Serra Angel MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 52 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Angel
Abilities Flying, Vigilance
Power 4
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Serra Angel’s vigilant nature makes it a constant threat, not needing to tap when attacking.
  2. It can strain opponent resources, requiring specific answers due to its flying ability.
  3. While impactful, Serra Angel’s five-mana cost challenges deck efficiency and strategy.
Vigilance card art

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

Flying Does not tap when attacking.

Born with wings of light and a sword of faith, this heavenly incarnation embodies both fury and purity.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Serra Angel card shines in maintaining board presence, forcing opponents to deal with it or face continuous damage. Being a formidable flyer allows it to evade many common ground-based defenses and often requires specific answers from opponents, costing them card resources while you maintain your angelic avenger.

Resource Acceleration: While Serra Angel itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its vigilant nature means it does not need to tap when attacking. This attribute potentially frees up mana and other resources that you can use for different plays during your turn, keeping the pressure on your opponent while advancing your board state.

Instant Speed: Serra Angel may not have instant speed, but its impact is certainly felt immediately upon entering the battlefield. Its ability to attack without tapping makes it an immediate threat that needs to be answered, which can shift the tempo of the game in your favor and make for some powerful strategic plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not a facet of Serra Angel itself, playing this iconic card may require strategic hand management. Preparing the necessary mana might lead you to discard other valuable cards to maintain a pace in the game—a decision that can sometimes backfire if not well calculated.

Specific Mana Cost: Serra Angel demands a dedicated white mana base with its specific casting cost of three generic and two white mana. This can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may struggle to meet the white mana requirement consistently, thereby potentially delaying her deployment to the battlefield.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Serra Angel is on the pricier side when compared to other creatures. In a game where mana efficiency can be crucial, there are instances where players might opt for less costly creatures that provide similar benefits or fit the deck’s strategy better.


Reasons to Include Serra Angel in Your Collection

Versatility: Serra Angel commands a presence on the battlefield with its ability to attack without tapping. This attribute allows it to remain ready for defense, making it a staple in both aggressive and control-oriented decks.

Combo Potential: Serra Angel works well with equipment and auras that boost its combat capabilities. Its vigilance also makes it an ideal component in strategies that capitalize on untapped creatures to activate various abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with creatures, having a robust flyer like Serra Angel can provide a significant edge. Its strength in the air and readiness to defend can pivot the game state in your favor, especially against decks that struggle with handling sizeable flying creatures.


How to beat

The iconic Serra Angel is a classic staple in the world of Magic: The Gathering, known for its flying ability and vigilance, which lets it attack without tapping. This provides both an offensive presence and a defensive utility, making it a card to be reckoned with on the battlefield. However, overcoming this heavenly adversary is not beyond reach.

To beat Serra Angel, the key is to utilize effective removal spells that can bypass its abilities. Spells such as Doom Blade or Murder can dispatch it regardless of its vigilance. In the event you’re in a color that struggles with flyers, employing board controls like Day of Judgment or the versatile Cyclonic Rift can reset the board, removing the Angel and other threats at once. If you prefer a more direct approach, combat tricks and pump spells can help your creatures outmatch the Angel in battle. Lastly, remember that enchantments like Pacifism can neutralize Serra Angel, effectively grounding its attacks and defenses, which stalls your opponent and buys you valuable time to gain the upper hand.

While Serra Angel remains a formidable card, strategic planning and the right mix of spells can ensure your victory against this celestial force.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the MTG realm, it’s evident that classics like Serra Angel still hold their ground in a constantly evolving metagame. It’s a card that embodies both history and utility, making it a worthy addition to your white-centered or angel-themed decks. Carrying an advantageous blend of offense and defense with its elegant vigilance, Serra Angel continues to be a reliable force in the skies. Whether you’re a new player attracted to its simple yet effective playstyle or a seasoned pro looking back at its strategic depth, there’s always something to gain from this card. For more insights and tips to optimize your deck around Serra Angel or similar cards, join our community of MTG enthusiasts and let your strategy take flight.


Cards like Serra Angel

Serra Angel stands as an iconic figure in Magic: The Gathering, renowned for its ability to attack without tapping. It shares traits with other vigilant creatures such as Baneslayer Angel, which also flies and possesses first strike and lifelink, enhancing board presence. However, Serra Angel is a more cost-efficient option for players aiming for a balanced approach.

Examining the vigilant roster further, we come across Aerial Responder, which, like Serra Angel, has vigilance and flying. Aerial Responder comes with lifelink as well, yet it’s a smaller creature compared to the robust stats of Serra Angel. Conversely, Archangel of Thune also exhibits vigilance and flying but adds a potent ability to strengthen your other creatures whenever you gain life.

