Citadel Siege MTG Card


Choose Khans mode for continuous +1/+1 counters, transforming any creature into an escalating threat. Dragons mode alters combat dynamics, potentially controlling opponents’ creatures every turn. Though mana-specific and cost-intensive, its versatility makes it a deck-building contender.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

As Citadel Siege enters the battlefield, choose Khans or Dragons. • Khans — At the beginning of combat on your turn, put two +1/+1 counters on target creature you control. • Dragons — At the beginning of combat on each opponent's turn, tap target creature that player controls.


Cards like Citadel Siege

Citadel Siege is an impactful enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, inviting comparison to other cards that influence the battlefield with counters. When evaluated against Outpost Siege, Citadel Siege allows for a more focused strategy by choosing to either bolster your creatures or control your opponent’s turn. Outpost Siege, in contrast, offers card advantage or direct damage but lacks the tailored creature enhancement.

Further comparisons bring Ajani Steadfast into the conversation. Ajani’s -2 loyalty ability serves a similar purpose by adding a +1/+1 counter to each creature you control and a loyalty counter to each other planeswalker you control. However, the former planeswalker can’t consistently provide counters every turn, unlike the persistent Siege. Lastly, we look at Gideon, Ally of Zendikar, whose emblem functions similarly to Citadel Siege’s “Knights” mode, furnishing your team with permanent +1/+1 counters. Unlike Citadel Siege, Gideon’s emblem is a one-time ability that can’t be removed, while Citadel Siege can be disrupted by enchantment removal.

In essence, Citadel Siege shines in scenarios where ongoing, adjustable control over creature power and toughness is crucial, contrasting with its counterparts that either offer a one-time effect or broader utility beyond creature enhancement.

Outpost Siege - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Outpost Siege - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions

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Divine Transformation - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Citadel Siege offers a significant edge by allowing you to choose the Khans mode, which places two +1/+1 counters on a creature you control at the beginning of combat on your turn. This consistent bolstering of your forces can equate to a persistent card advantage, as it helps maintain pressure and can turn even the most humble creature into a formidable threat over time.

Resource Acceleration: While Citadel Siege itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana, it accelerates your board presence. In some cases, this can be more valuable, as a strong army on the battlefield can be more impactful than just having access to more mana.

Instant Speed: Citadel Siege may not operate at instant speed, but its continuous effect can influence your opponent’s decisions much like an instant. Knowing that creatures will be strengthened every turn can affect how they play, bluffing control over the game even during their turn. Furthermore, the Dragons mode can tap down a potential attacker or blocker at the beginning of combat, altering the course of the battle in your favor without spending additional mana at that moment.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Citadel Siege doesn’t force discarding directly, the card’s power can indirectly lead players to discard valuable cards as a way to optimize its abilities, especially when setting up for the Khans mode. Managing your hand becomes critical, potentially guiding your strategy in ways that may not be ideal.

Specific Mana Cost: Citadel Siege requires double white mana, which means it’s tailor-made for white-based decks and can be challenging to cast on curve in multi-colored decks. Players who don’t have a steady mana base might struggle to satisfy the specific color requirements, limiting its versatility in a broad range of deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at four mana, Citadel Siege competes with other powerful four-drop enchantments and creatures. This cost requires a significant investment in the early to mid-game, where tempo plays a crucial role. Some may find it falling short when compared to other options that provide immediate board impact or more versatile utility at the same cost.


Reasons to Include Citadel Siege in Your Collection

Versatility: Citadel Siege offers dual modes of play, allowing you to choose between bolstering your creatures or controlling opponents’ threats. This adaptability makes it a valuable asset in both aggressive and defensive decks.

Combo Potential: With its ability to add +1/+1 counters, Citadel Siege synergizes with strategies that capitalize on counter manipulation. It can be a cornerstone in decks looking to exploit these interactions for powerful plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board presence is paramount, Citadel Siege can significantly impact the battlefield. It can enhance your creatures’ survivability and effectiveness against an array of decks, helping you stay ahead in the evolving competitive landscape.


How to beat

Citadel Siege is a potent card in MTG that can become quite the game-changer once it hits the board. Commonly played in decks focusing on +1/+1 counters or controlling opponents’ creatures, its modes offer either a steady bolstering of your creatures or a limiting factor for an opponent’s attacking options. To effectively neutralize the impact of Citadel Siege, consider incorporating instant-speed removal that can target enchantments. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize allow you to remove Citadel Siege before its effects can dominate the game. Additionally, counter spells are particularly effective, as they prevent Citadel Siege from entering the battlefield in the first place.

Another strategy is to use cards that can bypass the +1/+1 counter effect by either flying over or using unblockable creatures to maintain your offensive pressure. Likewise, focus on removing key creatures that benefit the most from the counter accumulation, minimizing the opponent’s advantage. For the second mode, Dragon, consider strategies that don’t rely solely on combat to win. Utilize direct damage spells, abilities that deal damage outside of the combat phase, or alternative win conditions that aren’t hindered by tapped creatures. By using these techniques, you can mitigate the power of Citadel Siege and maintain control over the pace and outcome of the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unpacking the strategic essence of Citadel Siege reveals it as more than just an enchantment; it’s a key player that can dynamically transform your deck’s performance. With its dual utility, it empowers you to dictate the tide of battle, whether you’re amplifying your offense or meticulously constraining your adversary’s options. For those who thrive on crafting nuanced strategies and adaptability in their gameplay, Citadel Siege is a worthy addition to your MTG collection. Delve deeper into the tactical advantages and integrations this card offers as you refine your deck and gameplay. Our insights continue to light the path to victory—step up your game with us and harness the full potential of your deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Citadel Siege MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged and Fate Reforged, 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 Citadel Siege and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Citadel Siege Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2021-09-24. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-01-23Fate ReforgedFRF 8★2015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
22015-01-23Fate ReforgedFRF 82015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
32016-11-11Commander 2016C16 622015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
42018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 212015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
52021-04-23Commander 2021C21 852015NormalBlackSteven Belledin
62021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 812015NormalBlackSteven Belledin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Citadel Siege has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-11-24 Each Siege will have one of the two listed abilities, depending on your choice as it enters the battlefield.
2014-11-24 Each of the last two abilities is linked to the first ability. They each refer only to the choice made as a result of the first ability. If a permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of one of the Sieges, its controller will make a new choice for that Siege. Which ability the copy has won't depend on the choice made for the original permanent.
2014-11-24 The words “Khans” and “Dragons” are anchor words, connecting your choice to the appropriate ability. Anchor words are a new rules concept. “
-nchor word] —
-bility]” means “As long as you chose
-nchor word] as this permanent entered the battlefield, this permanent has
-bility].” Notably, the anchor word “Dragons” has no connection to the creature type Dragon.