Tajuru Pathwarden MTG Card


A 5/4 body enables Tajuru Pathwarden to outmatch many creatures, providing valuable card advantage in combat. Its vigilance and ability to protect other resources make it a reliable ally in maintaining board control. While potent, the Pathwarden requires careful deck construction and mana management due to its specific casting cost.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elf Warrior Ally
Abilities Trample, Vigilance
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Vigilance, trample

"My people blazed these pathways long ago, before the Eldrazi came. We will ride them long after the Eldrazi are gone."


Cards like Tajuru Pathwarden

Tajuru Pathwarden stands out in the world of creature cards within MTG. With its vigilance and trample abilities, this elf warrior offers a robust presence on the battlefield. In terms of comparison, Loxodon Smiter is an immediate parallel, bringing similar power and toughness to the game. However, the Smiter’s advantage lies in its ability to land on the board unfazed by countering tactics, something the Pathwarden lacks.

Another akin card would be Serra Angel. This famed creature also wields vigilance as well as flying, granting it strategic superiority in aerial combat. Yet, Tajuru Pathwarden’s lower casting cost gives it an edge in green-based decks favoring early and powerful creatures on the ground. Nessian Asp follows suit, sharing the trample ability and providing a scalable threat with its monstrosity ability, potentially surpassing the Pathwarden’s power level in the late game.

Considering the balance between abilities, cost, and battlefield impact, Tajuru Pathwarden holds its ground in creature dynamics. Its consistent presence and formidable abilities offer a balanced blend for players looking to influence the board early and maintain pressure on their opponents throughout the game.

Loxodon Smiter - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Nessian Asp - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Smiter - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Nessian Asp - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Tajuru Pathwarden stands out in limited formats, such as drafting, as it often equates to multiple cards. Essentially, the Pathwarden can trade with multiple smaller creatures over a couple of turns, thanks to its formidable 5/4 stats, guaranteeing you maintain an upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Pathwarden itself doesn’t directly offer mana acceleration, its presence on the battlefield as a large-bodied ally can help protect your other resources. This ensures you’re free to deploy mana dorks or ramp spells without worrying as much about leaving defenses thin.

Instant Speed: While this card operates at sorcery speed, it’s worth mentioning that its vigilance allows it to withstand surprise instant-speed removal often faced during the attack phase. This persistent threat leverages pressure on your opponent while keeping up a solid defense, forcing them to consider their instant-speed options carefully.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Tajuru Pathwarden doesn’t specifically ask you to discard cards to play it, having it in your hand could represent a loss in card advantage if you’re forced to discard due to an opponent’s spell or ability. Being a creature card, it doesn’t provide intrinsic protection against such interactions.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a specific mana setup of one green and four other mana to cast. Its allocation towards green means it fits best within mono-green or two-color decks that can reliably provide the necessary resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of five mana, Tajuru Pathwarden can be considered costly, especially when you compare it to other creatures with similar or even more impactful abilities. In a game where tempo is crucial, the Pathwarden may lag behind more efficient creatures that offer similar stats or additional benefits for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tajuru Pathwarden’s role is multifaceted in decks requiring resilient creatures. This elf warrior’s high toughness makes it a durable blocker, while trample allows it to still deal damage through creature-heavy boards.

Combo Potential: As a creature with both trample and vigilance, Tajuru Pathwarden pairs well with cards that capitalize on those abilities, such as equipment or auras that enhance combat damage, making it a solid choice in synergistic strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where aggressive decks prevail, Tajuru Pathwarden provides a sizable obstacle. Its vigilance aids in maintaining a strong defense while applying pressure on the offense, adapting smoothly to the ebb and flow of diverse match-ups.


How to beat

Tajuru Pathwarden is an ally creature card that brings a significant presence to the battlefield in MTG. Notably, its vigilance and trample abilities enable it to be a formidable force both in offense and defense. Yet despite these attributes, there are strategic ways to overpower this green creature card.

To neutralize Tajuru Pathwarden, prioritize removal spells. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder can efficiently dispatch this creature without the need to engage in combat. Additionally, taking advantage of spells that can bypass its vigiliance like Pacifism or to prevent it from attacking, like Claustrophobia, can render the Pathwarden ineffective.

Moreover, leveraging creatures with power greater than Tajuru Pathwarden’s toughness can be a clear path to victory. By playing creatures that can block and overtake it in combat, you neutralize the advantage that its trample gives. In a scenario where direct removal isn’t handy, reducing the Pathwarden’s power or toughness through -1/-1 counters or using cards that switch its power/toughness values can also turn the tide in your favor.

Understanding these tactics can significantly increase your chances of mitigating the impact of Tajuru Pathwarden on the game and maintaining control of the board.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tajuru Pathwarden MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch and Mystery Booster, 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 Tajuru Pathwarden and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tajuru Pathwarden Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-01-22 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Victor Adame Minguez.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-01-22Oath of the GatewatchOGW 1452015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 13462015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
32020-09-26The ListPLST OGW-1452015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
42021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 6502015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tajuru Pathwarden has restrictions

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