Guardian of Ghirapur MTG Card


Locks opponents from casting noncreature spells, which can shift card advantage in your favor. Ideal for early aggressive strategies and decks that value artifact synergies. Requires careful timing due to its sacrifice nature, but can severely disrupt opponent’s plans.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Angel
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying When Guardian of Ghirapur enters the battlefield, exile up to one other target creature or artifact you control. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.

She was hope incarnate, an incandescent bulwark against the tide of machines.


Cards like Guardian of Ghirapur

The Guardian of Ghirapur offers a unique tactical option for players in Magic: The Gathering, providing a strategic edge in numerous decks. It stands as an intriguing comparison to other one-drop creatures such as Hope of Ghirapur, another artifact creature that can be sacrificed to disrupt opponents. The Guardian, however, doesn’t require sacrificing for its effect, allowing for repeated uses and applying consistent pressure on the battlefield. Its ability to prevent noncreature spells brings a layer of control and protection, aligning closely with the functionality of cards like Spellskite, which also manipulates spells but at a higher cost and without the flying ability.

Moving beyond Ghirapur’s limitations, consider the Ornithopter, a fellow 0 cost artifact creature with flying. It serves as a great tool for aggressive strategies and artifact synergy, but lacks the Guardian’s unique lockout ability. Lastly, there’s Hangarback Walker, which doesn’t provide immediate board control but grows over time and creates multiple blockers on death. This versatility is invaluable in longer games, contrasting the Guardian’s focus on early game tactical advantage.

Overall, Guardian of Ghirapur has its niche in decks that aim to disrupt spell-heavy opponents while extending an aerial presence, creating a worthy space for itself among MTG’s one-drop creatures.

Hope of Ghirapur - MTG Card versions
Spellskite - MTG Card versions
Ornithopter - MTG Card versions
Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions
Hope of Ghirapur - MTG Card versions
Spellskite - MTG Card versions
Ornithopter - MTG Card versions
Hangarback Walker - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Guardian of Ghirapur by color, type and mana cost

Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Guardian of Ghirapur. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Orzhov AngelsOrzhov Angels StandardOrzhov AngelsTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 29, 2024
Orzhov MidrangeOrzhov Midrange StandardOrzhov Midrange~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event
Four-color MidrangeFour-color Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 09 2024
Four-color ComboFour-color Combo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024
Mono-White AngelsMono-White Angels StandardMono-White AngelsTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024
Four-color Some Brand of CerealFour-color Some Brand of Cereal GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
Mono-White MidrangeMono-White Midrange StandardMono-White Control2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Bant MidrangeBant Midrange GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Esper MidrangeEsper Midrange StandardEsper MidrangeJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Selesnya CompanySelesnya Company PioneerSelesnya CompanyPioneer Challenge 64 2024-02-10

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Guardian of Ghirapur doesn’t directly let you draw cards, its unique ability to lock an opponent out of noncreature spells can indirectly tilt the card advantage in your favor by limiting their options and increasing your tempo.

Resource Acceleration: As a one-mana artifact creature, Guardian of Ghirapur fits into strategies looking to deploy threats quickly. Its low cost makes it an ideal inclusion in decks that want to leverage early-game artifacts for synergies or to accelerate into more formidable plays.

Instant Speed: Its ability to sacrifice at instant speed lets you wait until the most opportune moment to disrupt your opponent’s plan, forcing them to either play their key noncreature spells early or risk losing the chance for the turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While not directly imposing a discard, Guardian of Ghirapur does require you to sacrifice it in order to use its ability, effectively removing it from the game and leaving you with one less creature at your disposal.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation cost is specifically one colorless mana, which might not seem restrictive at first glance. However, in multicolor decks that rely heavily on colored mana, having the right type of mana available to deploy the Guardian when needed can sometimes be inconvenient.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of one colorless mana, the Guardian of Ghirapur is not costly in itself. However, considering its unique ability to shut down noncreature spells, one might argue that its one-time use and requirement to be sacrificed can be a high price for a potentially temporary disruption of an opponent’s strategy.


Reasons to Include Guardian of Ghirapur in Your Collection

Versatility: Guardian of Ghirapur offers flexibility in various deck builds due to its low casting cost and ability to suspend an opponent’s non-creature spells. It’s an excellent choice for decks prioritizing tempo or requiring protection for key turns.

Combo Potential: This card meshes well with strategies centered around artifacts or sacrifice effects. Its unique ability to hinder opponents makes it a strategic piece for intricate play sequences that could swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by control decks, Guardian of Ghirapur provides a tactical advantage. The ability to halt an opponent’s spells for a turn can be crucial for securing victory against decks heavy on non-creature spells.


How to beat

The Guardian of Ghirapur presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, standing as a one-man artifact creature with potential disruptive abilities in MTG. Its power lies in the ability to deny your opponent from casting noncreature spells for a turn, which can be particularly vexing when your strategy leans towards spells.

To effectively navigate past the Guardian’s silence, consider playing instant speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile prior to your next turn. This ensures the Guardian of Ghirapur doesn’t get the chance to activate its ability. Alternatively, since it requires tapping, creature-based strategies that can exert pressure or force it to block, thereby nullifying its ability, will serve you well – think along the lines of aggressive red decks or large green creatures.

It’s also wise to play around its ability where possible; build up a board presence with creatures instead of holding onto key spells. Lastly, maintaining a flexible game plan is essential in MTG – be ready to pivot your tactics if the Guardian of Ghirapur flies into play, and remember, it’s a matter of dodging its silence for just one crucial turn.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the subtle complexities of Guardian of Ghirapur can lead to strategic advantages in MTG. This versatile card offers a blend of early disruption and tempo gain, fitting snugly into artifact-centric or strategy-intensive decks. If you’re looking to add an edge to your lineup, especially against spell-dependent opponents, this artifact creature might be the surprise play you need. It’s about seizing control of the game, one turn at a time. Elevate your MTG knowledge by diving deeper into how Guardian of Ghirapur can serve your deck’s strategy and enhance your gameplay experience. Discover more about this unique card and refine your deck to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Guardian of Ghirapur MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine Promos, 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 Guardian of Ghirapur and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Guardian of Ghirapur Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Cynthia Sheppard.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 162015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 16p2015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
32023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 16s2015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
42023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3452015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Guardian of Ghirapur has restrictions

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