Elder Druid MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 232
1997-03-24 - Number 290
1999-04-21 - Number 223
2001-04-11 - Number 238★
2001-04-11 - Number 238
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elf Cleric Druid |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
o3o G,oc T: Tap or untap target artifact, creature, or land.
"I am older than any Elder Druid before me, and still no child has been born with the Mark to take my place. When will the wheel turn?" —Kolbjörn, Elder Druid of the Juniper Order
Cards like Elder Druid
Elder Druid, like other formidable MTG utility creatures, brings unique capabilities to the table. When we compare Elder Druid to other mana dorks, such as Llanowar Elves, you get a sense of the power level difference. Llanowar Elves is straightforward, offering additional green mana per tap, but Elder Druid offers a versatile skill set, including the ability to tap or untap artifacts, creatures, or lands each turn. This provides a strategic depth beyond mere mana acceleration.
Another peer in this space is Kiora’s Follower, which provides a similar untapping ability but lacks the diversity of choice found in Elder Druid’s skillset. Kiora’s Follower can only untap another permanent, not itself, making Elder Druid a potentially more flexible pick. Voyaging Satyr is also worth mentioning due to its ability to untap lands, but again, it’s less adaptable compared to the variety of targets that Elder Druid can manipulate on the field.
The additional options that Elder Druid brings to player tactics are undeniable. It’s a card that, while sharing common ground with other mana-centric creatures, offers a broadened range of gameplay interactions, making it a valuable asset in decks that need both mana utility and tactical versatility.
Cards similar to Elder Druid by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elder Druid’s abilities can give a significant edge by enabling you to untap a creature with a beneficial tap effect, effectively doubling its usage and offering considerable card advantage potential.
Resource Acceleration: By untapping lands or mana-producing creatures, Elder Druid can significantly increase your resource pool, thus accelerating your mana curve and enabling the casting of powerful spells ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: While Elder Druid itself may not act at instant speed, it can interact well with creatures and permanents that have instant-speed-like effects, maximizing flexibility and strategic depth during both your turn and your opponent’s.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Elder Druid card requires the player to let go of a card from their hand, which could put them at a disadvantage, especially in crucial gameplay moments when every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Elder Druid’s casting cost necessitates a precise combination of mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can consistently produce the required types of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the total resources needed to get Elder Druid on the battlefield, its mana cost is on the higher side. Players might find that there are other creatures or spells that provide better value or effects for the same or lower investment.
Reasons to Include Elder Druid in Your Collection
Versatility: Elder Druid offers flexible uses in game play, able to untap target artifacts, creatures, or lands, making it a multifaceted choice for various deck builds.
Combo Potential: Its untapping ability pairs well with permanents that have tap abilities, setting the stage for powerful combos and synergy within your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that pivots around tempo and utilizing resources efficiently, Elder Druid’s ability to manipulate the board state can provide a tactical edge.
How to beat Elder Druid
Elder Druid holds a potent place in MTG with its ability to control the battlefield by tapping or untapping target artifacts, creatures, or lands during your turn. Its strength lies not just in its synergy with other cards but also in disrupting opponent strategies.
Overcoming this particular Druid requires a strategic approach. Removal spells that can target creatures, regardless of their size or abilities, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, prove to be highly effective. Including these in your deck ensures you can respond efficiently to the threats posed by Elder Druid. Furthermore, incorporating instant speed spells that counter creature spells, such as Counterspell or Mana Leak, can nip the problem in the bud by never letting the Druid hit the field.
Another angle is to focus on your own deck’s resiliency, making it less impacted by tap or untap effects. Cards that grant hexproof or shroud to your key pieces keep them safe from the Elder Druid’s influence. Every deck has a weakness and Elder Druid is no exception—proper preparation and counterplay are your keys to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elder Druid MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Elder Druid 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
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Printings
The Elder Druid Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 232 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 290 | 1997 | Normal | White | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 3 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 223 | 1997 | Normal | White | Richard Kane Ferguson | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 238★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Alan Pollack | |
| 5 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 238 | 1997 | Normal | White | Alan Pollack |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elder Druid has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elder Druid card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The decision of whether to tap or untap is made on resolution. |