Archon of Emeria MTG Card


Archon of Emeria excels in providing card advantage through its evasive Flying ability. Its disruptive one-spell-per-turn limit can anchor a formidable control strategy. Archon’s specific mana cost and deck integration should be strategized carefully.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Archon
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Each player can't cast more than one spell each turn. Nonbasic lands your opponents control enter the battlefield tapped.

"Archons dispense justice according to an ancient, and flawed, premise." —Nissa Revane


Cards like Archon of Emeria

The Archon of Emeria reveals noteworthiness among other cards in the flock of creatures in MTG. A clear comparison can be brought with cards such as Linvala, Keeper of Silence. Both the cards are flying creatures with a cost of three, but Archon of Emeria holds an edge with its rule limiting each player to cast not more than one spell each turn. Linvala, despite her ability to silence activated abilities of other creatures, lacks the stringent control that Archon of Emeria possesses over game spells.

Ponza’s Ghostly Prison also draws comparison due to its ability to impede opponents. However, the Archon’s edge lies in the fact that it does not just impede; it also dictates gameplay whilst being a potent flying creature. Furthermore, Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, another MTG card, corporally compares with Archon of Emeria. However, Thalia’s tax effect only applies to non-creature spells and given Archon’s additional ability to affect land plays, it exhibits a broader influence over game mechanics.

Concisely, Archon of Emeria stands out distinctly among similar MTG cards due to its unique spell control power and land lock-ness, setting a distinct pace and tone for gameplay.

Linvala, Keeper of Silence - MTG Card versions
Thalia, Guardian of Thraben - MTG Card versions
Linvala, Keeper of Silence - MTG Card versions
Thalia, Guardian of Thraben - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archon of Emeria by color, type and mana cost

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Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Soraya the Falconer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White InitiativeMono-White Initiative VintageMono-White InitiativeVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-18
Selesnya AggroSelesnya Aggro VintageMono-White AggroVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-28
Death & TaxesDeath & Taxes ModernDeath & TaxesModern Challenge 64 2024-04-27
Boros InitiativeBoros Initiative LegacyBoros InitiativeLegacy Showcase Challenge 2024-04-21
Orzhov StonebladeOrzhov Stoneblade ModernOrzhov StonebladeModern League 2024-04-22

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archon of Emeria’s Flying feature enables players to dodge ground-based defenses, often leading to effective strikes that provide sizeable card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Sporting a modest casting cost of 3, Archon of Emeria encourages early resource acceleration. Its tight casting cost enhances mana curve management, often attributing to a healthier resource pool.

Instant Speed: Though not an Instant card, Archon of Emeria’s abilities have disruptive effects equivalent to spells at Instant speed. The card restricts opponents to only one spell per turn — vital in disrupting strategies hinged on casting multiple spells.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike several other creatures of its kind, the Archon of Emeria card does not allow for discarding of any kind as an additional cost. This could place you at a disadvantage especially when your hand is full and your resources are low.

Specific Mana Cost: As a white card, Archon of Emeria holds a strict white color-specific mana cost loadout. While it stands potent in white based decks, it might limit its applicability in other color combinations. Hence, it can become an addition that’s slightly difficult to incorporate in multi-deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Archon of Emeria has a mana cost of three. In a game such as MTG where efficiency often translates to victory, there are alternatives present that may yield higher utility or resource generation, despite the Archon’s flying and rule setting abilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Archon of Emeria, with its flying body, poses a formidable threat in the aerial game. Its dual attributes of restricting spell casting and nonbasic land untapping makes it an excellent addition to decks focused on control strategies as well as those built around the flying theme.

Combo Potential: This card can disrupt opponents’ strategies significantly. Use it in combination with cards that capitalize on opponent’s restrictions, for example, cards that punish opponents for untapped lands or limit their spell casting power.

Meta-Relevance: With a rise in strategies involving numerous spells or exploiting nonbasic lands, Archon of Emeria stands as a sound meta choice. Its ongoing effect can be a game changer in matches that rely heavily on such strategies.


How to Beat

Archon of Emeria, a key staple in any White Weenie deck in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), poses a significant threat to opposing strategies. This formidable flying creature restricts players to casting only one spell each turn and affects the use of nonbasic lands. Overcoming this potent ability can be quite a challenge.

Consider using instant removal spells to get rid of Archon of Emeria quickly. Cards like Heartless Act, Eliminate, and Fatal Push can prove paramount to your success. These cards allow you to deal with Archon at a moment’s notice and avoid the limited casting constraints.

Another method would be to use mass removal spells such as Wrath of God or Doomskar. These clean the battlefield and can be pivotal in shifting the pace of the game in your favor.

Strategies that rely on a high volume of nonbasic lands can use Field of Ruin or Ghost Quarter to transform their non-basic lands into basic ones. Consequently, it bypasses the Archon’s restriction and permits them to cast multiple spells in a single turn.

Archon of Emeria can indeed sway the tide of any MTG game, but the hurdles it presents are not insurmountable with the right strategies in place.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Archon of Emeria can drastically enhance your MTG strategy. Delving into our comprehensive analysis will help you integrate this card flawlessly into your collection. If you’re driven by the pursuit of skillful deck construction and game-winning tactics, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Take your deck to new heights by incorporating cards that synergize with Archon of Emeria’s unique abilities and transform the battlefield in your favor. Boost your MTG experience by mastering the nuances of game-changing cards like Archon of Emeria. Expand your knowledge and your power in the game—join the BurnMana community for more insights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archon of Emeria MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar Rising Promos, 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 Archon of Emeria and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archon of Emeria Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2020-09-25. Illustrated by Ryan Pancoast.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 838262015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
22020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 4s2015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
32020-09-25Zendikar Rising PromosPZNR 4p2015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
42020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 42015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
52020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 3152015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archon of Emeria has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-09-25 Archon of Emeria looks at the entire turn to see if a player has cast a spell, even if Archon of Emeria wasn’t on the battlefield when that spell was cast. Notably, you can’t cast Archon of Emeria and then cast another spell during the same turn.
2020-09-25 If an effect says that a land enters tapped unless a condition is met or a cost is paid, that land enters tapped even if that condition is met or that cost is paid if it’s affected by Archon of Emeria’s second ability.
2020-09-25 If you cast a spell that was countered, you can’t cast another spell during the same turn.