Harbin, Vanguard Aviator MTG Card


Token generation translates to card advantage and can outnumber opponents’ creatures on the battlefield. Indirect resource acceleration allows for earlier deployment of complex strategies within a match. Ability to benefit from instant-speed interactions offers flexibility and unpredictability during gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying Whenever you attack with five or more Soldiers, creatures you control get +1/+1 and gain flying until end of turn.


Cards like Harbin, Vanguard Aviator

Harbin Vanguard Aviator showcases its distinct positioning among creature cards in Magic the Gathering. When juxtaposed with cards of similar vein, such as Gust of Wind, we notice both involve a flying creature with an additional effect. Gust of Wind, however, costs less if you control a creature with flying and also lets you return a nonland permanent to its owner’s hand, but it does not add a creature on the board.

Conversely, comparing Harbin Vanguard Aviator to Stormwing Entity brings to light the uniqueness of the latter. While Stormwing Entity also benefits from a cost reduction mechanic and boasts flying, it packs a stronger punch with prowess and the ability to scry, an advantage the Vanguard Aviator forgoes for accessibility and an immediate presence on the field.

Lastly, it’s worth noting the similarities with Faerie Vandal, a card that grows stronger with every card you draw. While Faerie Vandal thrives in a draw-heavy deck, the Vanguard Aviator solidifies its role without relying on additional draw mechanics, making it a reliable choice for decks in need of resilient flying creatures right out of the gate.

Gust of Wind - MTG Card versions
Stormwing Entity - MTG Card versions
Faerie Vandal - MTG Card versions
Gust of Wind - MTG Card versions
Stormwing Entity - MTG Card versions
Faerie Vandal - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Harbin, Vanguard Aviator by color, type and mana cost

Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
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Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Azorius Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Acquittals - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions
A-Dorothea, Vengeful Victim // A-Dorothea's Retribution - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius SoldiersAzorius Soldiers StandardAzorius SoldiersStandard League 2024-02-28
Jeskai SoldiersJeskai Soldiers StandardJeskai SoldiersStandard Preliminary 2024-05-01
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Five-color AggroFive-color Aggro ModernGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Five-color HumansFive-color Humans Pioneer5c LegendsHBMO24 - GenX Comics and Games Pioneer 5k

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Harbin Vanguard Aviator’s ability to create multiple 1/1 white Pilot creature tokens has the potential to provide consistent card advantage on the battlefield. This ability parallels drawing extra cards by increasing your board presence without losing hand resources. It can easily outnumber an opponent’s creatures over time, which in MTG often translates to having more options and ways to control the game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly producing additional mana or reducing costs, the tokens generated by Harbin Vanguard Aviator can be used with other cards’ abilities to add mana or as a sacrifice for various card effects. By streamlining your creature base, you’re indirectly accelerating your resource development, allowing you to deploy heavy hitters or more complex strategies earlier in the match.

Instant Speed: While Harbin Vanguard Aviator operates at sorcery speed, the creation of tokens can indirectly lead to instant-speed advantages. Tokens can be utilized for immediate reactions during your opponent’s turn if combined with other cards that enable tapping creatures for various effects, like convoke. This offers a form of flexibility often found in instant-speed interactions, keeping your opponents guessing even during their turns.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Harbin Vanguard Aviator commands you to put another card from your hand on the line. This act of discarding could put you at a disadvantage, especially if your hand is already running thin on valuable plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost is not just a tally of generic mana; it necessitates a precise combination which includes white mana. This requirement can sometimes pigeonhole it into a narrower range of decks, decreasing its ubiquitous appeal.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the abilities Harbin Vanguard Aviator offers may seem appealing, the mana investment it demands is significant. For decks that thrive on efficiency, there may be alternative cards out there that provide similar benefits without such a steep mana curve.


Reasons to Include Harbin Vanguard Aviator in Your Collection

Versatility: Harbin Vanguard Aviator is a unique asset for any collection due to its ability to adapt to various deck strategies. Its flying ability makes it a steadfast attacker or blocker in the air, providing consistent board presence.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize seamlessly with strategies revolving around flying creatures or those that capitalize on tapping and untapping creatures, amplifying its tactical use in such combinations.

Meta-Relevance: With an evolving competitive scene where aerial threats and nimble tactics could gain an edge, Harbin Vanguard Aviator’s characteristics align well with decks designed to challenge current popular strategies.


How to beat Harbin Vanguard

The Harbin Vanguard Aviator frequently takes the skies in skilled players’ decks, known for its knack of turning the board state to one’s favor by pivotal buffs to other fliers. Tackling this high-flying threat requires a blend of removal and strategic play. Grounded strategies involving board control become pivotal. Cards that stifle or negate flying abilities can clip its wings, while spot removal keeps the skies clear of this potential menace.

A well-timed Cast Down or Doom Blade can prevent your opponent from leveraging the Vanguard’s full potential. Additionally, countering abilities that target multiple creatures becomes essential, as cards like the Harbin Vanguard Aviator rely on synergizing with other fliers to truly soar. Your best defense may involve an early offense – removing the Aviator before it can rally the aerial assault or disrupt it with a carefully played Essence Scatter or Negate to keep control of the game.

When facing down Harbin Vanguard Aviator, closely monitor your resources, plan for the long game and maintain a hand that can respond to its deployment. This approach will help safeguard your board state from being overrun by the Aviator and its winged allies.


BurnMana Recommendations

The MTG arena is a place where strategy meets opportunity, and Harbin Vanguard Aviator is a card that can create numerous tactical advantages in-game. If you’ve been looking for ways to enhance card advantage, accelerate resources, or add an element of surprise to your plays, the Aviator could be a valuable addition to your deck. Despite its potential constraints, the ability to adapt and turn cons into pros is what separates a good player from a great one. We encourage you to explore Harbin Vanguard Aviator’s full potential and consider its strategic applications across your MTG matchups. Visit BurnMana for insights and tips on integrating this card into a winning strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Harbin, Vanguard Aviator MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and The Brothers' War, 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 Harbin, Vanguard Aviator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Harbin, Vanguard Aviator Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-11-18 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by Kieran Yanner.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1057742015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
22022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 3552015NormalBlackKieran Yanner
32022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 2122015NormalBlackKieran Yanner

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Harbin, Vanguard Aviator has restrictions

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