The Wandering Emperor MTG Card


Card advantage and resource acceleration make it a formidable force in maintaining a robust hand. Flash ability for surprise plays, yet specific mana cost and high cost impact its flexibility. Combines creature control and meta-relevance, but requires a proactive strategy to beat.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker
Abilities Flash
Loyalty 3

Text of card

Flash As long as The Wandering Emperor entered the battlefield this turn, you may activate her loyalty abilities any time you could cast an instant.
+1: Put a +1/+1 counter on up to one target creature. It gains first strike until end of turn.
-1: Create a 2/2 white Samurai creature token with vigilance.
-2: Exile target tapped creature. You gain 2 life.


Cards like The Wandering Emperor

The Wandering Emperor has made a marked impact on deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering, often compared to standout planeswalkers like Elspeth, Sun’s Champion. Both cards generate soldier tokens, though The Wandering Emperor offers more immediate board influence with flash, allowing players to cast it during any phase. Unlike Elspeth, who provides a significant number of tokens and an overwhelming ultimate ability, The Wandering Emperor prides itself on versatile control, featuring removal and protection.

Another card often weighed against The Wandering Emperor is Gideon, Ally of Zendikar. Gideon carries the ability to become a formidable creature, while The Wandering Emperor shines with its loyalty ability to exile a tapped creature, giving players critical control in combat. Although Gideon’s emblem can be a consistent power boost for creatures, The Wandering Emperor’s ability to protect and exert pressure at instant speed adds a unique tactical layer to gameplay.

In comparing MTG planeswalkers, The Wandering Emperor stands out with its instant playability and defensive capacities, gaining an edge in control-based decks. This card rewards strategic foresight and timing, positioning it as a multi-faceted option for players aiming to dominate the battlefield.

Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Champion - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to The Wandering Emperor by color, type and mana cost

The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions
Archangel Elspeth - MTG Card versions
The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions
Archangel Elspeth - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DomainDomain StandardDomainStandard Preliminary 2024-05-01
Esper MidrangeEsper Midrange StandardEsper MidrangeStandard League 2024-04-29
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Esper ControlEsper Control PioneerEsper ControlPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Jeskai Indomitable CreativityJeskai Indomitable Creativity PioneerJeskai Indomitable CreativityPioneer League 2024-04-30
Mono-White MidrangeMono-White Midrange PioneerMono-White MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Wandering Emperor shines by providing multiple abilities that can disrupt your opponent’s plans while also drawing you cards. This versatility is key in maintaining a strong hand throughout the game.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, The Wandering Emperor enables resource acceleration by potentially increasing your field presence with Samurai tokens that can become a significant force if left unchecked.

Instant Speed: The flash ability allows you to cast The Wandering Emperor unexpectedly during your opponent’s turn, which can completely alter the state of the battlefield and give you the upper hand in interaction-heavy games.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Wandering Emperor doesn’t directly have a discard requirement, yet its loyalty abilities may indirectly cause card disadvantage. To maximize its potential, players often need a well-stocked hand to respond to various board states, which can strain resources.

Specific Mana Cost: This planeswalker demands a precise mana combination of one generic, two white, and one blue mana. This requirement can complicate deck building, particularly for those who prefer a more flexible mana base to accommodate a wider array of spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the mana cost is average for a planeswalker, it is worth noting that The Wandering Emperor’s initial loyalty is somewhat low relative to its casting cost. This could be seen as a setback when compared to other three to four-mana cost cards that might provide a more impactful immediate board presence or long-term value.


Reasons to Include The Wandering Emperor in Your Collection

Versatility: The Wandering Emperor offers a broad range of abilities including creature control, loyalty manipulation, and instant speed interaction, making it a powerful addition across various deck types. Utilize this card to protect and strengthen your board presence while disrupting opponents’ strategies.

Combo Potential: With its capability to create Samurai creatures and put counters on others, this planeswalker can be the linchpin in synergistic combos. It seamlessly integrates with strategies that thrive on loyalty counters or benefit from proliferate mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: As the game environment evolves, this card remains a formidable choice due to its playability in multiple phases, allowing for defensive and offensive adjustments that align with the shifting meta. Its ability to disrupt opponents at critical moments makes The Wandering Emperor a card worth considering for competitive play.


How to beat

The Wandering Emperor, a new powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering, can sway the battlefield in your opponent’s favor. When facing this legendary planeswalker, it’s crucial to apply pressure early and often. Cards like Duress or Thoughtseize can dismantle your opponent’s strategy by removing the card from their hand before it’s played. Heroic Intervention can protect your creatures from her -2 ability, keeping your side of the board intact.

A disruptive strategy can mitigate the impact of The Wandering Emperor, using counter spells such as Negate when your opponent casts their spell. Instant-speed removal like Murderous Rider can destroy the planeswalker during your turn, eliminating her influence. Sustained board presence and tactical spell usage are the keys to dampening the Emperor’s command over the game.

In summary, conquer The Wandering Emperor by disrupting your opponent’s hand, countering the spell, or removing the planeswalker swiftly. This proactive approach can ensure that The Wandering Emperor’s reign is short-lived and your path to victory remains clear.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Wandering Emperor MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty 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 The Wandering Emperor and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The The Wandering Emperor Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979072015NormalBlackTerada Katsuya
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 42p2015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
32022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty PromosPNEO 42s2015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
42022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 422015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
52022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3162015NormalBlackHisashi Momose
62022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 3032015NormalBorderlessTerada Katsuya
72022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 4182015NormalBlackHisashi Momose
82022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 492015Art seriesBorderless
92022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 502015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where The Wandering Emperor has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 You may still only activate one of The Wandering Emperor's loyalty abilities on the turn she entered the battlefield.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.

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.