Archipelagore MTG Card


Archipelagore’s board control can mimic drawing extra cards by consistently hindering opponents’ strategies. Mutate underpins resource acceleration by enhancing creatures while saving casting costs. Despite mana demands and card discard, its flexibility in playstyle makes it a strategic asset.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Leviathan
Abilities Mutate
Power 7
Toughness 7

Text of card

Mutate (If you cast this spell for its mutate cost, put it over or under target non-Human creature you own. They mutate into the creature on top plus all abilities from under it.) Whenever this creature mutates, tap up to X target creatures, where X is the number of times this creature has mutated. Those creatures don't untap during their controller's next untap step.


Cards like Archipelagore

Archipelagore is an intriguing creature card that shares the sea monster theme with several other cards in Magic: The Gathering. If we look at Lorthos, the Tidemaker, for instance, both cards emphasize high power and casting costs. Yet, while Archipelagore uses its ability to tap down a number of permanents based on the number of islands you control, Lorthos lets you choose up to eight target permanents to tap when it attacks, asserting control by locking down an opponent’s board.

Another card with a somewhat similar mechanic is Icefall Regent. Though a dragon rather than a sea monster, this card taps a target creature upon entrance and makes it more difficult to untap, providing an icy grip on the battlefield. It’s also less demanding in mana cost compared to Archipelagore, making it a more accessible option for controlling the board early in the game.

Each of these creatures has its own advantages, reflecting diverse strategic plans that align with Magic: The Gathering’s vast universe of cards. Archipelagore stands out in decks focused on maximizing the number of islands, leveraging its power to impact the state of the game with each summoned Leviathan.

Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Icefall Regent - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Icefall Regent - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archipelagore helps you maintain a solid presence on the board by locking down an opponent’s creature for as long as you control Archipelagore. This continuous effect can be akin to drawing into more control, as it significantly hinders an opponent’s strategy without having to invest in more cards.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s mutate ability can transform it into a powerful threat using an existing creature, effectively accelerating your board state. By doing so, you’re creating a more formidable creature while conserving the resources typically needed for casting a creature of similar size from your hand.

Instant Speed: While Archipelagore itself cannot be played at instant speed, its mutate ability gives you the flexibility to upgrade a creature on your turn without tapping out. This can leave your mana open for instant speed interactions on your opponent’s turn, ensuring you’re ready for whatever they cast next.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Archipelagore involves a sacrifice beyond mana; you’re compelled to discard another card. This trade-off is most felt in tight games where each card in hand is crucial for maintaining momentum and options.

Specific Mana Cost: Archipelagore beckons for a diverse mana pool, demanding both blue and green. This coupling anchors it firmly in the realm of Simic decks, potentially restricting its synergy in multi-colored or mono-colored builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing six mana in this creature is a significant leap, especially when other creatures or spells could bring immediate impact for less. In fast-paced matches, this cost could slow your tempo, leaving you vulnerable to more aggressive strategies.


Reasons to Include Archipelagore in Your Collection

Versatility: Archipelagore seamlessly adapts to various playstyles and strategies, fitting effortlessly into decks that capitalize on large creatures or require powerful finishers. Its mutate ability also presents multiple opportunities to enhance and evolve your battlefield presence.

Combo Potential: The mutate mechanic of Archipelagore allows it to unlock synergies with numerous other cards. Combining it with creatures that have enter-the-battlefield effects or abilities that trigger upon mutating can deliver game-changing advantages.

Meta-Relevance: Archipelagore remains a relevant choice in formats where tempo and board control are crucial. Its ability to lock down an opponent’s permanents can swing the match in your favor, especially in a meta that’s heavy with creature-based strategies.


How to beat

Archipelagore is a formidable creature in MTG, gaining the upper hand with its Mutate ability, allowing players to stack creatures with powerful effects. To outplay the Archipelagore, the key is to disrupt this strategy early on. Removal spells that deal with creatures, regardless of whether they are mutated or not, are particularly effective. Instant removal spells like ‘Path to Exile’ or ‘Terminate’ can handle this threat efficiently before it becomes unmanageable.

Counter spells are also a valuable tool in keeping Archipelagore at bay. Holding up a ‘Counterspell’ or ‘Dovin’s Veto’ when the opponent attempts to mutate can interrupt their game plan and leave them vulnerable. Enchantment-based removals, such as ‘Seal Away’ or ‘Banishing Light’, also provide a solution as they can remove the creature from combat and prevent further mutation.

In summary, to stand strong against Archipelagore, one must be proactive and ready with removal or counter strategies. This approach will protect your board and ensure that the colossal leviathan doesn’t dominate the game with its potent mutation mechanics.


BurnMana Recommendations

Archipelagore offers a blend of board control and resource acceleration that should not be overlooked. Diving into the depths of MTG strategy, this sea titan can be a keystone in Simic decks craving powerful late-game plays. For fans of the mutate mechanic, Archipelagore provides exciting synergies and combo potential that could very well turn the tides in your favor. Remember, while the mana investment may be steep, the payoff can dominate the match. To harness the full potential of Archipelagore, continue exploring the vast seas of MTG at BurnMana, where deck-building becomes an art form.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archipelagore MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Archipelagore and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archipelagore Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-04-24 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 810052015MutateBlackKev Walker
22020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 2832015MutateBlackKev Walker
32020-04-24Ikoria: Lair of BehemothsIKO 412015MutateBlackSvetlin Velinov
42022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 9022015MutateBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archipelagore has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-04-17 Archipelagore’s triggered ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. That creature won’t untap during its controller’s next untap step.