Zariel, Archduke of Avernus MTG Card


Zariel’s abilities offer card advantage by creating devil tokens and boosting offensive tactics with haste. Resource acceleration is key, as Zariel’s haste for creatures changes the game’s pace significantly. While Zariel is a mana-intensive play, her synergy with instant speed spells enhances board control.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Zariel
Loyalty 4

Text of card


+1: Creatures you control get +1/+0 and gain haste until end of turn.
0: Create a 1/1 red Devil creature token with "When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target."
-6: You get an emblem with "At the end of the first combat phase on your turn, untap target creature you control. After this phase, there is an additional combat phase."


Cards like Zariel, Archduke of Avernus

Zariel, Archduke of Avernus, carves a distinctive niche within the pantheon of powerful planeswalkers in Magic: The Gathering. A natural comparison can be drawn to Chandra, Torch of Defiance, both for her damage-dealing capabilities and her potential to add significant mana. However, Zariel stands out with abilities that are more synergistic with creature-focused strategies, especially with those involving Devils.

Another planeswalker worth contrasting with Zariel is Sarkhan the Masterless, who similarly transforms all planeswalkers into creatures, in this case Dragons. Both Zariel and Sarkhan encourage a strategy that benefits from having a multitude of creatures, yet Zariel is uniquely attuned to creating and enhancing Devil tokens. Lastly, Angrath, the Flame-Chained offers a different avenue for a red planeswalker, focusing more on disrupting the opponent’s hand and board, which contrasts with Zariel’s focus on bolstering your own creature’s presence and attacking capabilities.

When we evaluate the abilities and their alignment with different deck strategies, Zariel provides a formidable option for players looking to wage an aggressive campaign with an ever-growing army of Deviled troops on the fantastical battlegrounds of Magic: The Gathering.

Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan the Masterless - MTG Card versions
Angrath, the Flame-Chained - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan the Masterless - MTG Card versions
Angrath, the Flame-Chained - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Zariel, Archduke of Avernus by color, type and mana cost

Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Fire Artisan - MTG Card versions
Jaya, Fiery Negotiator - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Pyromaster - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Daretti, Scrap Savant - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Gremlin Wrangler - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Novice Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan, Wanderer to Shiv - MTG Card versions
Koth, Fire of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Fire Artisan - MTG Card versions
Jaya, Fiery Negotiator - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Pyromaster - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Daretti, Scrap Savant - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Gremlin Wrangler - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Novice Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan, Wanderer to Shiv - MTG Card versions
Koth, Fire of Resistance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you summon Zariel, Archduke of Avernus, her abilities provide a formidable advantage by populating the battlefield with a steady flow of devil creature tokens each turn. This helps to maintain pressure against your opponent and ensures that you’re never short on attackers or potential blockers.

Resource Acceleration: Zariel’s ability to give creatures haste not only speeds up your army’s offensive capabilities but also can rapidly change the pace of the game. By enhancing the swiftness of your creature deployment, you effectively accelerate your resource utilization, getting the most out of each creature the turn it’s played.

Instant Speed: Although Zariel herself doesn’t act at instant speed, she synergizes well with cards that do. This synergy becomes apparent as you control the pace of the game, playing spells at instant speed to disrupt opponents during their turn, then unleashing hasted creatures during your own turn for a rapid assault.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Zariel, Archduke of Avernus often means adhering to a specific deck-building strategy that makes room for a discard mechanic, which can lead to a depletion of valuable hand resources, resulting in potential disadvantage in the game’s later stages.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for summoning Zariel comprises an exact combination of energy types, which necessitates a dedicated mana base. This could complicate inclusion in multi-coloured or splash decks, potentially limiting its adaptability across various playstyles.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Zariel packs a significant punch, its mana value might be on the higher end when compared to other cards with similar or swifter board impact. Players are often looking for the most efficient plays, and as such, they might opt for alternatives that offer a quicker return on investment.


Reasons to Include Zariel, Archduke of Avernus in Your Collection

Versatility: Zariel, Archduke of Avernus is a flexible planeswalker that can adapt to a multitude of deck styles. Whether you’re powering up creatures in an aggressive strategy or controlling the board in a midrange deck, Zariel’s abilities will back you up.

Combo Potential: With the capability to both create devil tokens and grant them haste, this card can synergize with strategies that capitalize on numerous creatures or those looking to benefit from sacrifice mechanics for additional value.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where aggro decks are prominent, Zariel’s prowess in enabling a quick offense can tip the scales in your favor. Additionally, her ability to accrue loyalty quickly and her ultimate can turn the tide in more prolonged matches, making her a solid pick for diverse play environments.


How to beat

Zariel, Archduke of Avernus is a powerful force in MTG that can dominate the battlefield with its ability to grant both creatures and planeswalkers haste. Facing Zariel can be daunting, but there are strategic ways to turn the tide in your favor. One approach is to use instant-speed removal spells that can address the threat before it gets a chance to swing for considerable damage or pile up loyalty counters. Cards like Murderous Rider or Heartless Act are solid choices, allowing you to respond in a pinch.

Another tactic is to apply pressure early in the game. Aggressive decks can often force Zariel’s controller to play defensively, which may lead to suboptimal plays. Finally, cards that can neutralize activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle or Sorcerous Spyglass, can severely hinder Zariel’s ability to affect the game. By keeping in mind these strategies and deploying them skillfully, you can temper the threat of Zariel and keep the battlefield under your control.

In summary, while Zariel poses a substantial challenge, strategic play involving instant-speed removal, early aggression, and disabling key abilities will help you gain the upper hand in your MTG matches against this formidable planeswalker.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Zariel, Archduke of Avernus MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online 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 Zariel, Archduke of Avernus and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Zariel, Archduke of Avernus Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 927262015NormalBlackScott M. Fischer
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1722015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
32021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 172p2015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
42021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 172s2015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
52021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten Realms PromosPAFR 172a2015NormalBlackHeonhwa Choe
62021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 2852015NormalBorderlessScott M. Fischer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Zariel, Archduke of Avernus has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-07-23 If the target of the emblem's ability becomes an illegal target by the time the ability tries to resolve, the ability won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't get an additional combat phase.
2021-07-23 If you have more than one of Zariel's emblem, the abilities will each trigger at the end of the first combat phase on your turn. You can choose the same creature as the target of each ability. Those targets will untap before any additional combats. No creatures will untap between the first additional combat and the second additional combat (or between the second and third, and so on, and wow, how long was Zariel under your control?!)
2021-07-23 The ability of the emblem can target any creature you control, not just one that's tapped.
2021-07-23 There is no main phase between the combat phases. You move from the first combat phase directly into the second combat phase.