Krosan Archer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Centaur Archer |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 246 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spears |
Text of card
Krosan Archer may block as though it had flying. o G, Discard a card from your hand: Krosan Archer gets +0/+2 until end of turn.
Cards like Krosan Archer
The Krosan Archer makes an interesting comparison amidst its fellow archers and creature cards with reach within Magic: The Gathering. Like its constituent Krosan brethren, the Krosan Archer allows players to block flying creatures, a feature reminiscent of cards like Giant Spider, a longstanding choice for reach. However, the Krosan Archer holds the upper hand with its flexibility, offering to untap for just a single green mana, which translates to a potential defense against multiple flying attackers in one turn cycle.
Looking towards cards like Norwood Archers or Thornweald Archer, we see the inherent value in reach and other dynamics at play. Norwood Archers can’t match the reactive potential of Krosan Archer owing to the absence of self-untap abilities. Thornweald Archer, conversely, brings death touch to the table, making it lethal to any creature it blocks or becomes blocked by, irrespective of toughness. These distinctions showcase the Krosan Archer’s niche as a steadfast guardian against aerial threats – flexibility over finality.
In the grand scope of MTG’s vast library, the Krosan Archer serves as a testament to Green’s philosophy of natural defense, harmonizing with the archetype’s intent to offer versatile and resilient solutions against evasive creature strategies.
Cards similar to Krosan Archer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Krosan Archer MTG card offers an edge by potentially replacing itself in your hand. When played effectively, this can help you maintain pressure on your opponent while keeping your hand stocked with actionable options.
Resource Acceleration: If Krosan Archer is included in a deck that benefits from creatures entering the battlefield or from death triggers, it can serve as a catalyst for additional plays. This can potentially ramp up your board state, gaining speed against the opposition.
Instant Speed: The flash ability of Krosan Archer allows you to be strategic with your plays. Cast it during the end of your opponent’s turn to optimize mana usage and maintain the element of surprise, giving you the upper hand in battle tactics.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Krosan Archer commands players to discard another card as part of its ability activation. This can deplete your hand quickly, particularly if you’re depending on every card to execute your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: To summon the Krosan Archer, you need not only a significant amount of mana but also a specific combination that includes green. This can be restrictive, necessitating deck builders to tailor their land base specifically to accommodate it, which might not always align with their strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost, the Krosan Archer may arrive on the battlefield later than desired. In fast-paced games, the time lost could be a critical disadvantage, allowing opponents to establish board dominance while you’re still setting up your resources.
Reasons to Include Krosan Archer in Your Collection
Versatility: Krosan Archer is adaptable across different decks and play styles. Its Reach ability allows it to serve as both an offensive player and a defense against flying creatures.
Combo Potential: This card has potential in combos, especially in decks built around creatures and abilities that are boosted by the presence of archers or other types.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the meta, its ability to thwart flying attackers can be quite relevant, particularly if aerial threats are common in current gameplay.
How to beat
The Krosan Archer is an intriguing creature card steeped in the rich lore of MTG. Its strength lies within its utility to thwart flying creatures, a common menace in various MTG formats. To effectively counter a Krosan Archer, you need a strategy that does not rely heavily on aerial assaults. Ground-based creatures, especially those with trample or high-power stats, can be your best bet in overcoming the defensive prowess of the Krosan Archer.
Another tactic is employing removal spells. Options like Murder or Doom Blade, for the black mana players, can effortlessly send the Krosan Archer to the graveyard before it has the chance to lock down the skies. Similarly, red mana players can leverage burn spells like Lightning Bolt to quickly dispatch the Krosan Archer, neutralizing the threat with efficiency.
Strategic planning is essential in MTG, and considering the Krosan Archer’s reach ability, it’s vital to devise a game plan that either circumvents its defensive capabilities or removes it from the field entirely. By adhering to these approaches, the Krosan Archer can be effectively managed, maintaining the momentum of your MTG gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Krosan Archer MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Krosan Archer 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Krosan Archer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |