Poison-Tip Archer MTG Card


Key for control, Poison-Tip Archer deters mass removals and punishes creature sacrifices, subtly swaying resource advantage. Despite lacking direct mana acceleration, its damage inflicting ability can hasten victory without extra mana investment. Reach and deathtouch make it a versatile defender, crucial for disrupting opponent strategies at instant-speed moments.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elf Archer
Abilities Deathtouch,Reach
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) Deathtouch (Any amount of damage this deals to a creature is enough to destroy it.) Whenever another creature dies, each opponent loses 1 life.


Cards like Poison-Tip Archer

Poison-Tip Archer’s presence in MTG expands the portfolio of creatures that can turn the tide with their death-triggered abilities. This card shares traits with the likes of Falkenrath Noble, both providing a way to whittle down an opponent’s life total upon the death of other creatures. The Archer, however, brings an additional layer of utility with reach, allowing it to block flying creatures, a feature the Noble lacks.

Another comparable card is Blood Artist, a staple in decks that capitalize on creature sacrifice. While Blood Artist’s effect is similar, it triggers off any creature’s demise, not just your own, offering broader application at the cost of not having the combat capabilities of the Archer. Lastly, we have Zulaport Cutthroat, a creature that also deals damage to opponents when your creatures die, but unlike Poison-Tip Archer, it lacks the ability to interact with creatures in the air.

Each of these cards shines in different strategies, but Poison-Tip Archer stands out for its versatility. Its combination of reach, deathtouch, and a passive effect that pressures the opponent makes it a strong contender in various MTG formats where creature interaction is a focal point of gameplay.

Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions
Blood Artist - MTG Card versions
Zulaport Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Noble - MTG Card versions
Blood Artist - MTG Card versions
Zulaport Cutthroat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Poison-Tip Archer by color, type and mana cost

Gyome, Master Chef - MTG Card versions
Woodwraith Strangler - MTG Card versions
Savra, Queen of the Golgari - MTG Card versions
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Creakwood Liege - MTG Card versions
Noxious Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Corpsejack Menace - MTG Card versions
Rot Farm Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Reaper of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Graverobber Spider - MTG Card versions
Vhati il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord - MTG Card versions
Meren of Clan Nel Toth - MTG Card versions
Desecrator Hag - MTG Card versions
Golgari Findbroker - MTG Card versions
Canker Abomination - MTG Card versions
Storrev, Devkarin Lich - MTG Card versions
Rotwidow Pack - MTG Card versions
Polukranos, Unchained - MTG Card versions
Boneyard Lurker - MTG Card versions
Gyome, Master Chef - MTG Card versions
Woodwraith Strangler - MTG Card versions
Savra, Queen of the Golgari - MTG Card versions
Mortipede - MTG Card versions
Creakwood Liege - MTG Card versions
Noxious Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Corpsejack Menace - MTG Card versions
Rot Farm Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Reaper of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Graverobber Spider - MTG Card versions
Vhati il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord - MTG Card versions
Meren of Clan Nel Toth - MTG Card versions
Desecrator Hag - MTG Card versions
Golgari Findbroker - MTG Card versions
Canker Abomination - MTG Card versions
Storrev, Devkarin Lich - MTG Card versions
Rotwidow Pack - MTG Card versions
Polukranos, Unchained - MTG Card versions
Boneyard Lurker - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Poison-Tip Archer offers a multifaceted approach to gaining card advantage. While it doesn’t allow you to draw cards directly, it creates indirect card advantage by deterring opponents from wiping the board or sacrificing creatures, effectively diminishing their resources while maintaining your own.

Resource Acceleration: Although Poison-Tip Archer doesn’t produce mana or Treasure tokens, its ability contributes to resource acceleration. By dealing damage to each opponent whenever another creature dies, it can accelerate the game’s pace in your favor and bring you closer to winning without the need for additional mana expenditure.

Instant Speed: While Poison-Tip Archer itself is not an instant, it has reach and deathtouch, which act at instant speed by allowing you to interfere with opponents’ plans during their turn. Its abilities can eliminate incoming threats without the need to wait for your own turn, thus offering flexible defensive options.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Poison-Tip Archer doesn’t directly impose a discard requirement, yet decks built around this card may indirectly force discards due to the need for deck space dedicated to supporting its ability.

Specific Mana Cost: Poison-Tip Archer’s mana cost requires both green and black mana, potentially limiting its playability to decks that can accommodate a Golgari color scheme.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, including two specific colors, Poison-Tip Archer has a heavier cost compared to other creatures in the three-drop slot that may provide more immediate board presence or value.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Poison-Tip Archer is a flexible card suitable for various deck builds. Its reach attribute allows it to block flying creatures, providing crucial aerial defense, while its ability to deal damage upon any creature’s death plays well with strategies that include token generation or sacrifice mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card excels in combos, particularly in decks focused on creature death and graveyard interactions. Whenever another creature dies, Poison-Tip Archer deals damage to each opponent, setting up potential finishers in multiplayer games or controlling the board in one-on-one matchups.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with creature-based strategies, Poison-Tip Archer can be a game changer. Its ability to chip away opponents’ life totals passively makes it relevant in matches where creatures frequently enter and leave the battlefield. As such, it’s a noteworthy addition that can tilt the scales in your favor in a creature-heavy environment.


How to beat

Poison-Tip Archer is a card that comes with its own set of complexities, especially in games where creatures are frequently dying. This card can be quite the nuisance due to its deathtouch capability and the ability to chip away at an opponent’s life total whenever another creature dies. However, there are strategies to counteract its pesky presence on the battlefield.

One method to tackle the Poison-Tip Archer is to employ removal spells that bypass its deathtouch trait. Spells that exile creatures or return them to a player’s hand can be highly effective as they avoid triggering its ability. Additionally, board wipes that clear the field can reset the playing field without specifically targeting the Archer. Counterspells also play a crucial role, as preventing the Archer from ever touching the battlefield is ideal. Finally, cards that offer hexproof or shroud to your creatures can neutralize the deathtouch threat and minimize the Archer’s impact.

Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of your deck and the variety of removal options at your disposal is essential. By carefully considering your responses and choosing the right moment to act, you can mitigate the effects of Poison-Tip Archer and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

With the intricate design of Poison-Tip Archer, MTG players find themselves equipped with a versatile card that fits snugly into numerous strategies, challenging the status quo of creature-based dynamics. The Archer’s reach and deathtouch provide a line of defense against aerial threats and an offense that can deter an opponent’s plans. For those looking to enhance their collection with a card that synergizes with sacrifice and token strategies, offers indirect card advantages, and affects resource acceleration, Poison-Tip Archer is a formidable choice. Dive deeper into our site’s resources to master its potential and refine your deck to perfection.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Poison-Tip Archer MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Kaldheim Commander, 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 Poison-Tip Archer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Poison-Tip Archer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2021-02-05. Illustrated by Dmitry Burmak.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 2202015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak
22021-02-05Kaldheim CommanderKHC 902015NormalBlackDmitry Burmak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Poison-Tip Archer has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-07-13 If another creature dies at the same time as Poison-Tip Archer does, each opponent loses 1 life.
2018-07-13 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Poison-tip Archer’s last ability causes the opposing team to lose 2 life.