In essence, while there are many vigilant flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Serra Angel is distinguished by its historic relevance and still resonates as a formidable choice for players who value endurance and tactical aggressiveness on the battlefield without sacrificing defensive readiness. It remains a steadfast option in decks where reliability and a balanced offense-defense strategy are key.

Baneslayer Angel - MTG Card versions
Aerial Responder - MTG Card versions
Archangel of Thune - MTG Card versions
Baneslayer Angel - Magic 2010 (M10)
Aerial Responder - Kaladesh (KLD)
Archangel of Thune - Magic 2014 (M14)

Cards similar to Serra Angel by color, type and mana cost

Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Angel of Light - MTG Card versions
Veteran Bodyguard - Limited Edition Beta (LEB)
Rashida Scalebane - Mirage (MIR)
Avenging Angel - Tempest (TMP)
Lancers en-Kor - Stronghold (STH)
Radiant, Archangel - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Karmic Guide - Forgotten Realms Commander (AFC)
Master Healer - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Angel of Mercy - The List (PLST)
Border Patrol - Judgment (JUD)
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Sigardian Savior - Innistrad: Midnight Hunt (MID)
Glory - World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)
Celestial Gatekeeper - Legions (LGN)
Collector Protector - Unhinged (UNH)
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - Saviors of Kamigawa Promos (PSOK)
Belfry Spirit - Guildpact (GPT)
Petra Sphinx - Masters Edition (ME1)
Barrenton Medic - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Ivory Gargoyle - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Angel of Light - Masters Edition II (ME2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Serra Angel MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Serra Angel and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Serra Angel Magic the Gathering card was released in 45 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2024-01-01. Illustrated by 8 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 391993normalblackDouglas Shuler
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 401993normalblackDouglas Shuler
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 401993normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 401993normalblackDouglas Shuler
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 401993normalblackDouglas Shuler
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 401993normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 401993normalblackDouglas Shuler
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 401993normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 501993normalwhiteDouglas Shuler
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 501993normalblackDouglas Shuler
111996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC et501993normalgoldDouglas Shuler
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC bl501993normalgoldDouglas Shuler
131999-09-04Wizards of the Coast Online StorePWOS 11997normalblackDouglas Shuler
142001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 42★1997normalblackMark Zug
152001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 421997normalwhiteMark Zug
162002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 359421997normalblackDouglas Shuler
172003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 45★2003normalblackMark Zug
182003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 452003normalwhiteMark Zug
192005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 432003normalwhiteGreg Staples
202005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 43★2003normalblackGreg Staples
212007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 39★2003normalblackGreg Staples
222007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 392003normalblackGreg Staples
232009-04-10Duel Decks: Divine vs. DemonicDDC 102003normalblackGreg Staples
242009-07-17Magic 2010M10 292003normalblackGreg Staples
252010-07-16Magic 2011M11 272003normalblackGreg Staples
262011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 251997normalblackDouglas Shuler
272011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 302003normalblackGreg Staples
282011-07-15Magic 2012M12 332003normalblackGreg Staples
292012-07-13Magic 2013M13 312003normalblackGreg Staples
302013-07-19Magic 2014M14 322003normalblackGreg Staples
312014-07-18Magic 2015M15 2732015normalblackGreg Staples
322014-12-05Duel Decks Anthology: Divine vs. DemonicDVD 102015normalblackGreg Staples
332015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 2762015normalblackGreg Staples
342015-08-21From the Vault: AngelsV15 142015normalblackRebecca Guay
352016-04-08Welcome Deck 2016W16 32015normalblackGreg Staples
362016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 282015normalblackGreg Staples
372017-04-15Welcome Deck 2017W17 32015normalblackGreg Staples
382017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 222015normalblackGreg Staples
392017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 302015normalblackGreg Staples
402018-04-27Dominaria PromosPDOM 33c2015normalblackScott M. Fischer
412018-04-27DominariaDOM 332015normalblackDonato Giancola
422018-07-14Arena New Player Experience CardsOANA 92015normalblackDonato Giancola
432018-11-16Game NightGNT 162015normalblackDonato Giancola
442019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 11612015normalblackJohn Avon
452020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1322015normalblackDonato Giancola
462020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 182015normalblackDonato Giancola
472022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 172015normalblackDonato Giancola
482022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3361997normalblackDouglas Shuler
492022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 392015normalblackDouglas Shuler
502023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 2711997normalblackDonato Giancola
512023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 252015normalblackDonato Giancola
522024-01-01Wizards Play Network 2024PW24 12015normalborderlessJodie Muir

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Serra Angel has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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