Sword of War and Peace MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeArtifact — Equipment
Abilities Equip

Key Takeaways

  1. Sword of War and Peace offers a potent mix of protection and damage, making it a strategic choice in decks built for aggression.
  2. This card acts as a tool for players to gain life and deal damage, synergizing well with card-heavy playstyles.
  3. As a part of the iconic Sword cycle, Sword of War and Peace holds collectible value alongside its gameplay impacts.

Text of card

Equipped creature gets +2/+2 and has protection from red and from white. Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, Sword of War and Peace deals damage to that player equal to the number of cards in his or her hand and you gain 1 life for each card in your hand. Equip



Pros of Sword of War and Peace

Card Advantage: The Sword of War and Peace provides a unique form of card advantage. When equipped, it allows the controller to deal damage to the opponent equal to the number of cards in their hand and also gain life equal to cards in your hand. This can disrupt opponent game strategies while giving you a life boost simultaneously.

Resource Acceleration: This artifact accelerates your resources as it can be equipped to any creature, enhancing its performance with additional prowess. It grants +2/+2, protection from red and white, making it a useful tool against specific strategies. The protection also ensures the equipped creature can attack without any hindrance from spells or blockers of those colors, allowing for faster offensive strategies.

Instant Speed: Although equipping Sword of War and Peace isn’t an instant speed action, implement it in combination with instant-speed creature spells provide players with surprising and impactful turns. Players can equip the Sword, attack, and then cast an instant-speed spell to supplement the significant advantage it provides during combat.


Cons of Sword of War and Peace

Discard Requirement: This powerful artefact demands the opponent to discard cards, but it’s equally important to note that it also needs plenty of cards in your hand to maximise its effectiveness. If you are a player with a strategy that often runs a low hand, this might not be the high-impact weapon for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The need for three types of mana, one generic and two colours, while casting the Sword of War and Peace might make it less compatible with some decks. Specifically, decks that aren’t running white or red mana will find it challenging to utilise this powerful artefact to its full potential.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Sword of War and Peace packs an impressive punch, it does come at a steep price tag. With a combined five mana cost to cast and equip, it can be a strain on resources, especially during early game phases where other spells and creatures might claim precedence.


Reasons to Include Sword of War and Peace in Your Collection

Versatility: The Sword of War and Peace is a valuable asset to almost any deck. Its power to deal damage equal to the number of cards in the opponent’s hand and gain you life equal to the number in your hand assists various strategies.

Combo Potential: As part of the Sword cycle, Sword of War and Peace can be combined with other Sword cards to empower creature attacks, becoming a formidable element capable of disrupting opponent strategies while enhancing your own.

Meta-Relevance: Given the significant role of balancing card advantage in today’s meta, the Sword’s ability to penalize opponents for large hand size and reward you for maintaining yours can be overpoweringly effective, giving it a relevant place in the current play scene.


Similar Cards

In the vast landscape of MTG, the Sword of War and Peace can be closely compared to like-cards in the Equipment Artifact category. Let’s take a look at the Sword of Feast and Famine, which also offers protection from two selected colors and assigns a powerful effect against your opponent upon dealing damage. But the Sword of War and Peace’s unique value is in its abilities to enforce equal parts of offense and defense, dealing damage and simultaneously gaining life points based on card numbers.

Another contender in this comparison is the Sword of Light and Shadow. The card’s ability to protect from white and black spells, as well as the power it holds to bring creatures back from the graveyard, gives it a strong presence in the game. While all these swords have their attributes, the Sword of War and Peace takes the crown with its balanced mix of attack and defense boosts, making it a versatile asset during gameplay.

Lastly, we also have the Sword of Fire and Ice. It offers protection from red and blue, and lets you deal 2 damage to any target and draw a card when your creature deals combat damage. Remember, it’s not merely about the sword’s specs but the synergy it creates in your deck that matters the most.


How to Beat Sword of War and Peace

The Sword of War and Peace is a compelling artifact equipment card in Magic: The Gathering. Its powerful balance between bolstering life points and damaging opponents can present a unique challenge on the battlefield. One effective tactic in countering the card lies in leveraging artifact removal spells or abilities.

Spells like Disenchant and Naturalize are valuable in this strategy. Each provides a cost-effective solution to destroy an artifact, thereby neutralizing the threat imposed by the Sword of War and Peace.

An alternative strategy employs the use of countering spells. With cards like Mana Leak or Counterspell, you can disrupt your opponent’s game plan by countering the play of the Sword of War and Peace before it even takes effect on the battlefield. These tools can effectively silence the Sword’s duality of damage and healing.

Focusing on outpacing your opponent can also be beneficial. By leaning into aggressive deck builds or strategies that can outspeed or overpower the Sword, its impact can be largely minimized.

In summary, overcoming the Sword of War and Peace involves strategic deck building and keen in-game decisions. From artifact removal, countering spells, to aggressive gameplay, a variety of strategies can help you triumph over this influential card in Magic: The Gathering.


The Unmatched Power of Sword of War and Peace in Your MTG Deck

For the strategic mind of an MTG player, few artifacts carry the weight and potential as the renowned Sword of War and Peace. This iconic equipment card has etched its name into the history books of MTG with its versatile capabilities and the unique advantage it provides in each match. Below, we delve deep into what makes this card a must-have in any MTG arsenal, dissect its strategic use, and share how you can harness its full potential during your tabletop battles.

Understanding the Sword of War and Peace

The Sword of War and Peace is part of an illustrious cycle of swords that have become staples in decks focused on combat. It boasts abilities that can turn the tide of any game, providing both protection and aggressive offensive capabilities. The sword equips your creature with a nice boost to its power and toughness, but its true strength lies in the unique abilities it grants.

Upon dealing damage to a player, it both punishes them for their large hand size by inflicting damage on them and heals you in direct correlation to the number of cards in your own hand. This dual function can be a game-changer, putting pressure on your opponent to play out their hand while also cushioning your life total against aggressive strategies.

Strategies for Maximizing the Sword’s Effectiveness

To extract the greatest benefit from the Sword of War and Peace, it’s essential to incorporate it into the right deck and play it at the optimal moment. Aggressive decks looking to deal a lot of damage quickly can pair the sword with creatures that have evasion abilities, such as flying or unblockable, ensuring the creature can connect with an opponent. Control decks also appreciate the sword for its ability to shift the momentum, offering a lifeline against rush tactics and punishing opponents for holding onto answers to your threats.

The path to victory involves deploying the sword when you can swiftly equip it, ideally in a scenario where you have the mana open to respond to potential threats. It’s also valuable to monitor the size of your own hand and the number of cards your opponent is holding to maximize the sword’s damage and healing effects.

Deck Building with Sword of War and Peace

When it comes to deck building, you’ll want to synergize the Sword of War and Peace with other cards that enhance your equipped creature’s abilities or protect it. Consider adding cards with hexproof or shroud to safeguard against targeted removal and spells that increase card draw to grow your hand for maximum lifegain. Additionally, artifact tutors can help in fetching the sword from your deck, ensuring you draw into your game-winning strategy more consistently.

Remember, flexibility in your deck design is key. You’ll want a strategy that supports both the offensive and defensive aspects of the Sword of War and Peace, allowing for a dynamic response to the ever-changing battlefield of MTG.

Tactics Against the Sword of War and Peace

Knowing how to wield the Sword of War and Peace is just as important as understanding how to dismantle your opponent’s strategy when they have equipped it. Artifact removal spells provide a direct answer to the sword. Cards that force discards or limit hand sizes can greatly reduce the healing effect of the sword. Having these tools at the ready will help you level the playing field when facing off against this mighty artifact.

Board control spells, creature removal, and keeping a check on your own hand size are also practical tactics to employ, making it difficult for your opponent to make the most out of their equipped creature.

Competitive Play and the Sword of War and Peace

In the realm of competitive play, the Sword of War and Peace has shone across various formats, from Standard to Legacy. Its ability to provide a significant advantage with both life gain and direct damage, allowing players to tip the scales in their favor. Due to its power level, it sees play in decks designed to rapidly close games and as a valuable tool in matchups where life totals and hand sizes fluctuate greatly.

That said, competitive decks that utilize the sword must be prepared for the target it undoubtedly places on the equipped creature, as opponents will prioritize its removal or attempt to mitigate its effects from the outset of the game. Hence, competitive players should be cunning, adept at both offensive play and defensive maneuvers to protect their precious artifact.

