Keldon Battlewagon MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Juggernaut |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Released | 2000-06-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Prophecy |
| Set code | PCY |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 139 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kev Walker |
Key Takeaways
- Keldon Battlewagon offers extra uses for creatures, enabling multiple combat tactics and card advantages.
- Freedom from regular crewing requirements allows for strategic mana allocation and surprise attacks.
- However, its demand for creature card discards and specific mana costs constrains deck flexibility and utility.
Text of card
Trample Keldon Battlewagon can't block. When Keldon Battlewagon attacks, sacrifice it at end of combat. Tap an untapped creature you control: Keldon Battlewagon gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the tapped creature's power.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Keldon Battlewagon’s unique ability allows you to potentially reuse creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects by turning them into drivers for this vehicle. This creates an opportunity for card advantage as you get more value out of the creatures you control.
Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct form of resource acceleration, Keldon Battlewagon’s tap ability means you don’t necessarily have to invest additional mana into it to attack each turn, freeing up mana for other uses.
Instant Speed: While the Keldon Battlewagon itself is not an instant, its ability to attack without needing to be crewed allows for unpredictable combat scenarios. You can maintain the element of surprise, keeping opponents guessing and potentially holding back their resources due to the threat it presents.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When you opt to attack with the Keldon Battlewagon, it demands the discard of a creature card to activate. This could setback your board presence, especially if you’re already running low on creatures or holding onto key pieces for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Playing this card requires a commitment of both generic and red mana, meaning it fits primarily in red or red-centered decks. This specificity can constrain deck building and reduce its versatility across different deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial investment of five mana, which includes two red, Keldon Battlewagon comes with a high cost for what it delivers. There are numerous other vehicles or creatures that bring more to the battlefield without such a steep mana requirement, potentially making it a less optimal choice for a competitive deck.
Reasons to Include Keldon Battlewagon in Your Collection
Versatility: Keldon Battlewagon can serve various roles in your arsenal, given its ability to turn unsuspecting utility creatures into powerful attackers. It’s particularly useful in strategies that lack conventional beater creatures.
Combo Potential: This enigmatic artifact creature thrives in builds designed to untap and reuse permanents, potentially leading to multiple combat phases or enabling surprise wins out of nowhere.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors creature-based strategies, Keldon Battlewagon can act as an unexpected finisher, able to charge through defensive lines by leveraging creatures that would otherwise be sidelined during the combat phase.
How to beat
Keldon Battlewagon stands out in the pantheon of creative creature vehicles within the game. Operating on a unique mechanic, this artifact requires the player to tap any untapped creature you control to boost Keldon Battlewagon’s power. It’s a potentially powerful asset but it presents an opportunity for opponents to dismantle your strategy effectively.
To counter this card, focus on instant-speed removals or sorcery spells that can disrupt creature-based strategies. Employing cards such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can leave the Battlewagon without fuel, rendering it useless. Additionally, tapping down creatures as part of the cost for this vehicle’s power leaves your opponent open to counter-attacks. Board wipes are another useful tactic against this card, as they can clear both the Battlewagon and any creatures that might crew it. Remember, timing is crucial: aim to dismantle your adversary’s forces when they’re most vulnerable—right before they anticipate declaring attackers, for instance.
In essence, while Keldon Battlewagon might pack a punch, it requires a delicate balance and strong board presence to be truly effective. By interrupting this balance and keeping the board clear of potential crew members, you significantly diminish the threat level of this unique MTG card.
Cards like Keldon Battlewagon
The Keldon Battlewagon is a unique entry in the pantheon of vehicle cards in Magic the Gathering. Bearing similarity to cards like Untethered Express, which also grows in power as it attacks, the Battlewagon has its distinction. Unlike Untethered Express, which naturally has trample and increases its own power with each attack through +1/+1 counters, the Battlewagon requires the sacrifice of a creature to become animated and attack.
In comparison to other aggressive vehicle cards like Ovalchase Dragster, which offers haste and trample, the Battlewagon’s absence of inherent offensive abilities is notable. Moreover, the Dragster does not demand a creature sacrifice and can attack swiftly, making it advantageous for a fast-paced offensive strategy. On the other hand, Cultivator’s Caravan provides a more versatile role, serving as both mana rock and a vehicle, though it lacks the aggressive potential of the Battlewagon when it’s time to turn to combat.
When placed alongside its counterparts, the Keldon Battlewagon occupies a niche role. Its requirement for creature sacrifices to engage can be seen as a strategic depth, positioning it as a card with potential in decks that capitalize on creature recursion or those that can afford such a cost for a hefty attack.
Cards similar to Keldon Battlewagon by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Keldon Battlewagon MTG card by a specific set like Prophecy, 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 Keldon Battlewagon 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Keldon Battlewagon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |