A-Harald Unites the Elves MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment — Saga |
| Abilities | Mill |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Number | A-213 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Saga |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ryan Pancoast |
Key Takeaways
- Provides card draw and swift board development by putting elf cards directly into play.
- Requires careful mana arrangement but rewards with powerful creature and saga synergies.
- Perfect for MTG enthusiasts aiming to build a resilient and efficient elf deck.
Text of card
(As this Saga enters and after your draw step, add a lore counter. Sacrifice after III.) I — Mill five cards. You may put an Elf or Tyvar card from your graveyard onto the battlefield. II — Put a +1/+1 counter on each Elf you control. III — Whenever an Elf you control attacks this turn, target creature an opponent controls gets -1/-1 until end of turn.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A-Harald Unites the Elves enables you to potentially draw a card each time you cast another Elf spell, bolstering your hand and giving you more options as you build a dominant board presence.
Resource Acceleration: With this card, you’re able to put an Elf card from your hand onto the battlefield, which can significantly speed up your gameplay by bypassing mana costs. The ability to do this can escalate your position in the game quickly without depleting your mana resources.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, this saga interacts favorably with other instant speed elf spells and abilities you may have, allowing you to set up surprise defenses or offenses during your opponent’s turn, right before your saga’s next chapter ability triggers.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Harald Unites the Elves requires discarding a creature card for its backside ability, which could set you back when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific combination of green and black mana, which can restrict its playability to decks that can confidently generate both types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cumulative mana value of five for its impactful effects, it competes with other cards in the same slot that may offer immediate board presence or value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The A-Harald Unites the Elves card offers tremendous flexibility for players crafting elf-themed decks or those incorporating green and black mana synergies. It’s not just a creature; it doubles as a powerful saga that can significantly bolster your forces on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin for combos, seamlessly bringing elves to your hand and onto the field while powering up your army. Its ability to search your library for an elf card not only builds your hand but also sets the stage for powerful plays that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the ever-evolving deck compositions across formats, A-Harald Unites the Elves remains a noteworthy addition. It thrives in environments where elf decks are prominent or where maximizing tribal benefits is a strategy, ensuring its relevance in various meta scenarios.
How to beat
A-Harald Unites the Elves is a dynamic tribal card that can strengthen an elf strategy, rallying the elf troops into a formidable force on the battlefield. Addressing this card head-on involves disrupting the synergy it relies upon. Targeted removal spells can effectively dismantle an elf-focused army before it gains momentum. Consider utilizing sweepers like Wrath of God to clear the board or spot removal like Swords to Plowshares to take out key elf creatures before A-Harald can unite them.
Another tactic involves countering key spells. A well-timed Counterspell or Negate can prevent A-Harald Unites the Elves from resolving and undoing the groundwork you’ve set. Disabling A-Harald before it can make an impact is crucial, as elf decks are known for swarming the battlefield quickly, and this particular card accelerates that strategy.
To sum up, effective interaction with the opponent’s game plan is paramount. Whether through removal, counters, or playing faster threats to pressure the elf strategy, there are multiple ways to counter the impact of A-Harald Unites the Elves and keep the battlefield under control.
Cards like A-Harald Unites the Elves
Harald Unites the Elves carves its niche within the pantheon of tribal support cards in the vast world of MTG. Its closest kin, Vanquisher’s Banner, offers both a boost in power and card advantage for a specific creature type. While Harald Unites the Elves mirrors this card draw mechanic, it intertwines it with storyline progression, each chapter of the Saga unlocking new boons for your Elven cohort.
Another compelling similitude is to Elvish Promenade, which excels at elf token generation. The difference lies in the ongoing impact of Harald Unites the Elves, which provides not just a one-time effect but a sequence of advantageous events. It may lack the spontaneity of Collected Company, which also benefits tribal decks by fetching creatures straight into the battlefield, but it compensates with its structured upgrades that escalate elfish dominance across multiple turns.
When evaluating the potency of various tribal cards, Harald Unites the Elves undoubtedly holds a commendable position in terms of thematic synergy and the unfolding narrative that propels elf strategies in the game, turning any elf-driven deck into a force to be reckoned with.
Cards similar to A-Harald Unites the Elves by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Harald Unites the Elves MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 A-Harald Unites the Elves and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where A-Harald Unites the Elves has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Brawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |