Elf Replica MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Elf
Released	2003-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Mirrodin
Set code	MRD
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	167
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Carl Critchlow

Key Takeaways

Elf Replica enhances elf decks with card draw mechanics and mana acceleration, improving both tempo and resources.
Ability to sacrifice itself at instant speed offers strategic advantage by disrupting opponent artifacts whenever necessary.
Demands precise mana and card discard, which may restrict its use and can be costly in certain game states.

Text of card

, Sacrifice Elf Replica: Destroy target enchantment.

It hunts with unnerving ferocity.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elf Replica not only aids in maintaining a solid battlefield presence, but it also harmonizes well with decks focusing on elf synergies. This inclusion can lead to drawing more cards as it complements strategies that draw cards whenever an elf enters the battlefield or through tribal bonuses common in elf-themed decks.

Resource Acceleration: By aligning with the typical elf deck’s mantra of producing extra mana, Elf Replica can expedite your mana development, granting you the ability to cast more demanding spells ahead of schedule. This is particularly beneficial in formats where tempo gains can pivot the direction of a duel.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, its destructibility at will aligns it with the adaptability native to instant speed actions. By having the ability to sacrifice Elf Replica at convenience, it provides a strategic edge, allowing you to dismantle key artifacts at the most opportune moments—during an opponent’s turn or in response to critical plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Elf Replica card demands the discard of another card from your hand, which can be detrimental during games where maintaining a strong hand is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost mandates a precise arrangement of mana types, potentially limiting its inclusion only to decks that can reliably produce the necessary mana colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given its abilities and impact on the game, Elf Replica comes with a mana cost that might be considered steep compared to other creatures in the same category, making it less efficient in fast-paced matches where lower-cost creatures could be more beneficial.

Reasons to Include Elf Replica in Your Collection

Versatility: Elf Replica is a flexible card that can be slotted into numerous deck archetypes. Its utility lies in its ability to act as both a creature and an artifact, which can be beneficial for decks that capitalize on either card type.

Combo Potential: With the ability to sacrifice itself to destroy target enchantment, Elf Replica is great for clearing the way for your own enchantress strategy or disrupting your opponent’s plays. It can seamlessly integrate into synergistic decks that benefit from self-sacrifice for greater effects.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the prevailing deck styles and popular enchantments in the game, Elf Replica could serve as an important tool for maintaining an edge. Its capacity to remove key enchantments makes it a strategic choice against decks that rely heavily on enchantments to win.

How to beat

The Elf Replica card presents a unique set of challenges to overcome in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This artifact creature is not only affordable to play but also has the ability to deal with green creatures by sacrificing itself, which is a trait often associated with Elf synergies. However, this doesn’t mean the card is unbeatable.

To effectively counter Elf Replica, consider employing strategies that limit the usefulness of its sacrifice ability. Board control spells that don’t target, such as wrath effects, can clear the replica without triggering its ability. Additionally, opting for creatures with higher toughness or with abilities that provide protection against artifact creatures can diminish the Elf Replica’s impact on the game.

Another avenue is to capitalize on the card’s timing. Since it requires a tap action to activate its ability, summoning sickness can delay its effect. Swift removal spells or those that neutralize creature abilities can be key to rendering the Elf Replica harmless. By understanding and interrupting the links in your opponent’s strategy that involve the Elf Replica, you can navigate around this card and maintain the upper hand.

Cards like Elf Replica

Elf Replica, a unique artifact creature in MTG, enters the playfield with its own niche alongside other similar mana-efficient creatures. Like Elf Replica, cards such as Phyrexian Revoker and Pithing Needle offer players the ability to interfere with the utility of their opponent’s nonland cards. While Elf Replica requires activation and sacrifices itself for the cause, thereby providing a one-shot solution, Phyrexian Revoker brings the ability to choose a nonland card and passively restrict its activation without the need to sacrifice it.

Another card worth mentioning is Nullmage Shepherd, which also delivers a way to destroy artifacts and enchantments. However, Nullmage Shepherd has a distinct advantage by being reusable, provided you can tap it along with three other creatures you control. This recurring utility can be more valuable in scenarios where a continuous threat from artifacts and enchantments needs to be kept in check. On the flip side, Elf Replica’s artifact nature means it’s less vulnerable to the common creature removal that may hinder a creature-based strategy like Nullmage Shepherd.

In evaluating the various options for artifact and enchantment removal within the game, Elf Replica stands out for its low-cost removal potential and artifact synergies, marking its place among those who favor more immediate or artifact-centric strategies in their MTG decks.

Cards similar to Elf Replica by color, type and mana cost

Scepter of Celebration - MTG Card versions

Lifecrafter's Bestiary - MTG Card versions

Saddle of the Cavalier - MTG Card versions

Jade Orb of Dragonkind - MTG Card versions

A-Jade Orb of Dragonkind - MTG Card versions

Vegetation Abomination - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elf Replica MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin, 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 Elf Replica and other MTG cards: