Volo, Guide to Monsters MTG Card


Grants card advantage by cloning a variety of creatures, bolstering your battlefield presence. Enhances resource acceleration by doubling creatures with land-fetching or mana-producing effects. Increases value of instant-speed creatures, turning defensive plays into proactive threats.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Wizard
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever you cast a creature spell that doesn't share a creature type with a creature you control or a creature card in your graveyard, copy that spell. (A copy of a creature spell becomes a token.)

"The beholder told me I had a good eye for details. Who was I to argue?"


Cards like Volo, Guide to Monsters

Volo, Guide to Monsters is a unique creature card that players treasure for its ability to potentially double creature summons. When comparing it to other cards, it stands out in the creature-copying arena. Mirror Image is a noteworthy counterpart, capable of duplicating an existing creature on the battlefield. Although it does not have the recurring potential of Volo, it’s a straightforward and cost-effective clone.

Similarly, the card Clone also enters the battlefield as a copy of any creature already in play. While it gives players a versatile choice upon arrival, unlike Volo, it doesn’t offer the continuous benefit of copying different types of non-human creatures. Also in this realm is Spark Double, which can copy not just creatures but planeswalkers as well, bypassing the legendary rule. It doesn’t replicate the iterative nature of Volo’s ability but offers a one-time flexibility with a potentially advantageous plus one counter or loyalty.

Examining these options, Volo, Guide to Monsters aligns with players’ strategies that focus on variety and synergy over single powerful entries. It rewards a diverse deck build and continues to bring value as different creatures are played, setting it apart as a dynamic addition to creature-focused decks in MTG.

Mirror Image - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Spark Double - MTG Card versions
Mirror Image - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Spark Double - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Volo, Guide to Monsters by color, type and mana cost

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Grazing Kelpie - MTG Card versions
Swirling Spriggan - MTG Card versions
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Fathom Mage - MTG Card versions
Horizon Chimera - MTG Card versions
Patagia Viper - MTG Card versions
Ezuri, Claw of Progress - MTG Card versions
Altered Ego - MTG Card versions
Rashmi, Eternities Crafter - MTG Card versions
Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Volo, Guide to Monsters offers a unique form of card advantage by enabling you to potentially put extra creature cards onto the battlefield. This ability to clone creatures based on their creature types that haven’t already been controlled this game can swiftly overwhelm opponents with a diverse set of threats, maintaining a robust board presence.

Resource Acceleration: The card can be a significant form of resource acceleration, as duplicating creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects can lead to ramping up your mana resources. By cloning creatures that fetch lands or produce mana, you effectively get more use out of the mana spent casting just one creature.

Instant Speed: While Volo itself doesn’t work at instant speed, it amplifies the value of your instant speed creatures. Being able to bring in flash creatures on your opponent’s turn and still benefit from Volo’s cloning effect can give you a significant advantage, turning a defensive move into a proactive threat expansion.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Volo, Guide to Monsters may necessitate discarding cards from your hand, potentially depleting your valuable resources at critical moments within the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requires a precise combination of mana types, which could limit the card’s integration into multicolored decks or those with a heavier focus on other mana attributes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value, Volo can be considered expensive for its deck-enabling capabilities. This could be a setback in faster-paced matches where economy and curve play pivotal roles.


Reasons to Include Volo Guide to Monsters in Your Collection

Versatility: Volo Guide to Monsters is a card that can seamlessly adapt to numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to interact with creature spells adds a layer of strategy to your plays, allowing you to explore more variety in your game.

Combo Potential: The card’s uniqueness lies in the way it can synergize with a multitude of creature types, setting the stage for powerful combos. It leverages the inherent abilities of creatures you cast, potentially doubling your threat on the board with each creature play.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-centric decks are common, having Volo Guide to Monsters can provide a significant edge. It is an asset in environments where board presence and creature abilities dictate the pace of the game, making it a card that could tip the scales in your favor.


How to beat

Volo, Guide to Monsters is a unique MTG card that can quickly assert dominance on the battlefield by exploiting creature variety. Its ability to clone creatures whenever you cast a creature spell of a type that hasn’t been played yet can overwhelm opponents. For players facing this legendary card, the key is to disrupt this cloning process. Targeted removal spells can keep Volo in check, preventing the cloning mechanic from getting out of hand. Counterspells are particularly effective, as denying Volo’s entry onto the battlefield entirely can negate the threat before it takes root.

Alternatively, board wipes can reset the playing field, clearing multiple cloned creatures with a single spell. Strategies that limit casting or punish the opponent for casting multiple spells can also be effective against the Volo deck’s game plan. In essence, it’s vital to maintain control over the flow of creatures entering the battlefield. Careful timing and choice of removal can turn the tide against Volo, Guide to Monsters, keeping this potent card from turning the game in favor of its wielder.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embarking on the MTG journey with the likes of Volo, Guide to Monsters can truly transform your gameplay. This powerful card excels in versatility, combo potential, and can notably influence the meta by harnessing creature abilities to command the board. However, when facing it, remember that strategy is key. Keep your deck equipped with targeted removal, counterspells, and board wipes to combat the prolific cloning prowess of Volo. Tailoring your approach and understanding the intricacies of such unique cards can set you apart in MTG. Explore more tactics and enrich your collection with us for an unmatched experience in the world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Volo, Guide to Monsters MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Volo, Guide to Monsters and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Volo, Guide to Monsters Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 238a2015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 3472015NormalBlackJeff Dee
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 2382015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
42021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 238p2015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
52021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 238s2015NormalBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Volo, Guide to Monsters has restrictions

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