Urborg Elf MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elf Druid
Released	2001-06-04
Set symbol
Set name	Apocalypse
Set code	APC
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	90
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Bob Petillo

Key Takeaways

Urborg Elf taps for three mana colors, increasing spell-casting options and deck versatility.
Activating its ability requires specific mana and can be resource-intensive in multi-colored decks.
Despite a higher casting cost, its mana fixing and combo enabler traits make it a strategic pick.

Text of card

oc T: Add o G, o U, or o B to your mana pool.

The elves of Urborg are as deadly and capricious as the swamp itself.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Urborg Elf can tap for three different colors of mana, potentially unlocking a wider variety of spells in your hand than a typical one-color mana dork would.

Resource Acceleration: The versatility of Urborg Elf in providing three different mana types aids in efficient resource acceleration, ensuring you’re not left searching for the right color to play key spells.

Instant Speed: While Urborg Elf itself may not have instant speed, its ability to provide multiple mana types instantly after summoning sickness can enable you to cast various instant speed spells during your opponent’s turn, keeping you nimble and responsive.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Urborg Elf necessitates the discarding of a card, which can be a strategic setback when your hand is already depleting.

Specific Mana Cost: Its activation requires a distinct blend of mana types, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-colored decks that might not align with its mana demands.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its abilities are beneficial, the mana investment to get Urborg Elf on the field is relatively steep considering alternative mana dorks or accelerators available.

Reasons to Include Urborg Elf in Your Collection

Versatility: Urborg Elf stands out as a highly adaptable card, offering mana fixing capabilities which can be crucial in multicolored decks. Its ability to tap for black, green, or white mana makes it an asset for any player looking to diversify their mana resources and stabilize their early game.

Combo Potential: Due to its capacity for providing three different types of mana, Urborg Elf can play a pivotal role in enabling combo plays. It can help cast a wider range of spells much earlier than usual, contributing to powerful synergy in decks engineered around multicolor combos.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where players utilize a variety of mana-intensive strategies, Urborg Elf becomes an instrumental addition to your deck. It adapts to the meta by providing the flexibility needed to respond to diverse threats and opportunities, all while maintaining a streamlined and efficient mana base.

How to beat

The Urborg Elf is a versatile mana-fixer on the battlefield. Its ability to tap for black, green, or white mana makes it a valuable asset in multicolor decks. To effectively counter this card, one should consider disabling its mana generation potential. Targeted removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively remove the elf from play before it can be a major influence. Board wipes like Wrath of God are also useful as they can clear multiple creatures, including mana dorks like the Urborg Elf.

In a more strategic approach, cutting off the resources the Urborg Elf aims to accelerate can leave the opponent’s plans hindered. Land destruction or counter-spells can be useful in disrupting the plays intended by utilizing the elf’s mana. It is also worth noting that because of its low toughness, simple damage spells or abilities that don’t typically warrant a spell slot can be used to handle the Urborg Elf economically. Smart management of removal and understanding when to disrupt your opponent’s mana can turn the tides of the game in your favor against an Urborg Elf.

BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the intricacies of mana acceleration and deck versatility is key in the dynamic world of MTG. Urborg Elf emerges as a distinctive choice for crafting a multi-colored deck, adept at navigating the mana curve with ease. If you appreciate strategic depth and seek to enhance your game with a card that offers stability and adaptability, Urborg Elf is a gem worth considering. Delve deeper into its unique combo potential and strategic applications by joining our insightful discussions. Expand your MTG knowledge with us and optimize your deck to outmaneuver the competition on the battlefield.

Cards like Urborg Elf

The Urborg Elf is a versatile creature in the world of MTG, reminiscent of cards like Llanowar Elves, which has been a staple for mana acceleration. Both cards provide a mana ramp, but the Urborg Elf stands out due to its ability to tap for black or green mana, making it a flexible option for multi-colored decks. Llanowar Elves, however, can only provide green mana, though it does so at a lower cost of just one green mana to play.

Elvish Mystic is another card similar to Urborg Elf, allowing for rapid mana growth. The difference lies in the fact that Elvish Mystic produces only green mana and requires less investment to get on the field. Birds of Paradise offers an even wider range of mana options, generating any color, but it flies high with a higher mana value. The flying trait gives it defensive utility, something the Urborg Elf lacks.

While assessing the potential of multi-colored decks, Urborg Elf fits splendidly, offering versatility in mana generation. It gives players tactical flexibility, crucial for adapting to various game scenarios, marking its unique value among mana dorks in MTG.

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

Where to buy

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