Elvish Archers MTG Card


Provides card advantage with its cost-effective utility on the battlefield, creating deterrents without direct card draw. Aids in resource acceleration when combined with other elf-type cards, enhancing both mana and creature production. Has meta relevance by offering first strike defense, a tactical edge against prevalent small creatures in many formats.
Card setsReleased in 19 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elf Archer
Abilities First strike
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

First strike

I tell you, there was so many arrows flying about you couldn't hardly see the sun. So I says to young Angus, "Well, at least now we're fighting in the shade!"


Cards like Elvish Archers

Elvish Archers remains a classic creature card treasured by Magic: The Gathering players who favor elf-themed decks. Mirroring its capabilities, we look at Llanowar Elves, both cards channel the essence of the forest. The Llanowar Elves are known for their mana-generating ability, making them a less aggressive but more utilitarian option compared to the Archers. Where Elvish Archers shines, is in its combat potential, boasting first strike, allowing it to outmaneuver opposing creatures in battles.

Then there’s Thornweald Archer, featuring both reach and deathtouch, a combination that poses a significant threat to both flying and ground units, though it doesn’t hit as hard as Elvish Archers. Archer of Qarsi is also a contender, with higher toughness but restricted to blocking creatures with flying, narrowing its versatility.

Within the grand tapestry of elf cards in Magic: The Gathering, Elvish Archers hold its ground with simple efficiency, acting as an early guardian for players looking to build momentum with an archetype that amplifies both harmony and aggression through its elvish kin.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Thornweald Archer - MTG Card versions

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Grizzly Bears - MTG Card versions
River Boa - MTG Card versions
Eladamri, Lord of Leaves - MTG Card versions
Albino Troll - MTG Card versions
Silverglade Pathfinder - MTG Card versions
Priest of Titania - MTG Card versions
Quirion Elves - MTG Card versions
Blurred Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Loamspeaker - MTG Card versions
Genesis Hydra - MTG Card versions
Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse - MTG Card versions
Scavenging Ooze - MTG Card versions
Heir of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Mayor of Avabruck // Howlpack Alpha - MTG Card versions
Wren's Run Vanquisher - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elvish Archers, with its efficient cost-to-power ratio, can help players maintain board presence. While it doesn’t draw cards directly, efficient creatures like these can deter opponents from advantageous attacks, indirectly protecting your hand and preserving your options.

Resource Acceleration: As part of a synergistic elf deck, Elvish Archers can work in tandem with other elf cards that do promote resource acceleration, providing a sturdy defensive line while your mana base and creature output grow swiftly.

Instant Speed: While Elvish Archers itself does not operate at instant speed, its mere presence on the battlefield can be a deterrent, functioning much like an instant by dissuading attacks. This standby advantage allows for strategic timing of your other instant-speed spells.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Elvish Archers do not have a direct discard requirement, they may force you into decisions where you must sacrifice potential plays or more vital cards to maintain field presence.

Specific Mana Cost: The Archers require green mana, making them less flexible for multi-colored decks that may need to manage their mana resources closer for various spellcasting.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might seem steep for a creature with only two toughness, there might be more cost-effective alternatives for players looking to optimize defensive strategies.


Reasons to Include Elvish Archers in Your Collection

Versatility: Elvish Archers offers a unique blend of offense and defense for players. With its first strike ability, it stands as a useful deterrent against early creature aggression, easily fitting into strategies that emphasize board control.

Combo Potential: As a staple for elf decks, this card can seamlessly become a component in combos that revolve around elf synergies. Its first strike capability can be enhanced through other spells and abilities, making it a tactical asset in combat scenarios.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are prevalent, Elvish Archers can provide an excellent line of defense, potentially skewing combat trades in your favor. Its role in green decks is solidified further due to the persistent relevance of elves in various formats.


How to Beat Elvish Archers

The Elvish Archers card in Magic: The Gathering brings a classic combination of offense and defense to the game. With first strike and a solid defense attribute, they can efficiently block and take down many early-game creatures without being harmed. To overcome this card, one strategy is to use spells that can deal damage without entering the combat phase. Removal spells that can target and destroy creatures, regardless of their power or special abilities, can work well against the Archers.

Spells like Shatter, for instance, can be a swift way to deal with the Archers before combat even starts. Area damage spells, which dish out damage across the board to multiple creatures simultaneously, can also be particularly effective as they can bypass the first strike ability. Moreover, leveraging flying creatures can give you a tactical advantage over the Elvish Archers, as the Archers’ ground-based attacks won’t reach aerial threats. Remember, adapting your deck with versatility in mind is key to countering specific threats like Elvish Archers during a match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elvish Archers MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Elvish Archers and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elvish Archers Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 1911993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 1921993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 1921993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 1921993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 1921993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 1931993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 1931993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 1931993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 2431993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 2431993NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
111996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC pp2431993NormalGoldAnson Maddocks
121996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 401993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
131996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 411993NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
141997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 2921997NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
151999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 2261997NormalWhiteAnson Maddocks
162001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 239★1997NormalBlackDoug Chaffee
172001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 2391997NormalWhiteDoug Chaffee
182022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 4841997NormalBlackAnson Maddocks
192022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 1872015NormalBlackAnson Maddocks

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elvish Archers has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal