Archangel Elspeth MTG Card


Generates card advantage and battlefield presence by producing soldier tokens and leveraging their cumulative effects. Enhances resource acceleration, allowing players to activate synergistic card abilities more effectively. Amplifies strategy flexibility by supporting an array of spells, given her sustained board control.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Elspeth
Loyalty 4

Text of card

+1: Create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token with lifelink. −2: Put two +1/+1 counters on target creature. It becomes an Angel in addition to its other types and gains flying. −6: Return all nonland permanent cards with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard to the battlefield.


Cards like Archangel Elspeth

Archangel Elspeth has flown into the world of MTG as a powerful force in white decks, bearing similarities and differences to other impactful cards. One could compare her to Gideon, Ally of Zendikar, who also provides a multifaceted approach to gameplay with his ability to become an indestructible creature. Yet, Archangel Elspeth edges out with her flying trait, adding a crucial evasion angle that Gideon lacks.

To add to the comparison, Lyra Dawnbringer rises as a contender with her heralded life gain and buff to other Angels. Although Lyra offers consistent benefits each turn, Archangel Elspeth scales higher with her tactical versatility that can adapt to a broader range of scenarios. This adaptability is highlighted when looking at her in the context of other angels like Shalai, Voice of Plenty, who grants hexproof to you and your other creatures. Shalai’s protective ability is indeed valuable, but Archangel Elspeth’s ability to bring both offensive and defensive options to the battlefield makes her stand out in deck strategies.

In assessing the strategic depth of creature cards within MTG, Archangel Elspeth showcases a dynamic utility which makes her a game-changer, particularly in matches where her combination of strength, utility, and evasion can pivot the tides of battle.

Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Lyra Dawnbringer - MTG Card versions
Shalai, Voice of Plenty - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Lyra Dawnbringer - MTG Card versions
Shalai, Voice of Plenty - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archangel Elspeth by color, type and mana cost

The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
The Wandering Emperor - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions
The Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Grand Master of Flowers - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Sun's Nemesis - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
The Wandering Emperor - MTG Card versions
Elspeth, Knight-Errant - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Champion of Justice - MTG Card versions
Ajani Steadfast - MTG Card versions
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants - MTG Card versions
Serra the Benevolent - MTG Card versions
Ajani, Strength of the Pride - MTG Card versions
Ajani Goldmane // Ajani Goldmane - MTG Card versions
Teyo, Aegis Adept - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange PioneerMardu MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-05-02
4c Control4c Control Standard4c ControlTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 29, 2024
Azorius SoldiersAzorius Soldiers StandardAzorius SoldiersTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
Bant TokensBant Tokens StandardBant TokensTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 15, 2024
Orzhov FlashOrzhov Flash StandardOrzhov FlashTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024
Mono-White Death & TaxesMono-White Death & Taxes GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024
Naya AggroNaya Aggro StandardNaya ExileClassic Qualifier Prague 2024
WW StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024
Naya TokensNaya Tokens StandardHBMO24 - Common Ground Games Standard RCQ
Azorius MidrangeAzorius Midrange StandardAzorius MidrangeStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-10

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archangel Elspeth’s abilities are a powerhouse when it comes to maintaining card superiority. With her ability to generate tokens and buff your creatures, she provides an ongoing advantage that can overwhelm opponents over time.

Resource Acceleration: This formidable planeswalker also excels in ramping up your resources. By creating soldier tokens, she not only builds a formidable army but can also be used as a catalyst to trigger other card abilities that benefit from having a large number of creatures on the field.

Instant Speed: Although Archangel Elspeth herself doesn’t operate at instant speed, her presence on the battlefield allows you to hold mana open for other spells and abilities. This means you can react swiftly to the changing game with your array of available spells, thanks to the substantial board presence and pressure she provides.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A notable downside of Archangel Elspeth is the requirement of discarding another card, forcing players to potentially relinquish valuable hand content, which could be detrimental in scenarios where maintaining a full grip is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Archangel Elspeth demands a specific blend of mana to cast, which can be challenging in multicolored decks that may struggle to have the right combination of resources available at the needed time, possibly causing delays or suboptimal plays.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost compared to other cards with similar effects, Archangel Elspeth can be seen as less efficient, especially in fast-paced matches where lower cost cards could be played sooner, impacting the game before Elspeth even enters the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Archangel Elspeth in Your Collection

Versatility: Archangel Elspeth is a dynamic card capable of fitting into different deck archetypes. Her ability to provide creature tokens, life gain, and versatile removal options, makes her an asset in both aggressive and controlling decks.

Combo Potential: Her ultimate ability empowers your other creatures, turning even the most unassuming board into a threatening army. She works seamlessly with cards that benefit from high-power creatures or those that capitalize on loyalty abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that often shifts with new strategies, a card like Archangel Elspeth remains pertinent. Her adaptability makes her a formidable choice, capable of turning the tide in matches dominated by creature-heavy decks or where board control is essential.


How to beat

Overcoming the Archangel Elspeth card in Magic: The Gathering is a strategic challenge. As a powerful planeswalker, Elspeth brings a wide array of abilities to control the battlefield, producing tokens, gaining life, and exhibiting impressive versatility. To counteract her influence, players should consider utilizing direct damage spells or abilities that can target planeswalkers, efficient removal spells, or pressure strategies that can overwhelm her before she can establish a dominating presence.

Negation techniques, such as spells that counter planeswalker abilities, are also effective. Moreover, engaging in card advantage and setting a tempo that disrupts your opponent’s plans plays a crucial role. It’s essential to remain proactive, being aware of the moment to shift gears from building your board to focusing on eliminating Elspeth. Always anticipate her ultimate ability, which can turn the tide of the game, and plan your moves accordingly to ensure that she does not become the turning point in your opponent’s favor.

Ultimately, the key lies in understanding Elspeth’s potential and strategically deploying your resources to ensure she’s more of a fleeting threat rather than a lasting problem on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Archangel Elspeth has soared into MTG as a towering figure, with abilities that make her a must-have for any white deck aficionado. Her power to shape the battlefield is unmatched, offering both offensive might and defensive bolstering. If you’re looking to enhance your collection with a card that can change the game in your favor, while also enjoying a deep dive into strategic deck building, Archangel Elspeth is your golden ticket. Ready to harness the potential of this celestial powerhouse and elevate your deck performance? Dive into our resources to master your strategies and dominate the battlefield with Archangel Elspeth’s divine assistance.


Where to buy

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

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Printings

The Archangel Elspeth Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 3202015NormalBorderlessDenys Tsiperko
22023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 6p2015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
32023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 62015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
42023-04-21March of the Machine PromosPMOM 6s2015NormalBlackCynthia Sheppard
52023-04-21March of the Machine Art SeriesAMOM 12015Art seriesBorderless

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archangel Elspeth has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Archangel Elspeth 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 For the last ability, if a card in your graveyard has in its mana cost, X is 0.
2023-04-14 If the target of the second ability stops being a creature after the ability has resolved, it will also stop being an Angel until it becomes a creature again, if applicable.
2023-04-14 The second ability doesn’t have a duration. It lasts until the creature leaves the battlefield.