Archangel MTG Card
1997-02-03 - Number 1
1997-05-01 - Number 3
1998-06-24 - Number 11
1999-04-21 - Number 2
1999-07-01 - Number 4
2012-05-04 - Number 5
2013-11-01 - Number 5
2019-11-07 - Number 25
1995-01-02 - Number 29
2020-09-26 - Number C13-5
Text of card
Flying Attacking does not cause Archangel to tap.
"My mother once told me angels sing their swords' names with each strike." —Sisay, Captain of the *Weatherlight*
Cards like Archangel
Archangel stands as a testament to the strength and resilience found in Magic: The Gathering’s roster of flying creatures. This celestial protector mirrors the abilities of cards like Serra Angel, a known staple for its vigilant flying capability. Where Serra Angel offers steadfast defense and offense without the downside of tapping, Archangel takes to the skies with a robust stat line and a potential for more offensive board presence.
Comparing it to Baneslayer Angel, another formidable flier, Baneslayer brings additional protection against demons and dragons, as well as life link to turn the tide in terms of life point advantage. While Archangel does not have these particular perks, it compensates with its usually lower casting cost and the ability to impact the board immediately if the situation calls for a quick defense.
Considering the characteristics and the strategic applications of these winged guardians, Archangel finds its niche within Magic: The Gathering as a reliable and cost-effective feathered force, standing tall among its angelic counterparts.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Archangel cards often provide immense value by offering not only a robust creature presence but also sometimes featuring abilities that can replenish your hand or manipulate the battlefield to your favor. Gaining card advantage through these effects can be pivotal in outpacing the opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Some Archangel cards may come with mechanics that untap lands or grant you extra life, effectively giving you the resources to cast more spells or sustain your strategies longer. This acceleration can be crucial in building and maintaining a dominant board state.
Instant Speed: While Archangels themselves aren’t typically instants, they can synergize with cards that operate at instant speed, providing flexibility in your gameplay. This means you can adjust your tactics on the fly, responding efficiently to your opponent’s actions and seizing opportunities as they occur.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Archangels typically come with abilities that could require card sacrifices, cutting into your hand and potentially leaving you at a resource disadvantage in the mid to late game.
Specific Mana Cost: Harnessing the full power of an archangel often demands precise mana color combinations, which might not seamlessly integrate with a deck that isn’t heavily tuned to include white mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The celestial might of archangel cards is reflected in their mana value. Balancing a deck to accommodate their higher costs against other spells and creatures can pose a strategic challenge, as you may miss out on faster, on-curve plays early in the match.
Reasons to Include Archangel in Your Collection
Versatility: Archangel cards often boast an impressive combination of flying and vigilance, making them a strong defensive and offensive presence on the battlefield. Their ability to fit seamlessly into decks that prioritize air superiority or angelic themes adds to their appeal.
Combo Potential: Many archangel cards can synergize with life gain strategies or other angels, enhancing their impact. For example, triggering lifelink can result in formidable life swings in your favor, setting up for game-changing turns.
Meta-Relevance: Given their robust stats and often game-altering abilities, archangels can be a powerful asset against creature-heavy decks common in many metas. Their presence on the board can quickly tip the scales, especially in midrange matchups.
How to beat
The Archangel card is a formidable presence in the skies of MTG due to its impactful abilities and synergies within white and angel-focused decks. Pilots of this celestial creature often leverage its substantial power, toughness, and sometimes life gain effects to dominate the battlefield. However, players can adopt strategies to ground this high-flyer and tip the balance back in their favor.
Spot removal spells are your first line of defense. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile efficiently take care of single threats regardless of their size. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, reset the playing field, eliminating the Archangel along with other creatures. Players can also employ enchantments like Pacifism to neutralize the Archangel without triggering any on-death effects it may have. Lastly, countering it upon cast is always a clean solution; have a Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto ready as the Archangel attempts to enter the fray.
By being prepared with the right answers, you can ensure that even a card as powerful as an Archangel won’t halt your path to victory. Manage your resources properly, play around its strengths, and you’ll be able to mitigate the impact of this majestic MTG nemesis.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Archangel MTG card by a specific set like Media Inserts and Visions, 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 Archangel and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- 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
Printings
The Archangel Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1997-02-03 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Media Inserts | PMEI | 29 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Donato Giancola | ||
| 2 | 1997-02-03 | Visions | VIS | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 1997-05-01 | Portal | POR | 3 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 4 | 1998-06-24 | Portal Second Age | P02 | 11 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 5 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 2 | 1997 | Normal | White | Quinton Hoover | |
| 6 | 1999-07-01 | Starter 1999 | S99 | 4 | 1997 | Normal | White | Quinton Hoover | |
| 7 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Cynthia Sheppard | |
| 8 | 2013-11-01 | Commander 2013 | C13 | 5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 9 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 25 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover | |
| 10 | The List | PLST | C13-5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Quinton Hoover |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Archangel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.