set name	Magic 2015
Set code	M15
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	42
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Raymond Swanland

Key Takeaways

Boosts in strength when opponents have exiled cards, enhancing your board state and advantage.
Supports tempo play by maintaining pressure, disrupting opponents while growing your presence.
Synergizes well with instant-speed exile spells, offering surprise tactical advantages.

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 (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.) Warden of the Beyond gets +2/+2 as long as an opponent owns a card in exile.

He draws strength from a vast source few mortals can fathom. Designed by Isaiah Cartwright

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Warden of the Beyond can be a valuable addition to any deck looking for card advantage. Its unique ability to ramp up its power and toughness when an opponent’s card is exiled makes it a formidable creature. It capitalizes on exile effects, essentially ‘growing’ in strength, and this can often lead to a beneficial board state.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly impacting mana resources, the Warden of the Beyond can contribute to a sort of ‘tempo acceleration’. By keeping a vigilant guard, it allows players to maintain pressure on opponents while still developing their board. This can indirectly accelerate your strategy by disrupting your opponent’s plans and forcing them to deal with a persistent threat.

Instant Speed: While the Warden itself does not operate at instant speed, its synergies with instant-speed exile spells are noteworthy. This attribute allows you to surprise your opponent by suddenly buffing the Warden during combat or at the end of their turn, turning it into a powerful blocker or an unexpected aggressor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For the Warden of the Beyond to truly shine, an opponent must have a card exiled which requires setup. Without meeting this condition, the card’s potential is greatly hindered, limiting its power on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: The Warden demands a white mana cost as part of its casting requirement. This can restrict its integration into multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana consistency, making it less flexible for players who favor a broader color palette in their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana, including one white, Warden of the Beyond might compete for a slot with cards that are more readily impactful upon entering the battlefield. In a three mana spot, players often aim to cast creatures with immediate board presence or significant utility, which could disadvantage Warden of the Beyond in deck considerations.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Warden of the Beyond is a flexible card that slots into decks running exile effects. With the ability to swell in power when opponents have exiled cards, it’s a solid addition to a range of control and midrange decks.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks built around exile mechanics. It synergizes well with cards that temporarily or permanently remove opponent’s resources, effectively turning it into a substantial threat on the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where graveyard strategies are prevalent, Warden of the Beyond becomes increasingly relevant. Utilizing it within decks that capitalize on disruption and exile effects could give players an edge against a wide array of common strategies.

How to beat

Warden of the Beyond is a card that can be a thorn in the side of many players due to its potential to become quite powerful in the right circumstances. This vigilant creature gains a significant power boost if an opponent owns a card in exile. To effectively neutralize this threat, one solid strategy is to limit opportunities for your opponent to exile cards. This means avoiding the use of effects that exile, and instead opting for other removal methods or creature control.

Another reliable approach is to remove the Warden before its condition can be met. Utilize instant-speed removal, which MTG has in abundance, to ensure that Warden of the Beyond doesn’t become more than a 2/2 creature on the board. Counterspells also work wonders in pre-empting the Warden from ever hitting the battlefield. Lastly, focusing on a strategy that doesn’t hinge on exiling your own cards can prevent giving the Warden an edge, making this potential powerhouse a non-issue during your gameplay.

Keep in mind that in Magic: The Gathering, adapting to counter your opponent’s strategies is key, and in the case of Warden of the Beyond, pre-emptive and reactive plays are your best bet for maintaining control of the game.

Cards like Warden of the Beyond

Warden of the Beyond offers a unique twist in Magic: The Gathering, with its vigilance ability and potential to get a power boost. It’s akin to cards like Banisher Priest, which provide utility in control and removal. However, Warden of the Beyond taps into another level with its conditional +2/+2 bonus when an opponent’s card is exiled, differentiating it from Banisher Priest’s more straightforward exile effect.

Another similar card is Fiend Hunter, which also exiles other creatures but lacks the statistical increase that Warden of the Beyond may enjoy. Fiend Hunter operates well on its own, yet Warden of the Beyond entices players to strategize around exile effects to maximize its potential. Lastly, we contemplate the comparison with Avacynian Missionaries that transform to become a formidable force if equipped. While they share the theme of condition-induced power gain, Warden of the Beyond doesn’t rely on equipment, instead tapping into the wider strategy of exile synergy.

In essence, while each card shines in its right within Magic: The Gathering, Warden of the Beyond stands out for players who favor a deck built around exile dynamics, offering both defensive and offensive flexibility.

Cards similar to Warden of the Beyond by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Warden of the Beyond MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2015, 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 Warden of the Beyond and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Warden of the Beyond has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-07-18	Warden of the Beyond can’t get more than +2/+2 from its last ability, no matter how many opponents own a card in exile or how many exiled cards they own.