Estwald Shieldbasher MTG Card


Enhances card advantage and defensive strategies while providing instant-speed synergies with other spells. May require card discards and precise mana, representing potential strategic drawbacks in certain decks. Offers versatility, combo potential, and relevance in creature-heavy metas, making it a valuable collection asset.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Power 4
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever Estwald Shieldbasher attacks, you may pay . If you do, it gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it.)

The door to her home survived the fires of the Malignus. Now it's her greatest weapon.


Understanding Estwald Shieldbasher

Estwald Shieldbasher emerges as an impactful creature in MTG’s pantheon of defensive stalwarts. It bears semblance to other stout guards such as Wall of Omens, both carved out for opponents’ frustrations. Wall of Omens, revered for its card-drawing effect upon entering the battlefield, lacks the aggressive potential that Estwald Shieldbasher holds. The Shieldbasher, instead, offers the proactive ability to become temporarily indestructible, ideal for both offense and defense tactics.

Cards like Estwald Shieldbasher

Estwald Shieldbasher finds its peers amongst creatures that can absorb and deal damage while standing firm. Take the vigilant Sentry of the Underworld, for example. It shares the gift of indestructibility, though at the cost of both mana and life points. Nonetheless, it boasts flight, a trait our Shieldbasher lacks. The fierce Selfless Squire echoes a similar theme of damage prevention, but it captures the essence in a flash, providing a one-time shield and a potential for a formidable counter-attack.

Additionally, consider the sturdy Knight of the White Orchid. While it doesn’t promise indestructibility, it compensates with a land-acquisition bonus under specific conditions, enhancing your mana base. Estwald Shieldbasher, foregoing card draw or other bonuses for that matter, doubles down on becoming an unwavering bulwark against impending assaults.

In evaluating these counterparts, Estwald Shieldbasher holds its ground with a unique blend of vigour and resilience, a testament to its role on the battlefield within MTG.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Sentry of the Underworld - MTG Card versions
Selfless Squire - MTG Card versions
Knight of the White Orchid - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Sentry of the Underworld - MTG Card versions
Selfless Squire - MTG Card versions
Knight of the White Orchid - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Estwald Shieldbasher by color, type and mana cost

Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Kor Cartographer - MTG Card versions
Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Akroan Mastiff - MTG Card versions
Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions
Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
Galepowder Mage - MTG Card versions
Kor Cartographer - MTG Card versions
Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
Akroan Mastiff - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Estwald Shieldbasher’s ability to potentially negate opponent card effects, such as dealing with pesky enchantments or artifacts, can lead to a significant shift in the balance of cards in play. When combined with other creatures or spells that reward you for controlling a stout defender, this can translate into a tangible card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: By consolidating a strong defensive front with Estwald Shieldbasher, players can often afford to allocate resources elsewhere, speeding up the deployment of their strategy. This effective utilization of in-game assets allows for faster development on the board and can keep the pressure on an opponent.

Instant Speed: Although Estwald Shieldbasher itself isn’t an instant, its defensive capabilities pair well with instant-speed spells in your arsenal. This added layer of protection can keep opponents guessing and gives you the flexibility to react swiftly to threats, ensuring that your shields are up at a moment’s notice.

Incorporating Estwald Shieldbasher into your deck strategies, especially in formats that value sturdy defenders, can lead to a controlled game state where your position progressively strengthens turn after turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Estwald Shieldbasher’s ability might necessitate the discarding of another card, which can backfire if your hand is already depleted or if you’re holding onto key cards for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a precise combination of mana types to cast. If you’re running a multicolored deck, it could be challenging to have the exact mana available when you need it.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Estwald Shieldbasher has a significant mana investment for its abilities. In environments where tempo plays a crucial role, its cost may slow you down in comparison to other options with lower mana demands.


Reasons to Include Estwald Shieldbasher in Your Collection

Versatility: Estwald Shieldbasher is a card that can be seamlessly integrated into various deck types. Its ability to serve as both an attacker and a defender makes it a solid addition to any build that values flexibility on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This creature’s shield counter mechanic opens up opportunities to create synergies with other cards that manipulate or utilize counters, potentially unlocking powerful combinations and enhancing overall strategy.

Meta-Relevance: Given the creature-heavy nature of many current MTG metagame decks, having a robust defender like Estwald Shieldbasher can be crucial in stalling aggressive opponents, making it a tactically wise choice for your collection.


How to beat

Estwald Shieldbasher enters the vibrant battlefield of MTG as a robust force to be reckoned with. This stalwart defender can pose a significant challenge with its capacity to become indestructible. Nevertheless, overcoming this card is not an insurmountable task. Key strategies include employing removal spells that don’t rely on dealing damage or use exile instead. These can bypass Estwald Shieldbasher’s indestructible status and ensure it’s removed from the field swiftly.

Another effective tactic is using spells or abilities that force a player to sacrifice a creature. Since Estwald Shieldbasher’s ability doesn’t protect against sacrifices, this can be a clean and efficient way to handle it. Alternatively, dealing with Estwald Shieldbasher might involve taking a control approach—using enchantments that neutralize its abilities or prevent it from attacking or blocking effectively. Cards with “can’t be blocked” or evasion abilities, like flying or trample, can also help you surpass the shieldbearer on the battlefield, maintaining pressure on your opponent and securing your path to victory.

All things considered, while Estwald Shieldbasher can certainly hold the line, an informed MTG player can employ several strategies to outmaneuver this formidable card, keeping the game momentum in their favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Estwald Shieldbasher MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Crimson Vow and Crimson Vow Art Series, 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 Estwald Shieldbasher and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Estwald Shieldbasher Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 112015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds
22021-11-19Crimson Vow Art SeriesAVOW 92015Art seriesBorderlessWayne Reynolds
32022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 2782015NormalBlackWayne Reynolds

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Estwald Shieldbasher has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal