Patron of the Valiant MTG Card
2015-07-17 - Number 28
2019-11-15 - Number 10
2020-07-17 - Number 128
2020-11-20 - Number 37
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Angel |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Key Takeaways
- When fielded, it strengthens creatures with +1/+1 counters, tipping late-game balance in your favor.
- Though not a mana accelerator, it boosts resource value by amplifying creature power on the board.
- Complements instant-speed decks, offering flexibility and a substantial shift in board dynamics.
Text of card
Flying When Patron of the Valiant enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control with a +1/+1 counter on it.
"Bant's most gallant knights wear my sigil, and for that I am humbled."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Patron of the Valiant has the ability to bolster your forces. Upon entering the battlefield, if there are creatures with +1/+1 counters already present, this card enhances them even further. This interaction can repeatedly grant you an edge over your opponent, leading to a solid card advantage during the late game.
Resource Acceleration: While Patron of the Valiant does not directly produce mana or treasure tokens, its influence on the battlefield accelerates your resource value by amplifying the power of your creatures. This synergy magnifies the threat your army poses, making it a high-impact play in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters.
Instant Speed: Although Patron of the Valiant operates at sorcery speed, it complements decks that operate at instant speed. By backing up your faster plays with a substantial creature like this, you are prepared to quickly pivot from defensive maneuvers to a strong offensive presence once your turn arrives, thus providing strategic flexibility in managing your resources.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Due to its ability centric nature, Patron of the Valiant often requires a sequence of plays leading up to its casting, which could potentially involve discarding valuable cards. This might strain your hand, especially in formats where resource conservation is key.
Specific Mana Cost: Coming with a mana cost that includes two white symbols, Patron of the Valiant can be challenging to cast in multicolored decks or those lacking sufficient mana fixing. This limitation can stifle deck building variety and reduce the flexibility in your mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Patron of the Valiant might be considered costly compared to other creatures with similar stats or effects. Its mana value could hinder your early game pace, as you allocate resources to ramp up instead of developing a board presence or responding to your opponent’s threats.
Reasons to Include Patron of the Valiant in Your Collection
Versatility: Patron of the Valiant stands out with its flexibility in deck building. As a creature that gives a boost to other creatures with +1/+1 counters on them, it can easily fit into counter-centric decks, from proliferate strategies to those wanting to capitalize on large flying creatures.
Combo Potential: This card not only supports an already established board state but also has significant combo potential. It synergizes exceptionally well with cards that distribute +1/+1 counters, such as Hardened Scales. When played strategically, it can turn the tide by empowering your entire army in a single move.
Meta-Relevance: Given the constant evolution of the MTG meta, Patron of the Valiant can be particularly advantageous in metas where midrange decks thrive. Its ability to bolster your creatures and establish a formidable presence in the skies can often catch your opponents off guard.
How to beat
Patron of the Valiant is an intriguing creature card that benefits from a battlefield presence of creatures with +1/+1 counters. Gaining additional strength each time it’s played, it can become a formidable presence on the board. However, its reliance on synergy with other creatures also presents a window of opportunity for strategically-minded players. For starters, managing the battlefield by removing creatures before the Patron of the Valiant arrives can limit its impact, effectively preventing it from becoming an outsized threat.
Board wipes like Day of Judgment or single-target removals such as Doom Blade play an essential role in controlling the pace and limiting the card’s potential. Additionally, deploying counterspells like Cancel or Mana Leak can ensure that the Patron never even graces the battlefield. Ensnaring the opposing strategy before it takes full form is key.
Ultimately, the card, while strong, is not insurmountable. By employing preemptive measures, recognizing the crucial timings to disrupt opponent plays, and maintaining pressure through controlled board states, players can overcome the challenges posed by Patron of the Valiant and keep the upper hand during their MTG gameplay.
Cards like Patron of the Valiant
Patron of the Valiant stands out in the pantheon of angel cards within MTG with its unique ability to bolster other creatures. This celestial being is akin to cards like Serra Angel, a classic flyer with vigilance, but Patron of the Valiant’s ability to add +1/+1 counters to each other creature you control with a +1/+1 counter already on it adds a layer of synergy and strategy not present in Serra Angel’s straightforward design.
Another similar card is Elite Scaleguard, which also rewards players for controlling creatures with +1/+1 counters. However, it leans more towards control by tapping opponents’ creatures, whereas Patron of the Valiant’s approach is to strengthen your battlefield presence. Lyra Dawnbringer, too, is comparable as it provides a substantial life gain and buffs other angels, but it does not interact with +1/+1 counters specifically.
Overall, Patron of the Valiant may share the skies with other noble flyers, but its support to creatures already carrying +1/+1 counters sets it apart, marking it as a preferred choice in decks built around counter mechanics. Its combined flying power and boosting ability offer a dual threat that can be both offensive and empowering to your creature-led strategies.
Cards similar to Patron of the Valiant by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Patron of the Valiant MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Game Night 2019, 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 Patron of the Valiant and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Patron of the Valiant Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Steve Argyle.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 28 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 2 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 128 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 4 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 37 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Patron of the Valiant has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
