Symbiotic Elf MTG Card
2002-10-07 - Number 288
2011-05-14 - Number 59
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Symbiotic Elf is put into a graveyard from play, put two 1/1 green Insect creature tokens into play.
The elves arriving in Wirewood had no homes, let alone weapons, but they knew that the forest would always provide.
Cards like Symbiotic Elf
Symbiotic Elf is an intriguing card that offers a unique take on creature tokens in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. Drawing parallels with other cards, it bears resemblance to Siege-Gang Commander which is also known for creating multiple creature tokens upon entering the battlefield. Sieve-Gang Commander, however, produces three tokens instead of two and includes the ability to sacrifice a creature for direct damage.
Another card worth mentioning in this context is Jade Mage. Similar to Symbiotic Elf, Jade Mage provides a sustainable source of creature tokens, albeit with a repeatable ability rather than a one-time effect. The cost of the tokens is higher but can be activated multiple times. Then there’s Mycoloth, which devours other creatures to create multiple Saproling tokens during each of your upkeeps, offering a potential advantage for long-term token generation compared to Symbiotic Elf’s immediate but limited token production.
Ultimately, while each of these cards serves the theme of token generation, Symbiotic Elf’s balance between cost, immediate board presence, and resilience against board wipes makes it a notable option for players looking to enhance their token strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Symbiotic Elf by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Symbiotic Elf offers a unique form of card advantage by providing two creatures in one card. When the Elf leaves the battlefield, it creates Insect tokens, effectively replacing itself and potentially adding more creatures to your side of the board than you started with.
Resource Acceleration: Elves are well-known in MTG for their synergy with mana production, and Symbiotic Elf complements this strategy. The Insect tokens it creates can be used with various other cards that capitalize on having multiple creatures, thereby accelerating your resource generation.
Instant Speed: The ability to interact at instant speed is not inherent to the Symbiotic Elf itself, but it fits into Elf decks that often run instant-speed effects. Its presence can deter opponents from attacking or force them to act, while you remain flexible to respond with your own maneuvers at the end of their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Symbiotic Elf card play necessitates discarding another card, which can deplete your hand and potentially leave you at a disadvantage during later stages of gameplay. This trade-off can be particularly painful if you’re forced to let go of a key piece in your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Symbiotic Elf is locked into specific mana colors, which may not always align with your deck’s mana base, especially in multi-colored decks where mana flexibility is crucial.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the abilities of Symbiotic Elf can be beneficial, its mana cost might be considered steep when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. This can slow down your game tempo and make it harder to establish a board presence early on.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Symbiotic Elf serves as a flexible utility card that can effortlessly fit into various elf tribal and token-centric strategies. Its ability to provide additional creatures upon death makes it a multifunctional piece in an array of deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: With the elf’s ability to create insect tokens, it opens up numerous combo possibilities. It works seamlessly with cards that exploit the presence of creatures or tokens, paving the way for powerful synergies and potential game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: Given that elf decks continue to be a prevalent force in various MTG formats, the inclusion of Symbiotic Elf can be highly pertinent. It aligns well with the current trends that favor creature-based strategies, enhancing its value and utility in competitive play.
How to Beat
Symbiotic Elf is a versatile card in MTG that can be quite a nuisance to deal with. Its ability to generate multiple tokens when it dies makes it a persistent threat. However, there are effective strategies to counteract this pesky elf. It’s important to remember that once it hits the graveyard, it can swiftly turn a losing battle into one swarming with insects. To prevent this, one can employ graveyard disruption. Cards like Relic of Progenitus or Bojuka Bog cleanse the graveyard, rendering the Symbiotic Elf’s triggered ability useless.
Another method is to take control of the Elf before it perishes. Through various control spells, one can take possession and use its ability for their own advantage. This can be done with spells like Act of Treason or Control Magic. Alternatively, preventing the death trigger with cards that exile it directly from the battlefield like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares proves to be a clean and effective resolution. These tactics require timing and available resources but are key to maintaining control over the situation the Symbiotic Elf presents.
Thus, with a well-prepared deck and a strategic mindset, the Symbiotic Elf can be transformed from a threat to a mere stepping stone towards victory in your next MTG match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Symbiotic Elf MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia, 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 Symbiotic Elf 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 Symbiotic Elf Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2011-05-14. Illustrated by Wayne England.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-10-07 | Onslaught | ONS | 288 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Wayne England | |
| 2 | 2011-05-14 | Duel Decks: Mirrodin Pure vs. New Phyrexia | TD2 | 59 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Wayne England |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Symbiotic Elf has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |