Great Oak Guardian

Description

The Great Oak Guardian stands out in the Magic: The Gathering Commander Anthology as a resilient Treefolk designed for strategic defense and sudden aggression. Released in 2017 as card number 113, this Uncommon creature brings a mana value of six to the battlefield, requiring five generic mana and one green mana to cast. Its most distinctive feature is its Flash ability, allowing players to cast it at instant speed, which adds significant tactical flexibility during the opponent's turn or in response to threats. Beyond its defensive capabilities, the Great Oak Guardian offers a potent board-wiping effect for your side. Upon entering the battlefield, it grants a +2/+2 boost and untaps all creatures controlled by the target player. This burst of power and tempo is particularly valuable in the Commander format, where board presence and life total management are critical. The card’s Reach keyword further ensures it can block flying threats effectively, making it a reliable answer to aerial aggression. The Great Oak Guardian exemplifies this design philosophy, combining classic Treefolk resilience with impactful temporary buffs. Whether you are building a green-based Commander deck or simply expanding your collection with high-utility creatures, this card from Steven Belledin’s artwork era remains a functional and thematic addition. Its straightforward rules text and impactful effect make it accessible for new players while remaining relevant for seasoned veterans looking for reliable defensive options. The 2017 Commander Anthology print runs continue to be sought after by those who value the format's history and the specific cards that have shaped its meta.