Ivy Elemental MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 245
2009-09-04 - Number 74
2017-11-17 - Number 170
2020-04-24 - Number 161
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Text of card
Ivy Elemental comes into play with X +1/+1 counters on it.
In the gardens of the centaurs, many travelers have mysteriously vanished while admiring the elaborate topiaries.
Cards like Ivy Elemental
Ivy Elemental’s unique trait in the enchanting world of Magic the Gathering lies in its flexibility, suiting any stage of the game. This creature card is often compared to Protean Hydra, which also enters the battlefield with a variable number of +1/+1 counters. However, Protean Hydra adds a layer of resilience with its regenerative feature, something Ivy Elemental doesn’t possess.
Looking at Aquastrand Spider, a creature that can distribute +1/+1 counters, we appreciate versatility different from Ivy Elemental’s singular focus on self-enhancement. Aquastrand Spider provides utility in strengthening other creatures, showcasing a more synergistic approach. Jade Mage is another comparable card, with the ability to continually create creatures, offering a strategic edge in generating board presence over time rather than a one-time sizable force like Ivy Elemental.
To sum up, while the Ivy Elemental offers a direct and hefty power play adaptable to the mana at hand, its contemporaries introduce dynamic strategies that could outmaneuver a straightforward size advantage on the battlefield. Each of these cards has its place in a deck, but Ivy Elemental stands tall for its simplicity and raw power potential.
Cards similar to Ivy Elemental by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ivy Elemental can be a potent force by scaling with your available resources. Its flexible casting cost means that as the game progresses, it turns any surplus mana into immediate board presence, offering a seamless transition into a game-changing creature.
Resource Acceleration: Decks that focus on ramping mana can deploy Ivy Elemental as a massive threat early on. This utilization of resource acceleration can often outpace the opponent’s ability to answer it, making it an efficient use of your mana investment.
Instant Speed: Although the Ivy Elemental itself doesn’t have instant speed, its sheer potential as a scalable threat complements decks that operate at instant speed. It allows you to manage your resources wisely, only committing to casting the Elemental when it’s most advantageous—for instance, after holding back mana for reactive spells during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ivy Elemental doesn’t specifically necessitate discarding, but in decks focusing on card synergies, any requirement to discard for other spells can indirectly mitigate its effectiveness since Ivy Elemental’s power is tied to the cards kept in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: A deck including Ivy Elemental must cater to its green mana cost, which can restrict deck-building options, especially in multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The flexibility of Ivy Elemental’s size based on available mana can be a double-edged sword. A significant amount of mana is needed to make it a formidable creature, and that can leave players open to disruption or unable to utilize mana efficiently for other plays within the same turn.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ivy Elemental’s power and toughness are directly tied to the mana invested in it. This scaling ability allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of deck themes, ranging from counter synergy to high-powered ramp strategies.
Combo Potential: This creature’s flexible nature makes it a solid choice for combos. It can be used with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters or to capitalize on effects that double them, amplifying its impact on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature sizes can dictate the flow of battle, Ivy Elemental can adapt to the shifting tides of the meta. It holds its own against a range of threats and can become a formidable force in any match-up.
How to Beat Ivy Elemental
Ivy Elemental is a unique creature in the world of MTG, boasting the ability to enter the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters reflecting the mana invested into its casting. This flexible juggernaut can become a formidable force very quickly, especially in a game that has gone on for several turns, allowing a player to accumulate ample mana.
Overcoming such a versatile threat requires strategic planning. Removal spells that don’t depend on the creature’s power or toughness, such as Path to Exile or Terminate, can effectively deal with Ivy Elemental regardless of its size. Playing with counterspells like Mana Leak can prevent it from ever hitting the board. Additionally, using board wipes such as Wrath of God can reset the playing field, neutralizing the advantage gained from a large Ivy Elemental. Always keep an eye on the mana pool of your opponent, as creatures like Ivy Elemental can turn the tide of battle in a single turn if left unchecked.
Ultimately, the key to beating Ivy Elemental lies in preparedness and maintaining control over the game. Swift removal, strategic counters, and universal reset buttons become indispensable tools in ensuring that this customizable green behemoth doesn’t overgrow your defense.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ivy Elemental MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Planechase, 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 Ivy Elemental 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Ivy Elemental Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2020-04-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 245 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 74 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 3 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 170 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spencer | |
| 4 | 2020-04-24 | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths | IKO | 161 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Uriah Voth |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ivy Elemental has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |