Archfiend's Vessel MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Cleric |
| Abilities | Lifelink |
| Released | 2020-07-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Core Set 2021 |
| Set code | M21 |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 88 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jake Murray |
Key Takeaways
- Brings dual threats with its resurrection as a 5/5 demon, enhancing board control.
- Synchronizes with reanimation tactics for early, potent threat deployment.
- Instant speed combo plays can drastically shift the game’s state.
Text of card
Lifelink (Damage dealt by this creature also causes you to gain that much life.) When Archfiend's Vessel enters the battlefield, if it entered from your graveyard or you cast it from your graveyard, exile it. If you do, create a 5/5 black Demon creature token with flying.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Archfiend’s Vessel presents a unique opportunity for card advantage when it returns from the graveyard as a 5/5 flying demon, essentially offering two threats in one card and increasing your on-board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, this card synergizes well with reanimation strategies that can bypass its initial mana cost, effectively speeding up your capacity to deploy significant threats ahead of the usual curve.
Instant Speed: Leveraging instant speed removal or reanimation spells in conjunction with Archfiend’s Vessel can lead to unexpected and significant shifts in the state of the game, especially if the Vessel is returned to the battlefield transformed during an adversary’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Archfiend’s Vessel doesn’t mandate a discard upon casting, players aiming to exploit its full potential often rely on self-discard strategies. This could deplete a player’s hand, leaving them at a disadvantage if the game extends beyond the initial strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Archfiend’s Vessel demands a single black mana, which makes it an exclusive fit for decks that can produce black mana reliably. This specificity can restrict deck-building options for players preferring a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To bring a 5/5 Demon creature token into play with Archfiend’s Vessel’s lifelink ability, a significant mana investment is required in additional cards and mechanics like reanimation. Other cards might reanimate bigger creatures or have more impactful abilities for a similar or lower cost.
Reasons to Include Archfiend’s Vessel in Your Collection
Versatility: Archfiend’s Vessel is a solid choice for a variety of decks that capitalize on lifegain and reanimation strategies. Its low casting cost allows it to seamlessly fit into early game plans or serve as a late-game resource when brought back from the graveyard.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations that utilize its ability to return to the battlefield transformed into a formidable 5/5 demon with flying. Pair it with cards that can bring creatures back from the graveyard for a major power boost.
Meta-Relevance: Given that graveyard strategies often appear in the meta, Archfiend’s Vessel can be a game-changer. It’s particularly useful in environments where sacrificing creatures for greater effects is a common strategy, allowing you to get the most out of the card’s resurrection ability.
How to beat
Archfiend’s Vessel presents a unique challenge within the MTG universe. This one-mana black creature card may appear insignificant at first glance, but its ability to return to the battlefield as a powerful 5/5 black Demon creature token with flying can certainly turn the tide of a match. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to target it before it can leverage its Lifelink feature or before a return from the graveyard is triggered.
Removal spells that exile such as Path to Exile or graveyard hate cards like Rest in Peace are excellent ways to prevent the Vessel from fulfilling its destiny. Disruption tactics thwart the recurring value this card promises by preventing its death trigger or negating the reanimation spells altogether. Applying continuous pressure with aggressive strategies can also stop the opponent from getting the time they need to set up their combo with Archfiend’s Vessel, thereby securing an advantage in the duel before its potential transformation becomes a threat.
In essence, managing threats early on, keeping graveyard interactions in check, and outpacing your opponent’s game plan are the fundamental strategies to prevent Archfiend’s Vessel from becoming an overwhelming force on the board. Employing these tactics will go a long way in ensuring dominance against decks that rely on this card’s transformative ability.
Cards like Archfiend's Vessel
Archfiend’s Vessel holds a unique position in the MTG universe, especially within the realm of one-drop creatures. Its innate ability to return as a potent 5/5 demon upon escaping the graveyard positions it in a niche spot of resurrection dynamics. Consider Bloodsoaked Champion, which also resurrects itself, but without the power leap and with the requirement of attacking that turn. Bloodsoaked Champion focuses on recurring aggression while Archfiend’s Vessel aims for a singular, transformational impact.
Taking a closer look, Skyclave Shade offers a similar revival trait, springing back to play landfall. Unlike Archfiend’s Vessel, it doesn’t offer the same dramatic board presence change but ensures a steady creature return. Meanwhile, Reassembling Skeleton provides relentless return value but lacks the board impact Archfiend’s Vessel can command under the right conditions.
In summary, while there are several creatures with reanimation effects, Archfiend’s Vessel’s potential for a massive power swing sets it apart in strategic MTG deckbuilding. Its scope for an explosive play transition is a tactical asset that can define game outcomes, proving its unique value amongst similar cards.
Cards similar to Archfiend's Vessel by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Archfiend's Vessel MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Archfiend's Vessel and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Archfiend's Vessel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Archfiend's Vessel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-06-23 | If Archfiend's Vessel leaves the battlefield while its triggered ability is on the stack, you can't exile it from the zone it's put into, so you won't create a Demon. |