Historical Significance and Legacy

The Sword of War and Peace holds a special place in the history of MTG. Arriving on the scene in the New Phyrexia set, it quickly captured the attention of deck builders and collectors alike, becoming a sought-after card for its competitive and monetary value. Its legacy endures as players continue to discover new interactions and strategies that highlight its timeless power.

As MTG continues to evolve with new sets and cards, the Sword’s ability to adapt and remain relevant underscores the brilliance of its design – a testament to the rich and complex nature of the MTG universe and the depth of its gameplay.

Community and Collector Appeal

The allure of the Sword of War and Peace extends beyond just gameplay. Its striking artwork and place within MTG lore make it an attractive piece for collectors. It represents more than just a powerful equipment card, embodying the intricate artistry and storytelling that are hallmarks of the MTG brand. The sword not only holds value on the battlefield but also in the binders of collectors who appreciate the history and aesthetic of each card.

The MTG community often shares stories of epic victories, narrow defeats, and the pivotal role the sword has played in shaping those experiences. It is a conversation starter, a relic of triumphs past, and a possibility of victories to come. Whether you’re looking to enhance your deck or your collection, the Sword of War and Peace stands out as a remarkable addition that inspires and taunts with its many possibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Sword of War and Peace

In the vast landscape of MTG, the Sword of War and Peace can be closely compared to like-cards in the Equipment Artifact category. Let’s take a look at the Sword of Feast and Famine, which also offers protection from two selected colors and assigns a powerful effect against your opponent upon dealing damage. But the Sword of War and Peace’s unique value is in its abilities to enforce equal parts of offense and defense, dealing damage and simultaneously gaining life points based on card numbers.

Another contender in this comparison is the Sword of Light and Shadow. The card’s ability to protect from white and black spells, as well as the power it holds to bring creatures back from the graveyard, gives it a strong presence in the game. While all these swords have their attributes, the Sword of War and Peace takes the crown with its balanced mix of attack and defense boosts, making it a versatile asset during gameplay.

Lastly, we also have the Sword of Fire and Ice. It offers protection from red and blue, and lets you deal 2 damage to any target and draw a card when your creature deals combat damage. Remember, it’s not merely about the sword’s specs but the synergy it creates in your deck that matters the most.

Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Sword of Light and Shadow - MTG Card versions
Sword of Fire and Ice - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - Grand Prix Promos (PGPX)
Sword of Light and Shadow - Darksteel (DST)
Sword of Fire and Ice - Darksteel (DST)

Cards similar to Sword of War and Peace by color, type and mana cost

Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Sword of Vengeance - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - Ice Age (ICE)
Clay Pigeon - Unglued (UGL)
Ashnod's Altar - The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts (BRR)
Jalum Tome - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Patchwork Gnomes - Odyssey (ODY)
The Stasis Coffin - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Captain's Hook - Rivals of Ixalan Promos (PRIX)
Spellweaver Helix - Mirrodin (MRD)
Scale of Chiss-Goria - Mirrodin (MRD)
Lightning Coils - Mirrodin (MRD)
Loxodon Warhammer - Tenth Edition (10E)
Sword of Feast and Famine - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Training Drone - Mirrodin Besieged (MBS)
Pristine Talisman - New Phyrexia Promos (PNPH)
Alloy Myr - Jumpstart (JMP)
Guardians of Meletis - Magic Origins (ORI)
Vedalken Shackles - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Herald's Horn - Treasure Chest (PZ2)
Manalith - Hour of Devastation (HOU)
Sword of Vengeance - Commander 2017 (C17)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sword of War and Peace MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and New Phyrexia, 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 Sword of War and Peace and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sword of War and Peace Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-05-13 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 828462015normalblackFranz Vohwinkel
22011-05-13New PhyrexiaNPH 1612003normalblackChris Rahn
32016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 512015normalblackFilip Burburan
42020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3002015normalblackChris Rahn
52020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3672015normalborderlessFranz Vohwinkel
62020-09-26The ListPLST 2XM-3002015normalblackChris Rahn

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sword of War and Peace has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2011-06-01 You count the cards in the each player's hand when the triggered ability resolves.

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