# 2011 Magic: The Gathering Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia #4

> The Ardent Recruit card from Magic: The Gathering's 2011 Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia release. This common Human Soldier features the powerful Metalcraft ability.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2011
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia
- **Card number**: #4
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Ardent Recruit is a Common creature card from the 2011 Magic: The Gathering release, Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia. Identified as card number 4 in the TD2 set, this Human Soldier serves as a foundational unit for players building decks centered around the White mana color. Designed with a mana cost of one, the card offers immediate board presence without requiring significant resource investment.

What makes this card a staple in many collections is its unique ability known as Metalcraft. When a player controls three or more artifacts, Ardent Recruit receives a substantial boost, increasing its power and toughness by two. This synergy allows the creature to transition from a modest 1/1 body to a formidable 3/3 threat, making it highly effective in artifact-heavy strategies. The flavor text, "We lost our homes and our kin. We won't let those rotters take our future as well," hints at the broader narrative of the Phyrexian invasion, adding depth to the card's identity within the Mirrodin block.

Illustrated by Mike Bierek, the card captures the essence of the conflict between the two factions introduced in the Duel Decks series. Collectors often seek out this card to complete their set of TD2 cards or to utilize its mechanical synergy in various formats. Whether you are a veteran player looking to refine your artifact strategy or a new collector exploring the intricacies of Magic: The Gathering, Ardent Recruit represents a key piece of the 2011 era. Its straightforward design and potent conditional effect make it a memorable addition to any Magic: The Gathering library.

## FAQ

### What is the Metalcraft ability on Ardent Recruit?

Metalcraft is a triggered ability that grants Ardent Recruit +2/+2 as long as you control three or more artifacts. This makes the 1/1 creature significantly more powerful in artifact-focused decks.

### Which set does the Ardent Recruit card belong to?

Ardent Recruit is part of the Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia set, released in 2011. It is card number 4 in the TD2 set code.

### What mana type does Ardent Recruit require?

The card requires one White mana to cast, making it a low-cost creature that can be played early in the game.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.