Archive Dragon MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dragon Wizard |
| Abilities | Flying,Scry,Ward |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 41 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tyler Walpole |
Text of card
Flying Ward (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .) When Archive Dragon enters the battlefield, scry 2.
"Fascinating. It says here that dragons cannot read."
Cards like Archive Dragon
Archive Dragon joins the ranks of powerful red dragons in MTG, carving out its niche with its distinct abilities. Fans of Dragonstorm may notice thematic similarities, as both cards evoke the sense of summoning dragons for powerful impacts. Archive Dragon, however, has a unique mechanic that allows players to exile an instant or sorcery card from a graveyard whenever a Dragon enters the battlefield under their control, providing both a tactical advantage and fostering graveyard strategy.
Similarly, Lathliss, Dragon Queen offers Dragon enthusiasts a different reward—creating a 5/5 Dragon creature token whenever another nontoken Dragon enters the battlefield under your control. While Lathliss accentuates token generation, Archive Dragon focuses on recurring value from the graveyard. Another kin, Drakuseth, Maw of Flames, brings brute force with its ability to deal damage divided as you choose among any number of targets upon attacking. In direct contrast, Archive Dragon thrives on the strategic depth of gameplay over raw power.
In comparing these dragons, Archive Dragon stands out for its capacity to influence the game through spell recasting, offering a unique benefit that blends well with dragon-centric strategies and sets it apart within the lineage of MTG dragons with its graveyard manipulation synergy.
Cards similar to Archive Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Archive Dragon. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Aggro | Standard | Izzet Aggro | Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Archive Dragon enables players to delve into their graveyard, converting past spells into a future draw mechanism. This can result in a significant card advantage, keeping your hand filled with options as each turn progresses.
Resource Acceleration: Not only does Archive Dragon offer card advantage, but it also facilitates resource acceleration. As Archive Dragon enters the battlefield or attacks, it allows you to exile cards from your graveyard. This action paves the way to summon Archive Dragon itself or potentially cast other high-cost spells sooner than usual, thus accelerating your in-game resources.
Instant Speed: Another notable pro lies in its association with spells that can be played at instant speed. While Archive Dragon may not be an instant itself, it encourages a strategy involving instant-speed spells. This creates opportunities to fill your graveyard with relevant cards which can subsequently be exiled to empower Archive Dragon, ultimately keeping the pressure on your opponents even during their turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Archive Dragon has an ability that forces you to part with cards, potentially draining valuable assets from your hand. This can leave you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you are not holding extra or dispensable cards to comfortably comply with the discard demands.
Specific Mana Cost: Playing Archive Dragon requires a precise mana configuration which can be burdensome. This specific mana requirement dictates deck construction around particular colors, thus limiting flexibility in deck diversity and potentially affecting the adaptability of your strategy in various matchups.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Boasting a robust effect, Archive Dragon comes with a substantial mana investment. Some players may find its high mana cost prohibitive, particularly in the fast-paced matches where lower-cost creatures and spells could lead to a quicker board presence and tempo advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Archive Dragon can be a dynamic addition to a variety of decks, fleshing out strategies across different formats. Its ability to delve into the past and play with graveyard mechanics opens up creative play opportunities.
Combo Potential: Appealing to enthusiasts of intricate gameplay, Archive Dragon’s unique skill set can be leveraged to synergize with numerous combos, particularly those that engage with graveyard manipulation or benefit from casting spells from unusual zones.
Meta-Relevance: In the ever-shifting sands of the current MTG meta, a card like Archive Dragon holds its ground with its potential to alter the tempo of the game and interact with prevalent graveyard-based tactics.
How to beat
The Archive Dragon card brings with it a sizeable presence in the battle arena of MTG. Its ability to play off the exiled cards with ease makes it a formidable foe. When trying to counteract the Archive Dragon’s strengths, consider employing robust removal spells that can handle the Dragon before its abilities become an issue. Spot removals such as Path to Exile can prove invaluable. Additionally, speed can be your ally; by keeping your gameplay aggressive and putting pressure on your opponent early, you can curb the efficiency of the Archive Dragon coming into play.
Bear in mind that graveyard interaction cards can be pivotal. By using cards that exile or shuffle the graveyard back into the library, the Archive Dragon’s ability to benefit from exiled cards can be severely hampered. While the Archive Dragon can indeed recover resources from previously played spells, disrupting this synergy through careful graveyard management can turn the tides to your favor. Therefore, a well-timed Tormod’s Crypt could save your game.
Precise timing and strategic removals, combined with graveyard disruption, are efficient ways to undermine the Archive Dragon’s capabilities, levelling the playing field and enhancing your chances of victory in MTG matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Archive Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Archive Dragon and other MTG cards:
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- 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Archive Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |