Swiftblade Vindicator MTG Card


Excels when buffed due to double strike, increasing presence and value on the battlefield. Leverages low mana cost for fast play and efficient mana allocation each turn. Flexible threat with vigilance, able to adapt to changing board states with instants.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Soldier
Abilities Double strike,Trample, Vigilance
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Double strike, vigilance, trample

A swiftblade is an artist, each fiery trail of their blades a fleeting masterpiece traced on the air.


Cards like Swiftblade Vindicator

Swiftblade Vindicator stands out in the roster of aggressive creatures in MTG. Its kinship is seen with the likes of Adanto Vanguard, which shares the same mana cost and also thrives in battle. However, Swiftblade Vindicator’s double strike and vigilance give it an edge, providing a stronger offense and defense without the need for activatable abilities that the Vanguard relies upon.

Comparisons can also be drawn to Skyknight Vanguard. Although the latter can create 1/1 tokens to bolster your board presence, it doesn’t pack the same raw power that Swiftblade Vindicator offers through its multiple keyword abilities. The Swiftblade’s trample and vigilance are assets that ensure damage goes through and it stays ready to defend.

Conclusively, Swiftblade Vindicator is tailored for decks that capitalize on combat tricks and equipment or aura synergies. It may not have the same board impact as Skyknight or the resilience of Adanto, but in terms of pure aggression and utility in relevant scenarios, Swiftblade Vindicator earns its place as a formidable option for combat-centric strategies in MTG.

Adanto Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Adanto Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Skyknight Vanguard - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Swiftblade Vindicator by color, type and mana cost

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Boros Challenger - MTG Card versions
Koll, the Forgemaster - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Reyav, Master Smith - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Line-Slinger - MTG Card versions
Boros Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Boros Swiftblade - MTG Card versions
Battlegate Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cerodon Yearling - MTG Card versions
Stun Sniper - MTG Card versions
Sunhome Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Truefire Paladin - MTG Card versions
Akroan Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Flamewright - MTG Card versions
Weapons Trainer - MTG Card versions
Veteran Motorist - MTG Card versions
Thundersong Trumpeter - MTG Card versions
Honored Crop-Captain - MTG Card versions
Relentless Raptor - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro LegacyMO82#CS
Naya FeatherNaya Feather GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 13 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formMO89#CS
Naya AggroNaya Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024
Boros MidrangeBoros Midrange LegacyMO82#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Despite not directly offering card drawing, Swiftblade Vindicator’s double strike effectively amplifies the impact of any buffs or auras you apply to it, which can help you get ahead in terms of field presence and card value.

Resource Acceleration: The Vindicator’s low mana cost facilitates a quicker offensive strategy, allowing you to deploy additional threats or hold resources for protection and countermagic. This allocates your mana efficiently, advancing your game plan with each turn.

Instant Speed: While Swiftblade Vindicator itself isn’t an instant, its compact size and vigilance make it an excellent recipient for instant speed combat tricks and buffs. This blend of vigilance and double strike transforms it into a flexible threat capable of adapting quickly to evolving board states.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Swiftblade Vindicator doesn’t directly ask you to discard cards, but its aggressive nature could force key card sacrifices to maintain board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: As a multicolored card, Swiftblade Vindicator demands both white and red mana, making it potentially clunky in non-focused or budget mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only two mana, in fast-paced games, the Vindicator’s 1/1 starting stats require additional investment or buffs to become an impactful threat.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Swiftblade Vindicator is a flexible choice for a variety of deck builds. Its keyword abilities – double strike and vigilance – allow it to serve multiple roles, whether as an aggressive early threat or a defensive asset to maintain board presence.

Combo Potential: Equipped with equipment or auras, this card becomes a powerhouse, maximizing the value from buffs thanks to its double strike. It pairs well with combat tricks and synergizes with abilities that trigger on dealing combat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame that values quick, resilient threats, Swiftblade Vindicator holds its ground. It can stand up against certain control mechanisms while also being a formidable opponent for other creature-based strategies.


How to beat Swiftblade Vindicator

Swiftblade Vindicator is a dynamic creature card that can become a significant threat on the battlefield due to its double strike and vigilance features. To effectively counter this card, players should prioritize removal spells or strategies that can bypass Swiftblade Vindicator’s aggressive stance. Cards with deathtouch are highly effective against it, as they ensure the Vindicator is destroyed even if only one point of damage is dealt. Blocking with a creature that has greater toughness can also be a strategic move, as it leverages the Vindicator’s relatively low power when not boosted by other effects.

Enchantment-based removals, such as Pacifism, render the Vindicator harmless by preventing it from attacking or blocking, thereby neutralizing the threat it poses on the field. Utilizing board wipes like Wrath of God can also reset the playing field, removing Swiftblade Vindicator alongside any other creatures, which might be beneficial if the opponent has built up a commanding board presence. Effective timing of these spells and understanding the pace at which your opponent plays their Vindicator can significantly improve your chances of dealing with this potent creature.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving deeper into MTG strategies and card nuances can transform your gameplay experience. Swiftblade Vindicator exemplifies the potential dynamic play can introduce to your matches with its blend of aggressive capabilities and versatility. By learning more about such cards and their optimal use in decks, you can sharpen your skills and outmaneuver opponents. Enhance your collection and gameplay with strategic insights and recommendations tailored to MTG enthusiasts. Embrace the challenge and granularity of deck building, and you could dictate the pace of your next duel. Ready to refine your strategies and discover new tactics? Let our expert advice guide you to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Swiftblade Vindicator MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Guilds of Ravnica 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 Swiftblade Vindicator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Swiftblade Vindicator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Viktor Titov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 2032015NormalBlackViktor Titov
22018-10-05Guilds of Ravnica PromosPGRN 203s2015NormalBlackViktor Titov
32020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2212015NormalBlackViktor Titov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Swiftblade Vindicator has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-08-07 If an attacking creature with double strike and trample destroys all of its blocking creatures with first-strike combat damage, all of its normal combat damage is assigned to the player or planeswalker that creature's attacking.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.