Elvish Branchbender MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Druid |
| Released | 2007-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Lorwyn |
| Set code | LRW |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 204 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ralph Horsley |
Text of card
: Until end of turn, target Forest becomes an X/X Treefolk creature in addition to its other types, where X is the number of Elves you control.
"How do the vinebred feel? Fah! We do not ask the puppet how it feels when the puppeteer bids it dance."
Cards like Elvish Branchbender
Elvish Branchbender stands out within the selection of mana-producing creatures in Magic: The Gathering due to its unique ability to turn forests into 4/4 Treefolk creatures while still providing mana boost. A card that shares a similar space is Arbor Elf, a fellow elf that untaps forests for additional mana generation – though it lacks the creature transformation feature.
Another card that parallels the Branchbender’s utility is Llanowar Tribe. This card provides an outright three green mana, which doesn’t match the Branchbender’s potential to also create a significant board presence. Rounding out the comparison is Elvish Archdruid, which both pumps other elves and produces a variable amount of mana based on the number of elves you control. However, it doesn’t offer the same direct interaction with lands nor the capacity to create a large creature like Elvish Branchbender does.
Considering the dynamics of mana generation and versatility, Elvish Branchbender finds its niche by providing not only a mana fix but also the ability to exert pressure with an enlarged forest if the situation demands. Its dual capability affirms its role in elf-themed decks seeking a balance between ramp and board presence.
Cards similar to Elvish Branchbender by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elvish Branchbender offers the unique benefit of essentially transforming lands into creatures, which can lead to increased board presence without sacrificing valuable cards from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: By turning a forest into a 4/4 creature until end of turn, this card can unexpectedly ramp up your offensive potential, using the resources already at your disposal.
Instant Speed: While Elvish Branchbender’s ability isn’t at instant speed, it can be activated during your turn to catch opponents off guard, optimizing the element of surprise in strategic plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Elvish Branchbender doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, in decks that synergize with its land animation ability, the need to discard for other effects may put players at a disadvantage, especially when aiming to maintain a board presence with multiple creatures.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both green mana and generic mana, ensuring that it fits best within green-centric or multicolor decks that can reliably produce green mana. For players running decks with a limited green mana base, Elvish Branchbender can be difficult to cast on curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a casting cost of two and a half mana, its impact on the game is debated when compared to other three-drop creatures or utility cards within green’s section of the color pie. Some players might find that while Elvish Branchbender has a unique land animation ability, there are other cards that provide more immediate or powerful effects for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Elvish Branchbender in Your Collection
Versatility: Elvish Branchbender fits seamlessly into elf tribal decks and can also enhance green ramp strategies. This card can serve as a mana source or an unexpected heavy hitter when you animate your forests.
Combo Potential: With its ability to turn lands into formidable creatures, Elvish Branchbender works well with effects that untap lands or with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield. Imagine the possibilities when paired with landfall abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where board presence can be paramount, having a card that can adapt to various situations is crucial. Elvish Branchbender provides consistent utility, making it a smart addition to decks aiming to contest a diverse and evolving metagame.
How to beat
Elvish Branchbender, an intricate card from Magic the Gathering, can create a formidable board presence. It stands out with its ability to turn lands into massive creatures. Navigating your way around this card requires strategic removal or control elements. Dealing with this elf before it can activate its ability is paramount, so instant speed removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are utility spells one should consider having on hand.
Ideally, countering it outright with spells like Counterspell or Thoughtseize can preemptively prevent the threat from taking root. If they do manage to activate Elvish Branchbender’s ability, having land destruction such as Field of Ruin or targeted creature removal will mitigate the risks posed by these temporarily boosted lands. Alternatively, controlling enchantments like Pacifism can effectively neutralize the threat without the need to destroy the Branchbender or its animated land creatures.
Tactics such as lessening the elf’s impact with mass removal spells like Wrath of God or controlling the game with enchantments like Rest in Peace also help in containing the potential growth. Understanding and preemptively planning against the Branchbender’s capacity to reshape the battlefield is crucial for maintaining the upper hand in the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elvish Branchbender MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Elvish Branchbender 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elvish Branchbender has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elvish Branchbender card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-10-01 | If you control no Elves when the ability resolves, the Forest will become a 0/0 creature and be put into the graveyard. However, since Elvish Branchbender is itself an Elf, the Forest will usually be at least a 1/1. |
| 2007-10-01 | The value of X is determined when the ability resolves. It won’t change later, even if the number of Elves you control changes. |
| 2008-08-01 | A noncreature permanent that turns into a creature can attack, and its abilities can be activated, only if its controller has continuously controlled that permanent since the beginning of their most recent turn. It doesn’t matter how long the permanent has been a creature. |