Elvish Soultiller MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Elf Mutant
Released	2003-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Legions
Set code	LGN
Power	5
Toughness	4
Number	124
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ron Spears

Key Takeaways

Elvish Soultiller revitalizes decks by returning creatures from the graveyard to the library.
Integral to elf decks, it boosts mana generation, aiding in dominating plays.
Requires strategic play due to its specific mana needs and five mana cost.

Text of card

When Elvish Soultiller is put into a graveyard from play, choose a creature type. Shuffle all creature cards of that type from your graveyard into your library.

Mutated elves wondered if this was their final form, or if it was just another step.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elvish Soultiller offers a unique benefit by shuffling all creature cards from your graveyard back into your library upon its departure from the battlefield. This not only replenishes your deck but it also increases your chances of drawing key creatures in longer games, ensuring sustained card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: As a member of the elf tribe, Elvish Soultiller can be a crucial piece in elf-based strategies known for their ability to produce vast amounts of mana. It synergizes with elves that tap for mana, contributing to the acceleration of resources that can overwhelm opponents.

Instant Speed: While the card itself does not operate at instant speed, it influences game states where instant-speed interaction is prevalent. Its death trigger is a deterrent against board wipes and removal spells, making opponents think twice before using such effects, thereby giving you an inherent advantage in timing your plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When you play Elvish Soultiller, it necessitates a larger investment beyond its initial casting cost. To fully utilize its potential, you’ll need to have a substantial graveyard, which means discarding valuable cards beforehand—a strategy which can leave you at a disadvantage if your hand is already scarce on options.

Specific Mana Cost: Elvish Soultiller comes with a mana cost that specifically requires both green and generic mana. This can be restrictive as it demands a dedication to green mana sources, making the card less flexible in multicolored decks that might not always have the requisite green mana readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing five mana to summon, Elvish Soultiller can be seen as a significant investment, especially in formats where the pace of gameplay is quick and players may opt for creatures with lower mana costs that offer immediate impact on the board state.

Reasons to Include Elvish Soultiller in Your Collection

Versatility: Elvish Soultiller serves multiple roles in a deck, excelling in strategies that require graveyard shuffling and creature recovery. It can become a key part of both aggressive and midrange Elf decks.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that manipulate the graveyard, Elvish Soultiller can be the linchpin of a powerful combo, repeatedly recycling elves for an overwhelming board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where graveyard strategies are prevalent, having Elvish Soultiller can be a strategic counter, ensuring your key creatures come back to your deck while disrupting opponents’ graveyard plans.

How to Beat

The Elvish Soultiller can be a tricky adversary on the battlefield with its ability to recycle creatures from your graveyard back into your library. To turn the tables on this creature, you want to ensure it doesn’t activate its ability in the first place. Control strategies that use exile effects, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, can effectively remove the Elvish Soultiller without triggering its ability.

Targeted discard spells that force a player to discard a card from their hand, such as Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, potentially discarding the Soultiller before it even hits the field. Likewise, counterspells are your friend against a card like Elvish Soultiller. Countering it upon casting ensures that the creature does not impact the board state, leaving your opponent without their planned graveyard recursion.

Bearing these strategies in mind, you can remain one step ahead of the Elvish Soultiller and maintain dominance over the board. Managing this card effectively depends on preemptive measures and taking advantage of the myriad of removal and control options available within the game.

Cards like Elvish Soultiller

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Elvish Soultiller finds itself among an elite set of creatures that reshuffle cards from your graveyard back into your library. Much like the Gaea’s Blessing, its ability to protect your deck from being depleted is invaluable but with the added advantage of being embodied in a creature. Gaea’s Blessing, however, doesn’t require a mana investment once in the graveyard and targets two specific cards rather than all creature cards.

Elixir of Immortality is another companion in this category, offering a similar graveyard shuffling effect plus the added benefit of gaining 5 life. The Elixir, though, is not a creature and can be a more versatile option since it’s an artifact that fits into any deck, not just those with green mana. While Elvish Soultiller has to be destroyed to trigger its ability, the Elixir’s can be activated any time you have the mana to spare.

Considering the unique roles that creatures like Elvish Soultiller play, players who seek to guard against mill strategies or desire to re-utilize their creature cards find immense value in such a card, especially within creature-heavy decks where its effect can be fully maximized.

Elixir of Immortality - MTG Card versions

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

Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

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