Archweaver MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	7
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Spider
Abilities	Reach,Trample
Released	2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set name	Return to Ravnica
Set code	RTR
Power	5
Toughness	5
Number	114
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jason Felix

Key Takeaways

Archweaver provides card advantage and can reclaim spells from the graveyard enhancing every play.
The card’s mana acceleration and flexible instant speed play ensure superior battlefield control.
Despite high costs and discard requirements, Archweaver remains a formidable game-changer.

Text of card

Reach, trample

The silk of the archweavers adds structural integrity to otherwise unstable Izzet building sites.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Navigating the battlefield of a game often hinges on who has more resources at their disposal. With Archweaver, you not only receive a formidable creature but also gain access to multiple abilities that could swing the momentum in your favor. The ability to weave spells from your graveyard back into your hand ensures that you’re maximizing the potential of every card.

Resource Acceleration: Archweaver can serve as a catalyst in ramping up your mana resources. Its entwined mana abilities allow you to tap into additional mana sources, propelling you ahead in the race to summon even more powerful creatures and spells. This acceleration can be crucial, especially in the mid to late stages of the game.

Instant Speed: Flexibility during gameplay cannot be overstated, and Archweaver’s instant speed capabilities offer just that. Having the option to summon this creature at the end of your opponent’s turn means you can adapt to the evolving game state, keeping your strategies hidden until the moment is ripe for a counterattack or pivotal play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While evaluating cards with potential, players often scrutinize any additional costs associated with casting them. For Archweaver, one downside is its demand for discarding another card. In Magic the Gathering, maintaining card advantage can be critical, and being forced to discard, especially in a tightly contested game, can leave you at a disadvantage. This is particularly impactful when your hand is nearly depleted, and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Archweaver’s effectiveness is also limited by its specific mana requirements. The need for one green and two other mana types restricts its compatibility, mainly confining it to decks that are purpose-built to accommodate such costs. Players running a multicolored deck or those without a reliable mana base may find it challenging to consistently summon Archweaver when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of seven mana, Archweaver comes at a steep price. Its abilities, while undoubtedly powerful, must be evaluated against the game’s current pace. In situations where speed and efficiency are paramount, the mana investment for Archweaver could be too high, potentially leading players to opt for lower-cost creatures that offer more immediate board presence or other benefits that align better with their game strategy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Archweaver offers a dynamic presence on the battlefield, able to fit seamlessly into spider-themed decks or any green and white builds looking for a solid reach creature. Its unique combination of abilities makes it a versatile defender against aerial threats.

Combo Potential: This card shines in conjunction with effects that trigger when creatures with specific abilities are cast or enter the battlefield. Its dual keywords, reach and trample, may synergize well with cards aiming to maximize creature utility.

Meta-Relevance: Particularly in a meta where fliers are prevalent, Archweaver can act as a deterrent. Its ability to block and potentially take down multiple flyers each turn could shift the momentum in your favor, keeping skies clear and opponents on their toes.

How to beat

Archweaver is a formidable creature card in Magic the Gathering, offering both reach and trample abilities. The mana cost to cast Archweaver is relatively high, but the combined abilities can create advantages on the battlefield. Given its presence, it demands a strategic response.

To effectively counter Archweaver, removal spells are a reliable solution. Cast spells like Murder, Doom Blade, or Path to Exile to remove Archweaver from play regardless of its multiple abilities. Another tactic is to use counter spells to prevent Archweaver from hitting the field in the first place. Essence Scatter and Cancel are great examples as they can neutralize the threat before it becomes active.

In games where Archweaver is already in play, exploiting its high casting cost by disrupting your opponent’s mana base can be effective. Land destruction or mana denial strategies can prevent your opponent from summoning Archweaver or maintaining it on the board. Finally, blocking with creatures that can withstand its damage or using deathtouch creatures to ensure a trade can also be an effective measure to deal with this powerful card.

Cards like Archweaver

Delving into the realm of creature options within Magic: The Gathering, Archweaver garners attention for its versatility on the battlefield. There are other creatures to consider when looking at the utility that Archweaver brings. Giant Spider, for instance, shares the ability to reach and block flying creatures but falls short with lesser strength and toughness. Similarly, Sentinel Spider is another card that offers vigilant reach, though it does not provide the same degree of power as Archweaver.

Juxtaposing Archweaver to something like Spidery Grasp can be insightful as well. While Spidery Grasp is a spell that temporarily gives a creature the ability to reach and untaps it, which could be a surprise defensive play, Archweaver’s constant presence as a creature provides a more permanent and intimidating answer to flying threats. Moreover, Archweaver’s trample ability makes it a dual threat, valuable for both defense and offense.

Ultimately, Archweaver holds its own when compared with similar cards. The combination of high power, reach, and trample gives it a unique position in MTG, representing an imposing force on the board capable of swinging the game’s momentum.

Cards similar to Archweaver by color, type and mana cost

Stone-Tongue Basilisk - MTG Card versions

Thriss, Nantuko Primus - MTG Card versions

Beanstalk Giant // Fertile Footsteps - MTG Card versions

Somberwald Beastmaster - MTG Card versions

Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archweaver MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Archweaver and other MTG cards: