Elvish Warrior MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 260
2005-07-29 - Number 240
2005-07-29 - Number 240★
2005-08-22 - Number B41
2005-08-22 - Number B42
2007-11-16 - Number 5
2008-02-01 - Number 120
2010-06-04 - Number 64
2014-12-05 - Number 5
2019-11-07 - Number 1196
2020-09-26 - Number DD1-5
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Warrior |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Cards like Elvish Warrior
The Elvish Warrior card is a solid creature card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. It stands among the myriad of options for players looking to bolster their ranks with reliable elf creatures. Llanowar Elves, for instance, might not match up in strength, as they boast a lesser power and toughness, but offer the crucial ability to generate additional mana, aiding in casting larger threats more quickly.
In comparison to other beefy elves, like Elvish Archdruid, Elvish Warrior lacks the utility of mana ramp or any tribal synergistic abilities but compensates with straightforward brute force right out of the gate. The Elvish Champion, on the other hand, might have lower base stats but can pump up fellow elves, which potentially leads to a more impactful board presence than what a standalone Elvish Warrior could provide.
Is Elvish Warrior the go-to elf for your deck? This boils down to your strategic intent. If raw power is the aim, then this card is sure to deliver. However, if you value utility and synergistic interactions higher, there are other elves in MTG that might fit your needs more closely.
Cards similar to Elvish Warrior by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although the Elvish Warrior itself doesn’t directly grant card advantage, its presence on the battlefield is a solid asset. It establishes a board presence that can lead to advantageous trades, compelling your opponent to deal with it and potentially using more resources than they would like.
Resource Acceleration: Elvish Warriors are part of a tribe that’s known for its ability to accelerate resources. While not directly contributing additional mana, its low cost and Elven synergy mean it can seamlessly fit into decks that focus on ramping up quickly and may benefit from tribal bonuses provided by other cards.
Instant Speed: While the Elvish Warrior itself is a creature card that doesn’t function at instant speed, it promotes a strategy that keeps your mana open. Deploying it early allows you to invest in developing your board while still having the opportunity to respond with other instant-speed interactions during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: To utilize the Elvish Warrior’s full potential, players often must part with valuable cards in their hand, a trade-off that can backfire, especially when your hand is your last line of defense.
Specific Mana Cost: An Elvish Warrior requires a commitment to green mana exclusively. This imposes limitations, reducing flexibility in deck building and potentially hampering multi-color strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider the mana investment needed to bring an Elvish Warrior into play, it may not always be the most cost-efficient choice. This is particularly true when other creatures in the same mana range may provide additional abilities or stronger board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Elvish Warrior slots into a variety of green deck archetypes. Its formidable presence for a two-drop makes it a solid choice in both aggressive and midrange elf-themed decks, bringing a significant early game punch.
Combo Potential: As an elf, this card benefits from the numerous elf synergies available in MTG. It works well with lords such as Elvish Archdruid or imperious Perfect, enhancing a strategy that revolves around elf tribal themes and boosts an army swiftly.
Meta-Relevance: In the current environment where efficient creatures are crucial, Elvish Warrior can hold the line against early aggressive plays and contribute to establishing board dominance with its respectable stats. Its relevance grows within the meta that favors creature-based strategies and tribal synergies.
How to beat
Elvish Warrior is a formidable force in MTG, boasting a strong presence with its cost-effective 2/3 body for merely two mana. This allows players to establish an early advantage on the battlefield by getting ahead on the power curve. Typically found in green decks that focus on creature-based strategies, the Elvish Warrior excels in quick ramp-up plays and can become an overwhelming threat if not addressed swiftly.
To outmaneuver this card, removal spells are a player’s best bet. Efficient removals like Path to Exile or Doom Blade could dispatch this elven threat before it receives buffs from other elf synergies which could make it more formidable. Additionally, board wipes can be particularly devastating for an elf-centered deck; a well-timed Wrath of God or Damnation removes all creatures, including the Elvish Warrior, leveling the playing field.
Keeping Elvish Warrior from tipping the scales involves proactive measures and leveraging key removal spells at crucial times. When done correctly, you can mitigate the advantages that this card brings to green creature decks and maintain control of the match. Remember, countering its strengths early on is crucial for securing victory against decks featuring the Elvish Warrior.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elvish Warrior MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Ninth 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 Elvish Warrior and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Elvish Warrior Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 260 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 240 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 240★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 4 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | B41 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Moeller | |
| 5 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | B42 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Moeller | |
| 6 | 2007-11-16 | Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins | DD1 | 5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 7 | 2008-02-01 | Morningtide | MOR | 120 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 8 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 64 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 9 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Elves vs. Goblins | EVG | 5 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 10 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1196 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 11 | The List | PLST | DD1-5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elvish Warrior has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |