Archpriest of Shadows MTG Card


Deck manipulation with Archpriest of Shadows ensures strategic card selection during the game. Resource acceleration abilities allow for quicker execution of game plans and strategies. Instant speed activation offers players control and adaptability in response to opponents.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Warlock
Abilities Backup,Deathtouch
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Backup 1 Deathtouch Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player or battle, return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield.


Cards like Archpriest of Shadows

Archpriest of Shadows is an intriguing presence on MTG battlegrounds, often compared to other cards that manipulate the game’s equilibrium. When looking at cards like Sanguine Sacristan, we find both establish strategic advantage through life-point transactions. However, Archpriest of Shadows operates with a stealth approach, requiring an element of surprise to activate its prowess and nudging players towards a more tactful playstyle.

Another similar card worth noting is the iconic Vampire Nighthawk. The Nighthawk is praised for its lifelink ability and poses a threat in aerial combat much like the Archpriest. Nonetheless, Archpriest of Shadows leans slightly on the subtler side, quietly escalating the shadow dance without an immediate display of force. Then we have the Bloodthirsty Aerialist, a competitor in this dynamic, leveraging lifelink synergies to bolster its own power. Unlike Archpriest of Shadows, the Aerialist openly flexes its scaling potential, making it a beacon of attention on the battlefield.

Comparing these cards spotlights the unique niche of Archpriest of Shadows in player decks within MTG. It aligns with those seeking to weave shadowy plots and sway matches with silent strength, distinguishing itself from more overtly aggressive counterparts.

Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Bloodthirsty Aerialist - MTG Card versions
Vampire Nighthawk - MTG Card versions
Bloodthirsty Aerialist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archpriest of Shadows by color, type and mana cost

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Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
Entropic Specter - MTG Card versions
Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Coffin Puppets - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir MidrangeStandard Challenge 32 2024-02-24

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Archpriest of Shadows offers a unique mechanism for players to subtly manipulate their deck, providing the opportunity to survey the top card and make calculated decisions that can sway the tide of the match. This subtle reconnaissance can accumulate advantages turn over turn, ensuring you have the right answers or threats at the right time.

Resource Acceleration: With an ability to generate additional resources under certain conditions, this card can serve as a catalyst to propel your game plan forward more swiftly. By capitalizing on the shadowy arts of resource manipulation, players can invoke spells and abilities that may generally be out of reach due to mana constraints, integrating a layer of strategic depth and flexibility to gameplay.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate the Archpriest of Shadows’ abilities at instant speed affords players the leeway to adapt to rapidly changing game states. This agility in response allows for a more dynamic control of the match, as players can react to the unfolding game rather than committing to a strategy prematurely. The instant speed interaction champions unpredictability and tactical prowess in matches, which can disrupt an opponent’s strategy and tilt the scales in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with the Archpriest of Shadows demands precise strategic planning, as you’ll need to discard a card whenever you leverage its ability. This puts you in the precarious position of potentially depleting your hand and losing valuable resources that could be crucial as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: One of the nuances of this card is its specialized mana cost that necessitates a commitment to black mana. This can be restrictive, forcing players to build their deck around this requirement, often at the expense of versatility and the option to explore multicolored strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the overall efficiency of your deck, the Archpriest of Shadows falls on the higher side of the mana curve. There are alternative cards in the MTG universe that offer similar benefits or greater board impact without such a significant mana investment, which could optimize your gameplay and resource allocation.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Archpriest of Shadows can seamlessly integrate into various deck types, especially those capitalizing on lifegain or creature-focused synergies. Its ability to manipulate life totals makes it a flexible choice for multiple strategies.

Combo Potential: This card’s functionality is amplified when paired with cards that benefit from life loss or gain, allowing for powerful combinations that can shift the tide of the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given how the game’s competitive landscape often features strategies that revolve around creature dynamics and life total manipulation, incorporating Archpriest of Shadows could provide a significant edge against prevalent decks in the current meta.


How to Beat Archpriest of Shadows

Archpriest of Shadows presents a unique challenge in Magic: The Gathering with its blend of disruption and card advantage. The key to overcoming the Archpriest lies in neutralizing its disruptive abilities quickly. Utilize removal spells that can target it directly or sweep the board to ensure it doesn’t provide sustained value to your opponent. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push can be efficient answers to deal with this threat early on.

It’s also beneficial to pressure the opponent and force them to use the Archpriest defensively, undermining the card advantage it provides. Deploying threats that need immediate answering draws attention away from the Archpriest’s strategic use. Utilizing graveyard hate mechanics to limit recursion opportunities can also reduce the effectiveness of cards like Archpriest of Shadows, cutting off access to key resources.

In sum, prioritizing the elimination of Archpriest of Shadows from the battlefield, managing threat levels, and using graveyard control, you can mitigate the card’s impact on the game and maintain a stronger board presence.


BurnMana Recommendations

Pondering the subtleties of MTG can be as tactical as playing the game itself. With the Archpriest of Shadows card, deck manipulation transforms into an art form, allowing you to hold sway in matches with finesse. The ebb and flow of a strategic duel calls for cards that not only provide raw power but also refined control, and this card promises precisely that. As you continue to refine your collection and playstyle, embracing the nuances of each card becomes critical. For more insights and to heighten your MTG expertise, join us and discover how Archpriest of Shadows can be the linchpin of your next winning deck.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archpriest of Shadows MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine, 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 Archpriest of Shadows and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archpriest of Shadows Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Fariba Khamseh.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3562015NormalBlackFariba Khamseh
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 892015NormalBlackFariba Khamseh
32023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 89s2015NormalBlackFariba Khamseh
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 89p2015NormalBlackFariba Khamseh

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archpriest of Shadows has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 Backup confers only abilities that are actually printed below it. Any abilities that are gained by the permanent are ignored, including abilities gained due to a resolving spell or ability or copy effects.
2023-04-14 If a backup ability causes another creature to gain abilities, the creature with backup will still have those abilities.
2023-04-14 If a backup ability targets the creature with backup, that creature will get +1/+1 counters, but it won’t gain additional abilities.
2023-04-14 If a permanent enters the battlefield as a copy of a card with a backup ability or a token is created that is a copy of that card, the order of the printed abilities is maintained.
2023-04-14 The abilities that backup grants to the target creature are determined only once, at the time the ability triggers. They won’t change if the permanent with backup loses any abilities before the backup ability resolves.