Boros Elite MTG Card
2013-02-01 - Number 7
2018-11-02 - Number 78
2021-08-26 - Number 57
2024-01-12 - Number 10
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Battalion |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Battalion — Whenever Boros Elite and at least two other creatures attack, Boros Elite gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
"First, you must fight among the rank and file. It is there I will discern your skills as a leader." —Aurelia, to Gideon Jura
Cards like Boros Elite
Within the realm of creature spells in Magic The Gathering, the Boros Elite stands out for its battalion ability, which bolsters its power when attacking with two or more companions. Comparable to it is the Loyal Pegasus, another card that thrives in the company of fellow attackers, requiring another creature to attack. Although it doesn’t have the battalion mechanism, its flying trait gives it an evasive edge over the Boros Elite.
Another close contender is the Elite Inquisitor. This one has first strike and vigilance, offering a more consistent form of protection and offense. However, it falls short in potential power increase compared to the battalion-triggered might of Boros Elite, which can swing for greater damage under the right conditions. Then there’s the Skyknight Legionnaire, which also sports an allegiance to the Boros Guild. It offers haste and flying, proving to be immediately impactful upon entering the battlefield, unlike Boros Elite which requires a build-up.
Ultimately, while each card appeals to different aspects of gameplay, Boros Elite’s potential for explosive power gains when synergized with other attackers gives it a distinct niche, particularly in aggressive strategies that aim to overrun opponents with swift, powerful strikes.
Cards similar to Boros Elite by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Boros Elite. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-White Humans | Pioneer | Mono-White Midrange | Pioneer Master League Fecha 1 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Boros Elite shines in strategies focusing on outnumbering your opponent, as they gain buffs or bonuses from a full battalion, providing an edge in maintaining board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Efficient in terms of mana cost, this card sets up for a quick and aggressive start, potentially accelerating your resources if it synergizes with other low-cost creatures and battalion mechanics.
Instant Speed: While Boros Elite’s abilities activate at sorcery speed, savvy players complement it with instant-speed spells that can manipulate combat or protect your battalion, ensuring its buffs are consistently utilized.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Boros Elite doesn’t directly require a discard, running it in your deck could force you into situations where you need to discard cards to make room for essential mana or to trigger battalion, potentially causing a loss of valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Boros Elite’s white mana cost necessitates a commitment to white mana in your deck build, which may restrict deck diversity and make your strategy more predictable against an adaptable opponent.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Boros Elite itself is quite mana-efficient, consistently getting three attackers needed to activate its battalion ability often means investing in additional creatures or buffs, inevitably raising your overall mana expenditure to utilize its full potential.
Reasons to Include Boros Elite in Your Collection
Versatility: Boros Elite shines in decks that focus on creature aggro, swiftly bolstering your offensive line. Its ability to become a considerable threat with Battalion engaged allows it to adapt well in aggressive playstyles.
Combo Potential: Given its low mana cost and swift impact when Battalion is triggered, this card creates synergistic opportunities with cards that pump the entire team, setting up devastating attacks early in the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that favors quick, impactful creatures, Boros Elite stands out. Versus control decks, deploying it early can put opponents on a clock, forcing them to respond or face overwhelming damage swiftly.
How to Beat Boros Elite
Boros Elite holds its ground as an aggressive creature in Magic: The Gathering, flourishing in decks packed with supportive battalion allies. This stalwart soldier becomes considerably more threatening when attacking alongside two or more comrades, its power potentially tripling under the right conditions. Despite its battlefield prowess, there are reliable strategies to keep it in check, ensuring it doesn’t overrun your defenses.
Spot removal spells prove to be an effective measure, as they can swiftly dispatch Boros Elite before its battalion ability triggers. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can manage the threat at a low mana cost, preventing the Elite from snowballing out of control. Board wipes are another avenue, eradicating multiple creatures in one fell swoop and resetting the playing field. Supreme Verdict and Wrath of God stand out as potent options, clearing the board regardless of Boros Elite’s strength at the time of engagement.
Moreover, maintaining control over the number of creatures your opponent has in play can stifle Boros Elite’s effectiveness. Hindering their ability to amass a battalion by using creature removal or control effects can keep Boros Elite from becoming more than a mere nuisance. By employing these tactics, you’ll stand a better chance of neutralizing Boros Elite’s threat and steering the game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Boros Elite MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and GRN Guild Kit, 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 Boros Elite 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Boros Elite Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Willian Murai.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 7 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Willian Murai | |
| 2 | 2018-11-02 | GRN Guild Kit | GK1 | 78 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Willian Murai | |
| 3 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 57 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Willian Murai | |
| 4 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Willian Murai |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Boros Elite has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Boros Elite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | Once a battalion ability has triggered, it doesn’t matter how many creatures are still attacking when that ability resolves. |
| 2013-04-15 | The effects of battalion abilities vary from card to card. Read each card carefully. |
| 2013-04-15 | The three attacking creatures don’t have to be attacking the same player or planeswalker. |