Ilysian Caryatid MTG Card


A vital tool for card economy, the Caryatid accelerates impactful plays, improving game tempo and strategy execution. It taps for two mana with a power condition met, making it a standout mana dork for multicolored ramp decks. Despite a higher cost, its meta relevance and adaptability justify inclusion in diverse, tempo-driven deck builds.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Plant
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

: Add one mana of any color. If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, add two mana of any one color instead.

Those who die as heroes are permitted to dwell in Ilysia, a protected realm of the Underworld as tranquil and vibrant as the rest is bleak.


Cards like Ilysian Caryatid

Ilysian Caryatid offers MTG players a versatile mana dork that enhances deck building in green-centric strategies. This card echoes the functionality of the classic Llanowar Elves, providing green mana to your mana pool. However, Ilysian Caryatid steps ahead with its ability to tap for any color of mana if you control a creature with power 4 or greater, providing multicolor decks a significant ramp advantage.

Another noteworthy comparison is with Birds of Paradise, a staple in mana-fixing. Birds of Paradise allows immediate access to any color mana but comes at the cost of fragility due to flying. Ilysian Caryatid slightly edges out in terms of resilience while matching the mana versatility under the right board conditions. Additionally, we can look at Paradise Druid which also offers any color mana and boasts hexproof as long as it’s untapped. Ilysian Caryatid commands a favorable position with its potential to accelerate your game, especially in decks that easily meet the power condition.

Considering these variables, Ilysian Caryatid holds its own among mana accelerants in MTG, particularly in decks aiming to cast high-cost creatures early and pivot into powerful plays that swing the game.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Paradise Druid - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Paradise Druid - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form84#CS
Selesnya ComboSelesnya Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 12 2024
Four-color ComboFour-color Combo GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mono-Green StompyMono-Green Stompy GladiatorGladiator Games: We're Back
Mono-Green RampMono-Green Ramp GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ilysian Caryatid can provide a significant edge in card economy. While it doesn’t allow you to draw additional cards directly, it can effectively be the card that powers out your more impactful plays sooner, increasing the quality of the cards in hand you’re able to deploy.

Resource Acceleration: This card is an exemplar of resource acceleration in green decks. Ilysian Caryatid generates an additional mana, which can be crucial for ramping into larger threats ahead of schedule. If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, it taps for two mana of any one color instead, further accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: While Ilysian Caryatid operates at sorcery speed, its ability to ramp up your mana allows you to keep your options open for instant speed reactions on your opponent’s turns. This flexibility can be decisive in gaining the upper hand during matches.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While the Ilysian Caryatid doesn’t require a discard itself, it’s important to note that being reliant on creatures for mana acceleration can leave your hand vulnerable if an opponent forces a discard or plays a removal, especially in a game where maintaining card advantage is vital.

Specific Mana Cost: The Ilysian Caryatid needs both green and colorless mana to be cast, which can sometimes hinder its inclusion in multicolored decks that might not consistently have the necessary mana types available in the early game when you need to establish your mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Compared to other one-mana dorks, the Ilysian Caryatid comes in at a higher cost of two mana. This might seem moderate, but in fast-paced formats or against decks that aim to outpace early, having to wait an extra turn can significantly slow you down.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ilysian Caryatid serves as a flexible mana dork that can slot into numerous deck archetypes. Thanks to its ability to produce any color of mana when you control a creature with power 4 or greater, it’s especially handy in multicolored decks craving for mana fixing.

Combo Potential: This humble creature can become a critical cog in your combo machine, easily fitting into strategies aiming to ramp up to bigger threats quickly. With the right board state, it accelerates your game plan by not just one, but potentially several turns ahead.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where tempo can make or break your strategy, Ilysian Caryatid stands out for its ability to keep up with faster paced decks and maintain relevance across various meta shifts, ensuring your deck’s adaptability in a diverse play environment.


How to beat

The Ilysian Caryatid is an integral piece in ramp strategies within Magic: The Gathering. This one mana creature not only taps for mana, but it can also provide a mana of any color if you control a creature with power 4 or greater. This versatility makes it a prime target for removal early in the game before it can accelerate your opponent’s plans. To disrupt this, spot removal spells like Fatal Push or Shock can be effective when played timely. Similarly, board control strategies that limit the opponent’s creature presence will indirectly hinder the Caryatid’s potential.

Another tactic is enchantment-based creature control such as Pacifism, which keeps the Caryatid on the battlefield but neutralizes its utility. Don’t overlook the benefit of hand disruption tools either; Thoughtseize or Duress can pluck this mana dork from your opponent’s grip before it ever touches the board. Lastly, employing cards with tax effects, such as Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, can make it less efficient for your adversary to utilize mana dorks like the Ilysian Caryatid effectively.

Overall, recognizing and disrupting your opponent’s game plan early on can be the key to overpowering a strategy that relies on cards like the Ilysian Caryatid to build momentum and take control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the intricacies of MTG is pivotal in crafting a winning strategy. The Ilysian Caryatid, a card rich in resource acceleration and versatility, can be the silent hero of your deck, ushering in game-changing plays. Whether you’re a green mage looking to overpower opponents or a multicolor enthusiast seeking fluid mana fixes, this card provides a foundation to launch potent threats early. Dive deeper into your deck’s possibilities and fine-tune your strategy by harnessing the Caryatid’s potential. Let its strengths guide your deck building and elevate your gameplay. Curious to see the impact it can have? Come explore with us and maximize your deck’s capability.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ilysian Caryatid MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death and Arena Beginner Set, 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 Ilysian Caryatid and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ilysian Caryatid Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-01-24 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by Winona Nelson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-01-24Theros Beyond DeathTHB 1742015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
22020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 982015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
32022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 6762015NormalBlackWinona Nelson
42023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2972015NormalBlackWinona Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ilysian Caryatid has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-01-24 Ilysian Caryatid’s activated ability is a mana ability. It doesn’t use the stack and can’t be responded to.