Elvish Mystic MTG Card


Elvish Mystic offers consistent advantage, enabling substantial plays through accelerated mana access. Crucial for early game ramp, its green mana generation expedites high-cost creature deployments. Despite minor limitations, it remains a versatile asset across many deck types and strategies.
Card setsReleased in 14 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elf Druid
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Add to your mana pool.

"Life grows everywhere. My kin merely find those places where it grows strongest." —Nissa Revane


Cards like Elvish Mystic

Elvish Mystic boasts a reputation as a classic mana acceleration card in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Other cards similar to it include both Llanowar Elves and Fyndhorn Elves. All three share a similar ability — generating one green mana — an essential resource to swiftly bring out heavier, powerful cards out onto the battlefield. But Elvish Mystic, with its forest-themed artwork and elf shaman persona, has garnered a dedicated fanbase among MTG players.

Distinguishing it from Llanowar and Fyndhorn Elves, which are just elves, Elvish Mystic is an elf with shaman type, making it suitable in decks requiring Shaman synergies. However, it is worth noting that in a vacuum, these three cards’ functionalities are relatively identical, as they help whip out formidable forces sooner through mana acceleration.

In the grand scheme of things, Elvish Mystic, along with its comparable counterparts, offers impressive utility. These mana dorks hold their own in the vast MTG universe, providing a vital role in resource generation, thereby tilting the scales of victory in the favor of those who wield them effectively.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Elvish Mystic by color, type and mana cost

Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Scavenger Folk - MTG Card versions
Willow Geist - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions
Nimble Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Elvish Lyrist - MTG Card versions
Elvish Pioneer - MTG Card versions
Hana Kami - MTG Card versions
Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Scavenger Folk - MTG Card versions
Willow Geist - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Elves - MTG Card versions
Nimble Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Elvish Lyrist - MTG Card versions
Elvish Pioneer - MTG Card versions
Hana Kami - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Abzan VampiresAbzan Vampires PioneerAbzan VampiresPioneer Preliminary 2024-05-02
Selesnya AngelsSelesnya Angels PioneerSelesnya AngelsPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Gruul AggroGruul Aggro PioneerGruul AggroPioneer League 2024-05-02
Nykthos RampNykthos Ramp PioneerNykthos RampPioneer League 2024-04-24
ElvesElves PauperElvesPauper League 2024-04-26
Abzan ElvesAbzan Elves ModernAbzan ElvesModern Challenge 32 2024-04-27
Selesnya MidrangeSelesnya Midrange PioneerSelesnya MidrangePioneer League 2024-04-26
Golgari VampiresGolgari Vampires PioneerGolgari VampiresPioneer League 2024-04-24
Golgari CitadelGolgari Citadel PioneerGolgari CitadelPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-28
Selesnya CompanySelesnya Company PioneerSelesnya CompanyPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-26 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elvish Mystic may seem an inconspicuous card on first glance. But in the battle of attrition that is MTG, the card advantage that a single Elvish Mystic can offer is nothing to be scoffed at. This diminutive creature card lets you consistently churn out more creatures onto the field, making the hands you play more substantial.

Resource Acceleration: When it comes to resource acceleration, Elvish Mystic is king. Its ability to tap to add a green mana to your mana pool gives it a considerable acceleration advantage. It essentially allows you to get higher-cost creatures and spells out earlier. This extra mana can also be saved up for multi-colored spells, acting as a useful color fixer.

Instant Speed: While the Elvish Mystic does not have Instant Speed itself, it enables you to play spells at Instant Speed since the extra mana it produces can be held up to cast instants during your opponent’s turn. This provides additional versatility to your gameplay, catching your opponent off guard and turning the tide of battle in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Elvish Mystic card doesn’t come with a dismissal necessity, but particular situations can force a player to discard it. This action might be detrimental when cards in hand are decreasing, considering Elvish Mystic’s ability to provide critical mana.

Specific Mana Cost: A minor setback of the Elvish Mystic is having a unique color in its mana expense – green. Decks constructed outside the green spectrum could find the card considerably limiting, reducing its general usage across different builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Elvish Mystic possesses an affordable mana cost of one green, in games where speed is crucial, more favorable options might exist. Some cards could generate a faster mana-flow, catering to swift game turning maneuvers.


Reasons to Include Elvish Mystic in Your Collection

Versatility: Elvish Mystic is a staple card for many green deck strategies. As a mana dork, it provides an extra source of mana from the early game, contributing to a rapid ramping in these decks. Its functionality fits into several deck archetypes from aggro to control and combo.

Combo Potential: With Elvish Mystic, the possibility to generate explosive combo turns dramatically increases. This creature makes it easier to cast high-cost or multiple spells in a single turn, setting up unexpected combo finishes. Furthermore, its elf subtype synergizes perfectly with elf tribal strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Even in the ever-changing MTG meta-game, Elvish Mystic maintains its relevance. Its ability is universally useful, regardless of specific deck builds or meta trends. Its value also extends to various MTG formats, including standard, commander, and modern, solidifying its place in any fans’ collection.


How to Beat Elvish Mystic

Elvish Mystic is an alluring one-mana creature spell that has been a staple in many Magic: The Gathering decks. This low-cost elf Druid seeks influence by engaging in mana ramp, which ultimately allows you to play your larger spells more rapidly. Despite its modest stats and somewhat predictable playability, countering an Elvish Mystic successfully can tilt the game significantly in your favor.

One tactic includes employing cards with removal abilities, such as Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt. These instant spells swiftly neutralize the pesky Elvish Mystic on your opponent’s turn, preventing them from capitalizing on their planned mana curve. You can also foil their strategies with creature-based obstacles. A well-placed Thalia, Guardian of Thraben can thwart an opponent’s early game mana generation by boosting the casting fee of non-creature spells.

In the grand scheme of Magic: The Gathering, understanding how to counter a seemingly innocent looking Elvish Mystic can provide you a decisive edge. Striving to interrupt your opponent’s mana progression while maintaining your momentum can often be the key to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Elvish Mystic is a gem in the MTG realm, its low cost and ability to expedite your mana resources making it a key player in numerous strategies. It’s essential in green decks focused on ramping up to powerful creatures and spells ahead of schedule. Even in a tight match, this one-mana dynamo can turn the tide by enabling instant spell plays or setting up unforeseen combo finishes. If you are looking to reinforce your collection and give your deck a competitive edge, understanding the ins and outs of Elvish Mystic is crucial. Dive deeper with us to appreciate the full potential of this card in your arsenal and sharpen your strategy for your next MTG challenge.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elvish Mystic MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic 2014, 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 Mystic and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elvish Mystic Magic the Gathering card was released in 13 different sets between 2013-07-19 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 515382003NormalBlackWinona Nelson
22013-07-19Magic 2014M14 1692003NormalBlackWesley Burt
32014-01-01Friday Night Magic 2014F14 22003NormalBlackWinona Nelson
42014-07-18Magic 2015M15 1732015NormalBlackWesley Burt
52014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1912015NormalBlackWesley Burt
62017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 1032015NormalBlackWesley Burt
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4752015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
82021-02-05Kaldheim CommanderKHC 582015NormalBlackWesley Burt
92021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3601997NormalBlackWesley Burt
102022-07-28Explorer Anthology 1EA1 132015NormalBlackWesley Burt
112023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2382015NormalBlackIga Oliwiak
122023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2842015NormalBlackWesley Burt
132023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6482015NormalBorderlessGreg Staples
142023-08-04Commander Masters Art SeriesACMM 412015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elvish Mystic has restrictions

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