Skeleton Archer MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 118
2019-07-12 - Number 324
2019-11-07 - Number 775
2020-07-03 - Number 123
2020-08-13 - Number 61
2022-07-08 - Number 90
2020-09-26 - Number M19-118
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Skeleton Archer |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Skeleton Archer enters the battlefield, it deals 1 damage to any target.
"When it comes to killing with precision, a soul is but a hindrance." —Isareth the Awakener
Cards like Skeleton Archer
Skeleton Archer presents an intriguing dynamic in Magic: The Gathering’s roster of creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects. It shares a commonality with cards like Elvish Visionary, both providing immediate value upon hitting the battlefield. While the Elvish Visionary offers card draw, Skeleton Archer deals damage directly to any target, a utility that can be crucial for removing key threats or closing out a game.
Another card that echoes a related theme is Thornbow Archer. Both cards are part of the skeleton tribe, which can be beneficial in a deck focused on tribal synergies. However, Thornbow Archer is angled more towards offensive strategies with its ability to chip away at the opponent’s life total when attacking, as compared to Skeleton Archer’s direct damage capability.
Comparatively, when delving into the variety of creature cards with impactful arrival abilities, Skeleton Archer holds a nice niche. Its ability to snipe creatures or directly target opponents gives it a degree of versatility that can be significant in the right deck, setting it apart from other creatures in its class.
Cards similar to Skeleton Archer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Adds valuable utility by eliminating an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield, potentially tipping the card balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or tokens, efficiently managing threats can indirectly accelerate your game plan by requiring less resources to control the board later on.
Instant Speed: The Skeleton Archer’s ability triggers upon hitting the battlefield, functioning similarly to an instant by giving you the advantage of immediate impact – especially during your main phases or after an unsuspected flash play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging a Skeleton Archer in your play requires a calculated risk, as it necessitates discarding another card from your hand. This trade-off can leave you at a strategic disadvantage, especially when your hand is already sparse.
Specific Mana Cost: The Skeleton Archer demands a precise combination of mana, including one black. This requirement can potentially restrict the card’s incorporation into multicolored decks or strategies not focused on black mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the upper end of the curve for its effects, the Skeleton Archer could be considered a costly investment when evaluating the balance between mana expenditure and in-game impact. Alternate cards may provide a similar or improved effect for less, leaving room to question the Archer’s efficiency.
Reasons to Include Skeleton Archer in Your Collection
Versatility: The Skeleton Archer offers a unique balance of creature control and battlefield presence, capable of slotting into a variety of deck archetypes such as those focused on deathtouch synergies or undead themes.
Combo Potential: Its ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield lends itself to various combos, particularly with cards that care about targeting or damaging other creatures, or those that benefit from death triggers and graveyard mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where small creatures are prevalent, the Skeleton Archer can be a relevant inclusion. Its immediate impact on the board can disrupt opponents’ plays, making it useful in a meta that’s heavy on utility creatures and token strategies.
How to beat
Skeleton Archer stands out in the wide array of creature cards available in Magic: The Gathering. Its unique ability to deal one damage to any target upon entering the battlefield makes it a versatile choice for players seeking to tip the scales in their favor. This direct damage can disrupt an opponent’s strategy, especially if they rely on creatures with one toughness or are attempting to maintain a planeswalker on the field.
To effectively counter the Skeleton Archer, consider using creature cards with higher toughness to absorb the initial hit. This will nullify the impact of its entry effect. Additionally, having instant-speed removal spells in your hand can swiftly eliminate the Skeleton Archer before its presence can affect the board state significantly. Creatures with hexproof or protection from black are also effective, as Skeleton Archer’s ability is rendered ineffective against them, providing a robust defense against its targeted damage.
Navigating against a Skeleton Archer requires a strategic approach that blends timely removal with robust creature defense. By anticipating its arrival and preparing your board accordingly, you can mitigate its impact and maintain control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Skeleton Archer MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2020, 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 Skeleton Archer 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 Skeleton Archer Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Randy Vargas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 324 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 775 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 4 | 2020-07-03 | Core Set 2021 | M21 | 123 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 5 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | |
| 6 | The List | PLST | M19-118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas | ||
| 7 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 90 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Randy Vargas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Skeleton Archer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |