Archfiend of Ifnir MTG Card


Pros highlight the card’s advantage in cycling mechanics and its potential to decelerate opponents. Cons point to its specific mana and discard requirements, which can limit playability in some decks. Despite the downsides, its ability to control the board makes it a worthy add to collections.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Demon
Abilities Cycling,Flying
Power 5
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying Whenever you cycle or discard another card, put a -1/-1 counter on each creature your opponents control. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)


Cards like Archfiend of Ifnir

Archfiend of Ifnir holds a distinctive place in the roster of Magic: The Gathering creatures, particularly for its unique synergy with the cycling mechanic. Comparable to creatures like Bone Miser, which rewards you for discarding cards, Archfiend of Ifnir elevates this synergy further by weakening your opponents’ creatures each time you cycle or discard a card. Unlike Bone Miser, which offers direct benefits such as creating mana or drawing cards upon discarding, Archfiend of Ifnir proactively impacts the board by placing -1/-1 counters on opponents’ creatures, potentially clearing the path for your victory.

In a similar discourse, The Scorpion God offers a parallel in the way -1/-1 counters interact with the game, yet it does so by focusing on drawing cards when a creature with a -1/-1 counter on it dies. The Scorpion God’s ability is a continuous source of card advantage, whereas Archfiend of Ifnir’s power lies in its capacity to decimate entire swarms of enemy creatures in a single sweeping action.

Analysing various features and strategic benefits reveals why Archfiend of Ifnir is favored among players who enjoy dictating the pace of the game and commanding the battlefield, cementing its status as an influential card in MTG.

Bone Miser - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions
Bone Miser - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archfiend of Ifnir by color, type and mana cost

Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
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Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
Entropic Specter - MTG Card versions
Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Grixis CyclingGrixis Cycling PioneerReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archfiend of Ifnir enables a significant boon by allowing you to discard cards which often triggers draw mechanics or graveyard synergy, enhancing your card advantage over the course of a match.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct accelerant, the Archfiend’s ability to place -1/-1 counters on opposing creatures can be a resource deterrent, slowing down your opponent and indirectly hastening your board state dominance.

Instant Speed: Though the card itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability triggers whenever you cycle or discard another card. This can be done at instant speed through various cycling cards, providing sudden and unexpected interaction during an opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Archfiend of Ifnir’s ability is powerful, but it’s primarily activated through card discard. For players who can’t maintain a steady flow of cards to discard, this can be a detriment, potentially depleting valuable hand resources without guaranteeing an immediate impact on the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands a specific mana configuration—three generic and two black—to cast. This might not mesh well with multi-color decks that struggle to produce consistent black mana sources, limiting the Archfiend’s versatility across various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana, the Archfiend of Ifnir comes with a steep price tag. Although it offers a sizeable body and a potentially game-altering ability, its cost-effectiveness is outshone by other options that don’t impact your own hand and come into play with more immediate board presence.


Reasons to Include Archfiend of Ifnir in Your Collection

Versatility: Archfiend of Ifnir is a unique asset for black-centered decks, fitting seamlessly into discard strategies as well as cycling decks. Its ability to weaken opponents’ creatures makes it a useful tool against a variety of board states.

Combo Potential: This card combos splendidly with cycling or any discard mechanics, allowing you to place -1/-1 counters across enemy creatures. This can devastate opposing boards when timed correctly and turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small to mid-sized creatures dictate the pace, Archfiend of Ifnir can act as an effective reset button. It’s particularly potent in a game where card advantage and board presence are pivotal to success.


How to beat

Archfiend of Ifnir is an intriguing creature in MTG that truly shines in decks revolving around discard strategies. Its ability to weaken your opponent’s creatures by placing -1/-1 counters can turn the tide of the game. However, this powerhouse has its vulnerabilities. To combat Archfiend of Ifnir effectively, consider focusing on removal spells that can bypass its abilities. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or targeted removal like Path to Exile help remove the threat without triggering any of its detrimental effects.

Additionally, graveyard hate cards such as Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze can be vital in stifling the Archfiend’s power, as it relies on cycling and discard mechanics. Interrupting these mechanics by utilizing cards that prevent discarding or cycling, like Spirit of the Labyrinth, also proves to be an effective strategy. Moreover, taking advantage of flying creature blockers or those with reach gives you a solid defense against the Archfiend’s formidable aerial assaults.

Ultimately, understanding your battlefield and managing resources wisely can mean the difference between victory and defeat against such a formidable card as Archfiend of Ifnir.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unlocking the untapped potential of Archfiend of Ifnir in your MTG gameplay can truly skew the balance in your favor. By integrating this powerful creature into your deck, you’ll exploit its abilities to disrupt opponents and craft your own path to victory. As the battlefield evolves with each match, so too should your strategies. Adaptation and innovation are key, leveraging the Archfiend’s synergies to create a deck that’s not only competitive but also a reflection of your unique tactical style. Eager to harness the power of discard and cycling mechanics? Join us as we delve deeper and guide you through mastering the art of control with Archfiend of Ifnir. Discover strategies, enhance your collection, and ascend to new heights of MTG gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archfiend of Ifnir MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Amonkhet, 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 Archfiend of Ifnir and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archfiend of Ifnir Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 644222015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 782015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
32017-04-29Amonkhet PromosPAKH 78s2015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
42017-04-29Amonkhet PromosPAKH 782015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
52020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 912015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archfiend of Ifnir has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-04-18 An ability that triggers whenever you discard a card doesn’t give you permission to discard cards. You’ll need another effect that instructs or allows you to discard them.
2017-04-18 An ability that triggers whenever you “cycle or discard” a card triggers only once if you cycle a card. The ability “Whenever you discard a card” is functionally identical to this ability; cycling is mentioned for clarity.
2017-04-18 If a player discards a card during their cleanup step due to having too many cards in hand, any appropriate abilities that trigger on discarding that card trigger. If this happens, those triggered abilities are put onto the stack and players receive priority in that cleanup step to cast spells or activate abilities (normally, no players may take actions during a cleanup step). Another cleanup step is created following that one.
2017-04-18 Some cards have an ability that triggers whenever you cycle any card. These triggered abilities resolve before you draw from the cycling ability.