Firebrand Archer MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Archer
Power 2
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Firebrand Archer pressures opponents, indirectly gaining card advantage with every spell cast.
  2. Enables swift victory by accelerating the game’s pace through repetitive damage.
  3. Triggers damage at instant speed, complicating the opponent’s defensive strategies.

Text of card

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Firebrand Archer deals 1 damage to each opponent.

A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Firebrand Archer enables indirect card advantage by applying consistent pressure on the opponent, effectively making each spell you cast threaten additional damage without depleting your hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, the repetitive damage from Firebrand Archer can accelerate the game’s pace in your favor, bringing the opponent’s life total within reach quicker for a swift victory.

Instant Speed: This creature’s ability triggers at instant speed, allowing you to capitalize on the unexpected damage during both your turn and your opponent’s, potentially disrupting their strategies by creating a multitude of timing challenges for them to tackle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable disadvantage of casting spells with Firebrand Archer in play is that without a substantial hand size, you might find yourself at a loss when trying to maintain card advantage. This could limit the potential value you get from each triggered ability if you’re forced to discard.

Specific Mana Cost: Firebrand Archer requires a precise mana investment of one colorless and one red mana. This mana specificity means it fits primarily in red-based decks, which may not align with every player’s strategy or the sometimes more flexible mana bases of multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a two mana investment for a creature is reasonable, when considering the return on investment in terms of damage output, some players may find the cost a bit steep. Other cards in the same mana range could potentially offer more immediate impact or higher damage throughput on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Firebrand Archer is an adaptable addition to any deck focusing on non-creature spells. Its ability to deal damage whenever you cast a spell makes it a threat regardless of the spell’s purpose, whether it’s for control, burn, or combo purposes.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that cast numerous spells in a single turn. It works exceptionally well with low-cost spells or storm strategies, turning a flurry of spells into a barrage of damage that can quickly whittle down an opponent’s life total.

Meta-Relevance: Firebrand Archer’s relevance can surge in metas with a high density of creature-based strategies. As a cost-effective creature itself, it can be readily included in decks that aim to keep pace with aggressive opponents while providing consistent damage output as you execute your game plan.


How to Beat

Firebrand Archer is a versatile card in Magic: The Gathering that can turn the tides in a game by dealing damage whenever you cast a noncreature spell. To effectively navigate this challenge, focus on strategies that remove or neutralize the card before it can become a persistent threat. Employ efficient removal spells like Fatal Push or Shock to dispatch Firebrand Archer swiftly from the battlefield. Utilizing board control or counterspells, you can also prevent the archer from continuously chipping away at your life total or bolstering your opponent’s spell synergy.

Alternatively, leverage cards offering protection to your life total or that can gain life to offset the damage done by the Archer. Decks that offer a hearty cushion of life points or creatures with lifelink can be instrumental in outlasting the incremental damage dealt by this red creature. It’s essential to keep your life total in safe zones, as the Firebrand Archer’s impact grows more significant with each noncreature spell played by your opponent. Don’t underestimate this common card – given enough time, it can accumulate a substantial amount of damage.

Tactful play and strategic deck construction are crucial to nullify the Firebrand Archer’s potential for consistent damage. Respect the reach it provides in spell-heavy decks but remember that with the right countermeasures, it can be rendered relatively harmless.


BurnMana Recommendations

As you dive into the depths of MTG strategy, consider the nuanced role of Firebrand Archer in your deck. This card has the power to expedite your victory with its unique damage-dealing ability. It shines in red-centric or spell-saturated decks, perfect for players looking to cast spells rapidly and maximize pressure. However, its full potential is unlocked when used with cunning and foresight. Ready to harness the relentless force of Firebrand Archer? Delve deeper with us and discover strategies, deck builds, and synergies that could mark the difference between defeat and a celebrated win.


Cards like Firebrand Archer

Firebrand Archer is a dynamic card that infuses energy into the realm of MTG creature-based strategies. When you consider its relatives like Thermo-Alchemist, the comparison becomes intriguing. Both cards deal damage to opponents indirectly – Thermo-Alchemist through tapping, and Firebrand Archer whenever a noncreature spell is cast. Yet, Firebrand Archer doesn’t require tapping, providing a rapid response to each spell you play.

Another kindred spirit in this space is Guttersnipe. Again, this is about damaging opponents when spells are cast, but Guttersnipe strikes harder, dealing two damage as opposed to Firebrand Archer’s one. The trade-off? Guttersnipe carries a higher mana cost, which can affect how quickly you deploy your strategy on the battlefield.

What sets Firebrand Archer apart is its accessibility and the constant threat it poses. It’s a card that fits naturally into decks looking to cast numerous spells in quick succession, quickly chipping away at an opponent’s life total. For players crafting a deck that thrives on casting a plethora of spells, Firebrand Archer offers a relentless and affordable way to escalate the pressure with each cast.

Thermo-Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Guttersnipe - MTG Card versions
Thermo-Alchemist - Eldritch Moon (EMN)
Guttersnipe - Return to Ravnica (RTR)

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

Rock Hydra - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Weaponsmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rock Sled - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Goblin Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Heart Sliver - MTG Card versions
Mogg Flunkies - MTG Card versions
Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions
Fireslinger - MTG Card versions
Skittish Kavu - MTG Card versions
Rage Weaver - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Explorer - MTG Card versions
Sparksmith - MTG Card versions
Goblin Lookout - MTG Card versions
Skirk Marauder - MTG Card versions
Hellspark Elemental - MTG Card versions
Storm Entity - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Soldier - MTG Card versions
Mogg War Marshal - MTG Card versions
Stigma Lasher - MTG Card versions
Rock Hydra - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Dwarven Weaponsmith - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Goblin Rock Sled - The Dark (DRK)
Dwarven Lieutenant - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Goblin Recruiter - Visions (VIS)
Heart Sliver - Tempest (TMP)
Mogg Flunkies - Stronghold (STH)
Goblin Elite Infantry - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Fireslinger - Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra (JVC)
Skittish Kavu - Invasion (INV)
Rage Weaver - Invasion (INV)
Minotaur Explorer - Odyssey (ODY)
Sparksmith - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Lookout - Legions (LGN)
Skirk Marauder - Legions (LGN)
Hellspark Elemental - DCI Promos (PDCI)
Storm Entity - Future Sight (FUT)
Dwarven Soldier - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mogg War Marshal - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)
Stigma Lasher - Eventide (EVE)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Firebrand Archer MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Mystery Booster, 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 Firebrand Archer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Firebrand Archer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by John Stanko.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-07-14Hour of DevastationHOU 922015normalblackJohn Stanko
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9282015normalblackJohn Stanko
32020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 1542015normalblackJohn Stanko
42020-09-26The ListPLST HOU-922015normalblackJohn Stanko

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Firebrand Archer has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Firebrand Archer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2017-07-14 Firebrand Archer’s ability will resolve before the spell that caused it to trigger. The ability will resolve even if that spell is countered.
2017-07-14 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Firebrand Archer’s ability causes it to deal a total of 2 damage to the opposing team.

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