Scattershot Archer MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elf Archer
Released	2009-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Conflux
Set code	CON
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	90
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Steve Argyle

Key Takeaways

Efficiently counters multiple flying threats without incurring card loss, reinforcing board position.
Activation at instant speed allows for flexible defense strategies during the opponent’s turn.
Low mana cost provides an early game advantage and fits into various MTG deck compositions.

Text of card

: Scattershot Archer deals 1 damage to each creature with flying.

To train her elves for war, Mayael would drop a sackful of acorns from the tree canopy. Each archer tried to split as many as possible before the acorns hit the forest floor below.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scattershot Archer can repeatedly deal damage to multiple flying creatures, potentially clearing opponents’ air threats without the need to expend additional cards. This efficient use of a single card can slowly tip the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Scattershot Archer doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low mana cost facilitates a quicker establishment of board presence. Its ability to deal with flying creatures also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on more expensive removal spells.

Instant Speed: Although Scattershot Archer’s activated ability itself is not an instant, it can be used at instant speed, allowing you to react to your opponents’ plays by picking off incoming aerial threats during their turn. This flexible timing can give you the upper hand in controlling the flow of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other cards that can be played without additional costs, Scattershot Archer can put you at a disadvantage by not having a direct card disadvantage component. Players must strategically weigh the benefits of its ability against what is held in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Scattershot Archer has a mono-green mana cost, which might restrict its inclusion in multi-colored decks or those that do not heavily feature green mana or elf synergies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only a single green mana, when considering its one damage ping ability, Scattershot Archer’s impact may be minimal against decks without flyers or with less reliance on flying creatures, therefore not always justifying the deck slot in a competitive environment.

Reasons to Include Scattershot Archer in Your Collection

Versatility: Scattershot Archer is adaptable to various deck builds due to its ability to provide a constant source of creature control against flyers. It’s a solid addition to green decks that may lack direct removal options.

Combo Potential: This card is excellent for combos, particularly in decks that exploit tap and untap mechanics. Paired with cards that allow multiple activations per turn, Scattershot Archer can become a repeatable tool for clearing the skies of pesky flying creatures.

Meta-Relevance: With flying creatures frequently dominating the battlefield, Scattershot Archer remains a relevant card. It’s a powerhouse in a format with a high number of flying tokens or powerful flyers, ensuring your deck can handle aerial threats effectively.

How to beat

Scattershot Archer can catch many players off guard in Magic: The Gathering, particularly those who rely heavily on flying creatures. This unassuming one-mana green creature from the Conflux expansion excels at pinging flying creatures for one damage each. What sets it apart is the ability to target all enemy fliers with just one tap, making it a dedicated counter to aerial strategies.

However, there are effective methods to deal with Scattershot Archer. Firstly, instant removal spells can take the Archer off the board before it ever has a chance to activate, ensuring your flying creatures stay unharmed. Secondly, boosting the toughness of your creatures so they can withstand the Archer’s damage is another approach, meaning cards that grant +1/+1 counters or static toughness increases can be vital. Thirdly, smart deck construction that includes a balanced mix of flying and non-flying threats can minimize the impact of a potential Scattershot Archer. Finally, imposing effects that restrict opponents from tapping or using activated abilities can neutralize the Archer’s effectiveness altogether.

While Scattershot Archer is not the most formidable foe on its own, it’s the tactical use and matchup scenarios that make it a card worth preparing against in MTG’s diverse meta.

Cards like Scattershot Archer

Scattershot Archer is an intriguing card from Magic: The Gathering, serving as a notable utility creature for dealing with flying threats. When examining counterparts, cards like Silklash Spider and Spidersilk Net also provide answers to creatures in the sky. Silklash Spider can wipe the board of flyers, offering a repeatable effect. However, it comes with a higher mana cost and lacks the same ability to chip away at an opponent’s flying creatures turn by turn.

Another card that surfaces in discussions is Squall Line, providing a one-time effect to deal damage to each creature with flying and each player. Unlike Scattershot Archer, Squall Line impacts the entire board and includes players, but it’s a one-off spell with a life cost. In contrast, Scattershot Archer’s repeatable activation does not come with such a drawback.

Analysis reveals that Scattershot Archer holds its own in decks focused on controlling aerial threats. Its low mana cost and the potential for cumulative effect over time make it efficient and a thorn in the side for opponents relying on flying creatures, setting it apart from its similar-card counterparts.

Cards similar to Scattershot Archer by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scattershot Archer MTG card by a specific set like Conflux, 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 Scattershot Archer and other MTG cards: