# 2018 Magic: The Gathering Guilds of Ravnica #169

> The 2018 Guilds of Ravnica foil Erstwhile Trooper (#169) is a sought-after Magic: The Gathering card featuring a Zombie Soldier with discard-powered combat abilities.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2018
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Guilds of Ravnica
- **Card number**: #169
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Erstwhile Trooper card from the 2018 Guilds of Ravnica set offers collectors a distinct piece of Magic: The Gathering history. As a Common rarity card, it serves as an accessible yet essential component for builders focusing on the specific design and mechanical themes introduced during this era of the trading card game.

Mechanically, the Erstwhile Trooper is classified as a Creature — Zombie Soldier with a mana cost of {1}{B}{G} and a power/toughness of 2/2. Its unique ability allows players to discard a creature card to grant the Trooper +2/+2 and trample until the end of the turn, activating only once per turn. This strategic depth makes it a versatile inclusion in decks built around sacrifice or discard synergies. The card’s flavor text, attributed to Vraska, highlights the zombie's unwavering loyalty despite its decayed state, adding narrative weight to its physical presence.

For collectors, finding this card in foil condition enhances its display value. The artwork by Jason A. Engle complements the set's visual identity, making it a notable addition to any Guilds of Ravnica collection. Whether used in gameplay or kept as part of a curated set, the Erstwhile Trooper represents a key moment in modern Magic: The Gathering design. Its combination of foil treatment, recognizable creature type, and interactive rules text ensures it remains a relevant and desirable item for hobbyists exploring the diverse world of trading card games.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of the Erstwhile Trooper card?

The Erstwhile Trooper has a mana cost of {1}{B}{G} and a mana value of 3. It is a black and green creature that requires one generic mana, one black mana, and one green mana to cast.

### What ability does the Erstwhile Trooper possess?

The card allows you to discard a creature card from your hand to give it +2/+2 and trample until end of turn. This ability can be activated only once each turn.

### Who illustrated the Guilds of Ravnica foil version of this card?

The artwork for the Erstwhile Trooper in the Guilds of Ravnica set was created by Jason A. Engle.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.