Argothian Treefolk MTG Card
1994-03-04 - Number 30
2011-01-10 - Number 143
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Treefolk |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Any damage Argothian Treefolk take from an artifact source is reduced to 0.
Haunting cries we hear in our dreams As the forest dies, a death from machines.
Cards like Argothian Treefolk
The Argothian Treefolk presents an intriguing comparison to other creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. When evaluating creatures with similar defensive capabilities, the Argothian Treefolk stands out due to its inherent resistance to artifact damage, offering a unique form of protection on the battlefield. A common comparison can be made to creatures like Plated Slagwurm; although the Slagwurm ranks higher in sheer toughness, it doesn’t offer the same specific resilience against artifacts.
Another similar card to consider is the Gaea’s Avenger, which also plays off artifact-heavy metas, gaining strength for each artifact your opponents control. While it can potentially become more powerful than the Argothian Treefolk, it lacks the immediate deterrent effect that the Treefolk possesses. Moreover, a card like Thorn Elemental shares green mana alignment with the Treefolk and allows for damage to be dealt as though it weren’t blocked, which can be decisive in late-game pushes, but again, it misses the artifact mitigation.
In a meta where artifacts are prevalent, Argothian Treefolk can be a solid defensive addition, offering a specialized role that emphasizes survival against specific threats, contributing to its niche but significant impact on deck strategies.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Argothian Treefolk’s protection from artifacts often translates into a form of card advantage on the battlefield. By being immune to a variety of artifacts commonly used by opponents to remove creatures, it ensures its presence on the board, disabling certain cards in the opponent’s hand or field from being effective.
Resource Acceleration: While the Argothian Treefolk itself does not directly provide resource acceleration, its inherent resilience against a common card type allows other aspects of your deck to flourish without fear of artifact-based disruption. This indirect benefit can lead to superior board position, making it easier to deploy your strategy more quickly.
Instant Speed: Although the Argothian Treefolk is not an instant itself, its ability to be an unwavering force on the battlefield means you can more safely allocate resources, including holding mana for instant-speed responses, knowing that your opponent’s artifact-based removal won’t affect it, thus maintaining a tactical advantage over the course of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Argothian Treefolk doesn’t have a discard directly linked to its abilities, but it is vulnerable to being discarded by other cards or effects that target your hand. This can be detrimental to your strategy when holding this card against such control decks.
Specific Mana Cost: With its roots in the green mana pool, this creature requires both generic and green mana to hit the battlefield. Decks not heavily invested in forests or green mana sources might find it challenging to accommodate the Argothian Treefolk, potentially reducing its versatility across different deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher end for its base stats, some players might find the Argothian Treefolk a less efficient choice when curating a deck. The investment of five mana for a creature that has other counterparts with either lower costs, better stats, or additional abilities may influence deckbuilders to look elsewhere.
Reasons to Include Argothian Treefolk in Your Collection
Versatility: Argothian Treefolk not only presents a considerable defensive option but also boasts an ability that makes it resilient against one of the most common damage types in the game. This allows it to be used in various strategic defenses and in matchups where artifacts are prevalent.
Combo Potential: This card can be an essential piece in decks that focus on exploiting protection abilities or in synergy with effects that interact with the prevention of artifact damage. Its presence on the board can disrupt opponents’ plans and enable your own strategies to flourish.
Meta-Relevance: In a gaming landscape where artifact strategies might be dominant, the Argothian Treefolk can serve as a reliable countermeasure. Its specific protection can make it a valuable asset in certain metas, turning the tides of matches that would otherwise be challenging.
How to beat
The Argothian Treefolk is a niche card that can steadfastly stand guard in Magic: The Gathering. This durable creature benefits from being resistant to artifact-based damage, a trait that can challenge opponents relying on such sources for removal or direct damage strategies. Not only does this make the Treefolk a reliable blocker, but it also becomes a formidable foe against artifact-heavy decks.
However, overcoming an Argothian Treefolk doesn’t always require brute force; flexibility in your deck is key. Consider cards that impose exile effects or use enchantment-based removals like Oblivion Ring to bypass this creature’s defense against artifacts. Board wipes such as Wrath of God that don’t deal damage can also clear the path, offering a clean slate by sweeping all creatures away regardless of protection. Moreover, outmaneuvering its solid presence through flying creatures or opponents that outscale in power can turn the tide in your favor, ensuring that Argothian Treefolk’s specialty becomes its limitation.
In essence, countering the Argothian Treefolk calls for strategic planning and card choices that negate its unique ability. By diversifying removal options and playing around its strength, the Treefolk’s might can be mitigated, allowing players to maintain control over the game’s outcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Argothian Treefolk MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities and Masters Edition IV, 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 Argothian Treefolk 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 Argothian Treefolk Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-03-04 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Amy Weber.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-03-04 | Antiquities | ATQ | 30 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Amy Weber | |
| 2 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 143 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Amy Weber |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Argothian Treefolk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |