Archetype of Courage MTG Card


Boosts creatures’ combat prowess, leading to better survival and fewer resources required for board control. Static abilities equate to an omnipresent threat, influencing opponents’ tactics without using mana. Demands strategic hand management due to its discard requirement, affecting in-game decision-making.
Archetype of Courage - Born of the Gods
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment Creature — Human Soldier
Released2014-02-07
Set symbol
Set nameBorn of the Gods
Set codeBNG
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number4
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byWillian Murai

Text of card

Creatures you control have first strike. Creatures your opponents control lose first strike and can't have or gain first strike.

"It has been my experience that soldiers most fervently follow generals who lead by example." —Elspeth


Cards like Archetype of Courage

Archetype of Courage stands out in Magic: The Gathering for its role in bolstering creatures on the battlefield. When we compare it to other cards, Frontline Medic is one notable similarity. Both give your creatures an advantage in combat, but Archetype of Courage specifically grants them first strike, a tactical edge irrespective of their size. Frontline Medic offers indestructibility during battles, provided you’ve attacked with enough creatures. This condition makes it situationally powerful but less consistent than the steady benefit provided by Archetype of Courage.

Another card with a semblance of similarity is Fencing Ace, a creature that brings double strike to the table individually. While it lacks the global effect of Archetype of Courage, it showcases the power of first strike on a smaller scale. However, the lack of board-wide impact makes it less significant when the aim is to create a formidable army.

By considering these comparisons, Archetype of Courage secures its position as a valuable asset in MTG. It offers a consistent advantage that applies across your entire squadron of creatures, which can turn the tide of combat in your favor from the moment it hits the field.

Frontline Medic - MTG Card versions
Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions
Frontline Medic - MTG Card versions
Fencing Ace - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archetype of Courage by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Archetype of Courage’s ability to bolster your creatures with first strike ensures that your combat outcomes are more favorable, often leading to advantageous trades on the battlefield or deterring opponents from engaging altogether. This proactive control over combat scenarios can be equated to a passive card advantage, as it allows your creatures to survive encounters they may otherwise not.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting your mana pool, the Archetype of Courage allows you to commit less resources to the board in terms of creatures. With first strike, your creatures become better attackers and defenders, meaning you’ll need to deploy fewer to maintain control. Effectively, this frees up your mana and other resources to be utilized elsewhere, indirectly accelerating your resource allocation and board development.

Instant Speed: Although Archetype of Courage itself is not an instant, the static nature of its abilities means that the enhancement to your creatures is always ‘on.’ This can create a persistent tension for your opponent, who must always consider the first strike ability when planning attacks or defenses, akin to the threat of an instant speed response.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Archetype of Courage card necessitates players to drop another card, diminishing your hand and potentially leaving you at a strategic disadvantage, especially in the pivotal moments of the game where every card in hand could turn the tide.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost demands both white mana and generic mana, which could be challenging to amass promptly in a multicolored deck that doesn’t prioritize white mana sources, therefore limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three mana to play, including two white sources, it competes with other cards in the same mana range that may offer more impactful and immediate effects on the battlefield. This cost evaluation is crucial when fine-tuning your deck for peak performance.


Reasons to Include Archetype of Courage in Your Collection

Versatility: Archetype of Courage has the ability to fit seamlessly into various white-based or multicolored decks. Its blanket effect that grants your creatures first strike can enhance both aggressive and defensive strategies, making it a flexible addition to many player’s collections.

Combo Potential: As a card that affects all creatures you control, Archetype of Courage easily synergizes with cards that benefit from having creatures with first strike. Combining it with cards that create numerous tokens or those that capitalize on combat advantages could lead to powerful board states.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where combat interactions are crucial, having creatures with first strike can tilt the battlefield in your favor. Archetype of Courage becomes an even more significant card against decks that rely heavily on ground creatures without evasion.


How to beat

Archetype of Courage from Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to grant your creatures first strike while denying the same ability to your opponent’s creatures. To effectively counter this enchantment creature, it’s imperative to adapt your strategy around its strengths. Ramp and removal spells shine in this scenario, prioritizing the need to swiftly eliminate or bypass it from play.

Efficient removal, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can address Archetype of Courage with minimal mana investment, quickly restoring the balance. Alternatively, board wipes like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict can sweep the board clean, indirectly negating the advantage provided by this card. Furthermore, taking a strategic pivot towards non-combat win conditions, such as mill or combo finishes, can altogether sidestep the enhancement this archetype offers to your adversary’s forces.

Tackling the Archetype of Courage requires a blend of prompt action and strategic foresight. By deploying targeted removal or altering your win conditions, you can neutralize its impact, reaffirm your control over the game, and steer it towards a triumphant outcome for you.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the battlefield in MTG involves a blend of powerful cards and shrewd tactics, and Archetype of Courage is a card that can tilt the scales decidedly in your favor. The ability to give your creatures first strike can transform the combat phase into a formidable challenge for any opponent. It’s essential to integrate such cards thoughtfully within your deck to leverage their full potential. Whether you’re refining your strategy or seeking to enhance your collection, the Archetype of Courage is a piece worth considering. Eager for more insights and tips that could give you the upper hand in your next duel? We have a wealth of knowledge to share. Join us to dive deeper and evolve your gameplay with Archetype of Courage and beyond.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archetype of Courage MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods, 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 Archetype of Courage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archetype of Courage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-02-01 Conversely, continuous effects generated by static abilities (such as an Aura that granted the appropriate ability) would resume applying if the Archetype left the battlefield.
2014-02-01 If you and an opponent each control the same Archetype, no creature controlled by any player will have the appropriate ability.
2014-02-01 The Archetype’s second ability applies to each creature controlled by any of your opponents, no matter when it entered the battlefield.
2014-02-01 While you control an Archetype, continuous effects generated by the resolution of spells and abilities that would give the specified ability to creatures your opponents control aren’t created. For example, if you control Archetype of Courage, a spell cast by an opponent that gives creatures they control first strike wouldn’t cause the creatures to have first strike, even if later in the turn Archetype of Courage left the battlefield. (If the spell has additional effects, such as raising the power of the creatures, those effects will apply as normal.)