Archaeomancer MTG Card


Archaeomancer shines by offering sustained card advantage, crucial for maintaining momentum in MTG. It grants access to recurring resource acceleration, vital for outpacing opponents in resource management. Retrieval of instants allows for versatile gameplay, keeping responses ready for unfolding MTG matches.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 1
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Archaeomancer enters the battlefield, return target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand.

"Words of power never disappear. They sleep, awaiting those with the will to rouse them."


Cards like Archaeomancer

Archaeomancer is an interesting card, renowned within Magic: The Gathering players. Its appeal lies in its ability to recover an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. Thus, it can be compared to cards like Izzet Chronarch and Scrivener. Each holds the capability to retrieve a card from the graveyard, albeit Izzet Chronarch has a clause of returning an instant card, while Scrivener targets sorcery cards only.

Mnemonic Wall is another card that stands shoulder to shoulder with Archaeomancer. It possesses the same ability of returning an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. Its difference arises in the toughness, where Mnemonic Wall stands stronger with 4 as compared to 2 of the Archaeomancer. The choice between the two usually lands on the pacing of the game or the decks they feed into.

In a nutshell, Archaeomancer holds its own amongst its counterparts due to its specific retrieving abilities. Although similar in function to the others, it provides flexibility by not restricting the type of card returned from the graveyard, making it a beneficial asset in MTG for constructing beneficial combinations and strategies.

Izzet Chronarch - MTG Card versions
Scrivener - MTG Card versions
Mnemonic Wall - MTG Card versions
Izzet Chronarch - MTG Card versions
Scrivener - MTG Card versions
Mnemonic Wall - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archaeomancer by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jeskai EphemerateJeskai Ephemerate PauperJeskai EphemeratePauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
FamiliarsFamiliars PauperFamiliarsPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-03
Esper StonebladeEsper Stoneblade LegacyEsper StonebladeLegacy League 2024-05-08

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archaeomancer excels in this aspect since it allows you to return an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. This significantly maintains or even gains card advantage. Being able to reuse your instant or sorcery can shift a game’s momentum in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Archaeomancer itself may not directly provide resource acceleration, it significantly contributes to this aspect. By retrieving an instant or sorcery card, it can potentially recycle resource acceleration spells, enabling you to stay ahead in the resources race.

Instant Speed: With the ability to retrieve instants, the Archaeomancer ensures your options are open to respond to your opponent’s moves. While Archaeomancer’s ability is not at instant speed itself, the card it retrieves may be used this way, contributing greatly to the versatile tactics the game demands.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Archaeomancer lacks this restriction, enabling players more liberal card positioning. Yet, this leaves one vulnerable to an empty handed position if not wisely managed, particularly when resources are dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Requesting blue mana, Archaeomancer’s usability can be restrictive as it confines the card to decks designed around blue mana specifically, potentially leaving you with limited tactical options for deck diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Acquiring this spell recouping card at four mana may be an impediment for many players, especially in the early game stages. There are other alternatives offering more proficient resource acquisition or card draw at a lower mana cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Archaeomancer card creates a bridge between various decks due to its ability to restore an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard to your hand. It harmonizes particularly well with decks that prioritize using a plethora of these types of cards.

Combo Potential: With Archaeomancer, looping combos are made feasible. It returns used spells to your hand, which can be especially powerful with cards that permit taking extra turns or controlling opponent’s turn, fueling a compelling game-winning combo.

Meta-Relevance: If the current metagame features many control-strong strategies, Archaeomancer’s spell-recycling ability proves essential. Its unique skillset provides a valuable tactical advantage by giving a second life to powerful instants or sorceries in your graveyard.


How to Beat

Archaeomancer is a unique piece in a player’s MTG deck strategy. This enchanting wizard emerges as a powerful ally, specifically in the decks focusing on instants and sorceries. It lets you retrieve an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard, adding it directly to your hand. Yet, each card in the Magic universe has a linchpin, and the Archaeomancer is not exempt from that.

Stopping Archaeomancer calls for precision and strategy, especially dealing with its two-fold abilities. One effective way is to let removal cards do the work before it brings back instants and sorceries. Strategic use of removals like Murder or Doom Blade may swiftly destory this wizard before its effect takes place. Alternatively, one might consider countering its ability through Stifle or Trickbind. These counter spells can suspend the Archaeomancer’s power, halting its influence on the play.

Lastly, stepping up the pressure on your opponent’s life points can force them into a defensive strategy, reducing the potential impact of their Archaeomancer card. Combining these tactics can turn the tide of the match, allowing you to overcome an opposing Archaeomancer with minimal disruption to your MTG game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

As an MTG enthusiast, the journey of perfecting your deck never ends, and understanding the value of each card is paramount. Archaeomancer stands as a beacon for strategic depth, offering card advantage and intricate combo potential that can swing the tide of any game. As you refine your collection, embracing the potential of Archaeomancer can elevate your tactical approach, especially in blue-focused control decks. To harness this power, it’s essential to continue learning, experimenting, and adapting. We urge you to immerse yourself in the nuanced strategies that include this spell-recycling wizard. Dive deeper with us as we explore the synergetic possibilities waiting for you in the universe of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archaeomancer MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 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 Archaeomancer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archaeomancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-07-13Magic 2013M13 412003NormalBlackZoltan Boros
22013-07-19Magic 2014M14 432003NormalBlackZoltan Boros
32014-03-14Duel Decks: Jace vs. VraskaDDM 132003NormalBlackZoltan Boros
42017-08-25Commander 2017C17 812015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
52018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 452015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 2892015NormalBlackZoltan Boros
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2832015NormalBorderlessJen Bartel
82020-09-26The ListPLST C17-812015NormalBlackZoltan Boros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archaeomancer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-12-07 If an instant or sorcery spell puts Archaeomancer onto the battlefield, its ability can target that card in your graveyard.