Elvish Pathcutter MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Elf Scout
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	256
Frame	1997
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Todd Lockwood

Key Takeaways

Provides card advantage through deck thinning, increasing the odds of drawing impactful cards in later turns.
Allows lands to fulfill dual roles, enhancing their productivity and serving as a form of resource acceleration.
Instant speed ability grants flexibility in gameplay, maintaining an element of surprise and resource allocation.

Text of card

o G: Target Elf gains forestwalk until end of turn.

In harsh times, the strongest currency is cooperation.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elvish Pathcutter can help you generate card advantage by allowing for consistent deck thinning. Every time you activate its ability, you’re slightly increasing your chances to draw into more impactful cards rather than land later in the game.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly producing additional mana, Elvish Pathcutter enables your lands to be more productive by turning them into versatile threats. This transformation of utility can be seen as a form of resource acceleration since your existing lands serve an additional purpose.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Elvish Pathcutter’s skill at instant speed gives you flexibility during gameplay. You can wait until your opponent’s end of turn to activate the ability, thereby keeping up the element of surprise and retaining mana for other potential instant-speed interactions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Elvish Pathcutter comes with a notable downside that could deter some players. To harness its full potential, players are obliged to part with another card from their hand, which could deplete resources and leave them in a precarious position, especially if they are already running low.

Specific Mana Cost: Mana composition is critical in Magic the Gathering, and Elvish Pathcutter demands a specific set of mana colors. This can necessitate a particular deck build and might make it difficult for players operating with a more diverse mana base to include it in their line-up.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When examining Elvish Pathcutter within the wider context of available cards, its mana cost may appear on the higher end for the abilities it offers. MTG players typically look for cost-effective creatures, and there are alternatives in the format that could convey more value or similar effects for less, enhancing overall deck efficiency.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Elvish Pathcutter affirms its place in many deck archetypes with its ability to unlock mana sources by altering the very landscape of the battlefield. Its seamless integration into ramp or elf tribal decks marks it as a flexible addition to your card arsenal.

Combo Potential: This card opens up the board for numerous synergies. Whether it’s paving the way for colossal creatures or setting up intricate elf-based combos, Elvish Pathcutter serves as a catalyst for powerful play sequences that can lead to game-winning turns.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where the state of play can shift rapidly, adapting to the ebb and flow is key. Elvish Pathcutter provides strategic advantage that is well-suited for an environment filled with creature decks, making it a worthwhile contestant in the ever-evolving meta.

How to beat

Elvish Pathcutter can pose a tricky challenge on the battlefield with its ability to make creatures unblockable. When facing an opponent using this green creature, understanding its capabilities is crucial. To counter this threat effectively, consider utilizing removal spells before it can activate its ability, such as Murder or Path to Exile which can dispatch it directly from the field.

Additionally, one can use instant-speed interaction to disrupt the enemy during their combat phase. This can include spells like Shock or Lightning Bolt, capable of taking out the Elvish Pathcutter before it declares attackers. Ensnaring cards like Pacifism or Claustrophobia can also neutralize the creature without resorting to outright destruction, preventing any of its abilities from being used.

Lastly, always manage your board presence, keeping creatures that can serve as efficient blockers or ones that have reach. These can dissuade your opponent from paying the cost to make a creature unblockable if they risk losing their Elvish Pathcutter. By employing these strategies, you can mitigate the impact of Elvish Pathcutter and maintain control of the game.

Cards like Elvish Pathcutter

Elvish Pathcutter emerges as a unique utility creature within Magic: The Gathering’s vast repertoire. A contrast can be made with Elvish Pioneer, another card with the ability to shape the battlefield by placing lands onto the table. While Elvish Pioneer has immediate land impact, Elvish Pathcutter requires a more strategic approach, with its ability to turn lands into tools for creature evasion.

In a similar category, we find Llanowar Scout. Sharing the thematic connection with lands, this card instead gives players the power to directly place lands from their hand onto the battlefield, offering a reliable ramp but lacking the tactical land manipulation offered by Elvish Pathcutter. Then there’s Farhaven Elf, which enters the field and outright fetches a land to the battlefield, providing instant gratification in terms of mana acceleration but not the ongoing board influence experienced with Elvish Pathcutter.

Assessing these alternatives showcases Elvish Pathcutter’s potential for creating unblockable pathways, making it a versatile choice for players seeking to employ their lands beyond mere mana resources. It carves its niche as a facilitator for strategic plays that require foresight and tactical positioning within the MTG ecosystem.

Cards similar to Elvish Pathcutter by color, type and mana cost

Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions

Viridian Lorebearers - MTG Card versions

Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions

Carnivorous Plant - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)

Erhnam Djinn - Pro Tour Collector Set (PTC)

War Mammoth - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)

Lhurgoyf - World Championship Decks 1997 (WC97)

Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elvish Pathcutter MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Elvish Pathcutter and other MTG cards: