Mystic Archaeologist MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 63s
2018-07-13 - Number 63
2020-07-17 - Number 158
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
: Draw two cards.
The delight of discovery drives the pursuit of knowledge.
Cards like Mystic Archaeologist
Mystic Archaeologist offers a unique touch to the set of mana-efficient card draw engines in Magic: The Gathering. This creature parallels to other draw-capable cards like Azami, Lady of Scrolls, that enable players to extract more value from their deck. However, Mystic Archaeologist lends itself to a more aggressive strategy since it can directly turn mana into cards without requiring other wizards on the battlefield.
The comparison extends to Archmage Emeritus, which thrives in spell-slinging decks, letting you draw each time you cast an instant or sorcery. Mystic Archaeologist doesn’t contingent on casting numerous spells but can be a more reliable source of card advantage as the game progresses and mana pools expand. Jace’s Ingenuity is another card to consider; it also draws cards but at an immediate return of three. While it doesn’t require a significant mana investment up front, like the five mana activation of Mystic Archaeologist, Jace’s Ingenuity lacks the repeatability that the Archaeologist provides.
Eventually, each card brings distinct value to the table, but Mystic Archaeologist remains a formidable option for players looking for a scalable and repeatable draw effect as their mana base develops throughout the game.
Cards similar to Mystic Archaeologist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mystic Archaeologist is a potent draw engine that can keep your hand filled with options. Once you reach five mana, you can activate its ability to draw two cards, strategically keeping you ahead in resources and allowing you to respond to your opponent’s moves effectively.
Resource Acceleration: While Mystic Archaeologist itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it ensures that you consistently find the lands and spells you need when you need them. A well-maintained hand can indirectly lead to quicker deployment of your strategy.
Instant Speed: The card-drawing ability of Mystic Archaeologist can be deployed at instant speed. This flexibility is crucial as it allows you to wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to decide whether to add new cards to your hand or react to threats on the board, optimizing your mana usage each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mystic Archaeologist demands that you use its ability with a careful strategy in mind due to its requirement to discard cards. This can potentially leave you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand and leaving you less equipped to respond to your opponent’s moves.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation cost demands specific mana colors, meaning it can only be maximized in decks that can consistently generate blue mana. This limitation can affect deck-building flexibility and may not fit into every strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a five mana activation cost for its draw ability, Mystic Archaeologist might not be the most mana-efficient option for a deck. Given the pace of many games, the cost can be steep, especially when compared to other card draw options with lower mana investments.
Reasons to Include Mystic Archaeologist in Your Collection
Versatility: Mystic Archaeologist is a highly flexible card that can seamlessly integrate into various blue-based decks. Whether you’re playing control or combo, its ability to draw cards can provide the fuel you need to stay ahead of your opponents.
Combo Potential: With the ability to convert extra mana into card advantage, Mystic Archaeologist pairs well with strategies that untap lands or produce excess mana, thus enabling you to draw large portions of your deck and find the pieces you need for a winning combination.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where information is power, having a reliable source of card advantage like Mystic Archaeologist can be crucial. This card shines in environments where having the right answers at the right time can determine the outcome of the match.
How to beat
Mystic Archaeologist has carved out a niche for itself among blue draw engines in Magic: The Gathering. With a late-game activation ability that allows you to draw cards, this card can be a real powerhouse. However, players facing this spell-slinger need to remember that removing Mystic Archaeologist before its controller can accumulate enough mana to use its ability is key.
Countering this creature as it hits the board is the most straightforward strategy, with removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile offering quick solutions. For those in red or black decks, direct damage spells or -X/-X effects can dispatch the archaeologist without it ever uncovering its secrets. Artifacts like Pithing Needle can also neutralize the Mystic Archaeologist by preventing the activation of its abilities.
In essence, adapting your strategy to include immediate responses to Mystic Archaeologist is crucial. While it may seem innocuous at first, allowing it to remain on the battlefield unchecked can lead to a significant card advantage for your opponent. Always be ready to react promptly to keep its knowledge locked away.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mystic Archaeologist MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 Promos and Core Set 2019, 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 Mystic Archaeologist 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
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Printings
The Mystic Archaeologist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Eric Deschamps.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 Promos | PM19 | 63s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 63 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps | |
| 3 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 158 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Eric Deschamps |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mystic Archaeologist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |