Argivian Restoration MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 34
2020-08-07 - Number 42
2020-09-26 - Number DDF-69
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Return target artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield.
"The Argivian University taught me two things: always look to the past, and never dismiss what appears useless." —Hanna, *Weatherlight* navigator
Cards like Argivian Restoration
Argivian Restoration is a unique card in the pantheon of artifact revival spells in MTG. It shares its core concept with cards such as Junk Diver, which similarly retrieves an artifact directly to the battlefield. However, Junk Diver’s ability is contingent upon its death, while Argivian Restoration bypasses this requirement with its straightforward casting from hand.
Another card to consider in relation is Goblin Welder, presenting a dynamic approach by allowing players to exchange a graveyard artifact with one on the battlefield. Although the Welder can be more versatile due to its repeatable nature, it requires both setup and the presence of a dispensable artifact in play. Argivian Restoration, meanwhile, offers a one-time but assured return of a high-value artifact.
Recollecting artifacts is crucial in certain MTG strategies, with Argivian Restoration being a potent asset for single-use, high-impact returns. It commands a special seat among its peers due to its ability to target only the user’s graveyard, contrasting with broader but less targeted options like Hanna, Ship’s Navigator. The direct and potent effect of Argivian Restoration holds its ground in MTG setups centered around artifact recuperation.
Cards similar to Argivian Restoration by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: This ability is at the core of Argivian Restoration’s potential, as it returns a target artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield. This not only recoups the card you’ve lost but also can swing the momentum in your favor by restoring a key piece of your strategy without expending additional cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Argivian Restoration effectively skips the mana costs of casting the artifact anew, enabling you to utilize resources for developing your board presence or interacting with the battlefield in other meaningful ways during your turn.
Instant Speed: While Argivian Restoration is not an instant, the potential to plan your game around this powerful sorcery allows for strategic planning and surprise factor, as opponents may not anticipate the swift resurgence of a formidable artifact during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Argivian Restoration doesn’t force a discard, but it does require a particular target in the graveyard, which essentially necessitates having already discarded or otherwise used a crucial artifact. Without suitable artifacts to return, this card could be rendered useless in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Argivian Restoration demands two blue mana, making it exclusive to blue or multicolor decks. Players running other colors won’t benefit from this card, reducing its versatility in many decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including two that must be blue, this card’s cost can slow down your game, especially when compared to other artifact retrieval options. There are spells that retrieve artifacts for less, potentially offering a quicker way to regain board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Argivian Restoration offers flexibility in deck construction, serving as a key card in strategies that capitalize on artifacts. Its ability to return an artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield can be a game-changer in artifact-centric decks or those that have recurring graveyard synergies.
Combo Potential: This card holds significant combo potential, enabling the revival of powerful artifacts that may have been countered or destroyed earlier in the game, thus setting the stage for strong board presence and unexpected plays that can outmaneuver opponents.
Meta-Relevance: With the fluctuating landscape of competitive play, Argivian Restoration maintains relevance by providing a cost-effective way to recycle high-impact artifacts, crucial for staying ahead in metagames where artifacts play a prominent role.
How to Beat Argivian Restoration
Argivian Restoration is a card that offers players in Magic: The Gathering the unique ability to return an artifact from their graveyard to the battlefield. This can turn the tides of a game by bringing back powerful artifacts that can tip the scales in a player’s favor. However, as impactful as Argivian Restoration can be, there are strategies to counteract its potential.
One effective strategy is to incorporate artifact removal cards in your deck, such as Shatter or Disenchant. These cards allow you to respond quickly by destroying the artifact that has been brought back, minimizing the advantage gained by your opponent. Additionally, graveyard hate cards like Tormod’s Crypt or Relic of Progenitus can preemptively remove artifacts from the graveyard, rendering Argivian Restoration useless. Finally, countermagic can also play a crucial role. Having counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak at the ready can ensure that Argivian Restoration never resolves, maintaining the balance of the game in your favor.
By preparing your deck with these types of responses, you can effectively neutralize the advantage that Argivian Restoration provides, securing your position and leading you closer to victory in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Argivian Restoration MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Double Masters, 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 Argivian Restoration 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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Printings
The Argivian Restoration Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Roger Raupp.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 34 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Roger Raupp | |
| 2 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 42 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Roger Raupp | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DDF-69 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Roger Raupp |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Argivian Restoration has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |