Saltwater Stalwart MTG Card


Saltwater Stalwart can be a relentless card draw engine in attack-focused decks. Its specific mana requirements could limit deck integration without proper planning. Strategic removals or counterspells can mitigate Saltwater Stalwart’s game impact.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Warrior
Power 2
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever Saltwater Stalwart deals damage to an opponent, target player draws a card.

Every attack is a test of your defenses. Every hit marks the map of your defeat.


Cards like Saltwater Stalwart

Saltwater Stalwart introduces a sea breeze of fresh tactics to the creature lineup in Magic The Gathering. It shares the seas with other creatures like Silvergill Adept, which flourishes in a Merfolk deck, offering the boon of extra card draw upon entering the battlefield. Yet, Saltwater Stalwart goes a step beyond, allowing the player to draw a card every time it deals damage to an opponent, an ability that can trigger multiple times across a single game.

Another fish in the pond is Fallowsage. This creature also rewards players with card draw each time it becomes tapped, a synergy that becomes powerful with numerous tap/untap mechanics. Unlike Saltwater Stalwart, this card advantage is not limited to combat damage. However, the Stalwart’s strength lies in its straightforward application, requiring no additional steps or resources to reap the rewards of card draw.

Ultimately, the value of Saltwater Stalwart in MTG is measured by its repeated utility and its potential in aggressive strategies. It’s a card that, with proper support, promises a stream of strategic advantage throughout the match.

Silvergill Adept - MTG Card versions
Fallowsage - MTG Card versions
Silvergill Adept - MTG Card versions
Fallowsage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Saltwater Stalwart by color, type and mana cost

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Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Saltwater Stalwart allows for consistent card draw every time it attacks. This not only bolsters your hand but also applies pressure to the opponent, creating a significant advantage as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: With the potential to enable quicker plays, the card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on casting multiple spells or creatures in a turn. This interaction is particularly potent in formats where tempo plays a crucial role.

Instant Speed: The value of Saltwater Stalwart is amplified by any instant speed spells or abilities you can play. Since opponents must respect the card draw trigger when the creature attacks, you can use this to your advantage to hold up mana for reactionary plays during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Saltwater Stalwart necessitates discarding a card, posing a potential setback when your hand is already depleted or every card is crucial for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Saltwater Stalwart can be tricky since it requires a precise mix of mana colors, which doesn’t always align with the fluid mana bases of many decks. Integrating it into your game plan requires foresight and a tuned mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the mana investment versus the payoff, some players might find the cost of summoning Saltwater Stalwart on the higher side. This implies you could be tapping out when you might otherwise keep mana open for counterspells or instant-speed interaction. Other creatures at a similar mana value could potentially offer more immediate board impact or utility.


Reasons to Include Saltwater Stalwart in Your Collection

Versatility: Saltwater Stalwart is a card adaptable enough to find a place in decks that prize card draw abilities. It shines in multiplayer settings where you can consistently draw cards while targeting different opponents with its ability.

Combo Potential: This card has synergy in decks focused on drawing cards or benefiting from casting spells. Each attack leads to a draw, potentially fueling strategies that rely on the number of cards you’ve drawn or spells you’ve cast.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where player interaction is encouraged, Saltwater Stalwart becomes increasingly relevant. It serves as a tool for decks to keep the hand stocked, maintaining pressure and leveraging the need for card advantage.


How to Beat Saltwater Stalwart

Encountering Saltwater Stalwart in a game of Magic: The Gathering can be a tactical challenge. This merfolk rogue is more than just a creature; it’s a card draw engine for your opponent in games of brawl or commander. The key to overcoming Saltwater Stalwart lies in preventing the draw advantage it grants. Utilizing removal spells that can target creatures directly is a sound strategy. Saving a Murder or Go for the Throat to use on this card can effectively strip your opponent of potential card advantage. Additionally, cards that restrict or penalize drawing, such as Narset, Parter of Veils, can blunt the impact of Saltwater Stalwart, making it a less threatening presence on the battlefield.

Another angle is to use creature counters to ensure Saltwater Stalwart never touches the board. Counterspells like Cancel or Essence Scatter can be your safeguard against such threats. Also, consider employing bounce spells or abilities that return creatures to the owner’s hand, slowing down your opponent’s momentum. Ultimately, proactive board control, targeted removal, or casting limitations will navigate you through the challenge posed by Saltwater Stalwart, maintaining the equilibrium of the game in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Saltwater Stalwart MTG card by a specific set like Battlebond and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Saltwater Stalwart and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Saltwater Stalwart Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-06-08 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Sam Burley.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-06-08BattlebondBBD 392015NormalBlackSam Burley
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 3422015NormalBlackSam Burley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Saltwater Stalwart has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal