Old Guard

Description

The 2017 Magic: The Gathering Unstable expansion brought a distinctively humorous and unpredictable energy to the trading card game, and Old Guard (card #16) stands as a prime example of this unique design philosophy. As a common Artifact Creature — Cyborg Soldier, this card merges mechanical themes with the classic soldier archetype, creating a piece of collectible history for fans of the Ixalan block's satirical counterpart. From a gameplay perspective, Old Guard serves as a versatile tactical tool. With a mana cost of one generic mana and one white mana, it enters the board efficiently as a 2/1 body. Its primary strength lies in its activated ability: by paying one white mana and tapping the card, the controller can target a creature without reminder text and tap it. This makes it a valuable resource for neutralizing threats in casual formats or disrupting opponents in constructed play. The flavor text adds to the charm, featuring a witty exchange about flying capabilities that perfectly captures the set's irreverent tone. For collectors, Old Guard is often sought after to complete base set collections or to appreciate the artistic contributions of David Sladek. Whether you are building a thematic deck centered around artifact soldiers or simply expanding your library with a well-designed common, this card represents a fun and functional addition.