Act of Heroism MTG Card

Act of Heroism - Hour of Devastation (HOU)

Hour of Devastation (HOU)
2017-07-14 - Number 1

Masters 25 (A25)
2018-03-16 - Number 1

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Key Takeaways

Enhances combat dynamics with instant speed, allowing for surprise tactics and creature untaps.
While it demands specific mana, it’s a strategic addition for decks that prioritize combat tricks.
Despite similar options, its niche utility in combat makes it a valuable choice for creature-focused decks.

Text of card

Untap target creature. It gets +2/+2 until end of turn and can block an additional creature this turn.

"On every plane, there are those who run toward danger." —Gideon Jura

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Act of Heroism doesn’t directly let you draw cards, it does play a role in maintaining board presence. By untapping a creature and giving it a boost, it can lead to favorable trades that can help preserve your card resources on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Act of Heroism may not produce mana or tokens, but it indirectly accelerates your resources by allowing a tapped creature to block or attack again. This can be crucial in high-stakes turns where tapping out your creatures can be a game-changing move.

Instant Speed: The power of this card comes from its instant speed functionality. You can unexpectedly turn the tides during combat, using it to untap your creature to block an opponent’s unexpected attack, or to re-engage an impactful creature in your offensive strike, catching your opponent off guard.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The mechanics of Act of Heroism do not include discarding cards, therefore, this particular disadvantage does not apply to this card.

Specific Mana Cost: Act of Heroism requires a precise combination of mana to cast—one white and one of any color. This can sometimes be restrictive, as it mandates a white mana source be available, potentially limiting its inclusion in multi-colored decks that may not always have white mana readily accessible.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost and an effect that untaps a creature and gives it a power boost, experienced players might argue that the ability is costly for what it offers. Comparable cards could provide a greater benefit or additional versatility for a similar, or even lower, mana investment.

Reasons to Include Act of Heroism in Your Collection

Versatility: Act of Heroism is a low-cost instant that can be a game-changer in many situations. It’s the perfect addition to decks that aim to protect and enhance creatures during combat.

Combo Potential: With its ability to untap a creature and give it +2/+2, this card can create unexpected combos and synergies, turning an average creature into a significant threat instantly.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by creature-based strategies, Act of Heroism shines by providing a swift response to removal spells or by enabling surprise victories through combat tricks.

How to Beat

Act of Heroism stands out as a utility card within Magic: The Gathering, offering a burst of extra power and untapping a creature at a critical moment. It’s a spell that can turn the tides by enabling a surprise block or an unexpected second attack during a single turn. To effectively counter this card, it’s important to anticipate your opponent’s timing.

Understanding Act of Heroism’s role, cards that grant hexproof or can counter instant spells are essential in your strategy. Keep an eye out for when your opponent might be holding mana for such tricks, and consider using removal spells after attackers have been declared, to reduce the impact of this card. Counterspells like Negate or Dispel are particularly effective, as they can stop Act of Heroism in its tracks.

If you’re not in blue, keep in mind Act of Heroism can only target creatures your opponent controls. Board wipes or creature-based strategies that don’t rely on single powerful creatures can minimize how much this card affects the game. While Act of Heroism can provide a significant advantage, a prepared player with the right cards and strategy can easily overcome it.

Cards like Act of Heroism

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Act of Heroism stands out among cards designed to temporarily boost your creatures during combat. Its direct comparison might include the card Swift Justice, as both grant a creature a sudden uptick in power and the potential to survive combat through additional abilities. However, Swift Justice also grants lifelink, providing a possible health swing in your favor.

Much like Act of Heroism, Inspired Charge is another spell that lends support to your creatures, but it applies its buff to all creatures you control rather than a single target. This can turn the tide during a full-out assault. While Act of Heroism offers an untap effect and can trigger prowess or Heroic abilities, Stand Firm presents an alternative with its scry feature, allowing for some degree of deck manipulation in addition to bolstering a single creature’s power and toughness.

Every card shines in different scenarios based on deck synergy and current battlefield status. Act of Heroism carves a niche for itself with its combination of untapping and power boost, which can be pivotal for surprise blocks or enabling double utility from a creature in one turn.

Cards similar to Act of Heroism by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Act of Heroism MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Masters 25, 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 Act of Heroism and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Act of Heroism Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2018-03-16. Illustrated by Magali Villeneuve.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-07-14	Hour of Devastation	HOU		1	2015	Normal	Black	Magali Villeneuve
2	2018-03-16	Masters 25	A25		1	2015	Normal	Black	Magali Villeneuve

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Act of Heroism has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2018-03-16	Act of Heroism can target an untapped creature. It still gets +2/+2 and can block an additional creature.
2018-03-16	The effects of Act of Heroism are cumulative. If multiples resolve targeting the same creature, that creature can block that many additional creatures this turn.
2018-03-16	Untapping an attacking creature doesn't remove it from combat.
2018-03-16	You can cast Act of Heroism even if the target creature won't be able to block right away, perhaps because you're the attacking player.