Argothian Elder MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elf Druid
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Argothian Elder bolsters card advantage by efficiently maximizing land utility within a single turn cycle.
  2. Enables explosive plays through resource acceleration, especially with multi-mana lands or untapping combos.
  3. Combines with instant-speed untappers, optimizing mana usage and maintaining the element of surprise.

Text of card

oc T: Untap two target lands.

Sharpen your ears —Elvish expression meaning "grow wiser"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Argothian Elder can be a pivotal piece in decks that aim to maximize land utility. Acting beyond just a creature, it allows players to untap two lands, setting them up for potential multiple uses within a single turn cycle. This skill effectively provides an indirect form of card advantage as it enhances the usability of lands which can lead to drawing more cards or playing additional spells.

Resource Acceleration: Paired with land that can produce more than one mana or with combo pieces that respond to untapping, Argothian Elder is a quintessential component for resource acceleration. It can facilitate explosive turns where you can generate large amounts of mana, propelling you ahead of your adversaries and allowing for swift execution of your game plan.

Instant Speed: Although the Elder itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its ability can be utilized alongside cards that untap creatures at instant speed. This synergy permits a savvy player to keep mana available for reactive plays and then, if left unused, to untap lands with the Elder’s ability at the end of an opponent’s turn, thus optimizing mana usage and maintaining the element of surprise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Argothian Elder does not inherently impact the board or hand on cast, which may be a liability against aggressive strategies that put immediate pressure on life totals.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green and colorless mana makes the Elder less adaptable in multicolored decks that might struggle with consistent mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, Argothian Elder’s ability to untap lands may come into play after your crucial ramping phase, potentially reducing its acceleration impact when most needed.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Argothian Elder slides easily into various decks, becoming a key piece for those that hinge on untapping lands for mana acceleration or synergy with land-related abilities.

Combo Potential: This card can be a formidable combo enabler when paired with lands like Maze of Ith or any that produce multiple mana, setting up the potential for infinite mana in the right circumstances.

Meta-Relevance: As metas shift towards strategies that leverage land dynamics, Argothian Elder gains significance due to its ability to interact favorably with these ever-evolving gameplay mechanics.


How to beat

The Argothian Elder plays a pivotal role in decks that leverage land untapping mechanics within the Magic: The Gathering universe. This card grows exceptionally powerful in scenarios where it can tap for multiple mana sources or perhaps untap lands enchanted by cards like Wild Growth or Utopia Sprawl.

To effectively counter the strategy that Argothian Elder enables, you’ll want to include removal spells in your deck like Path to Exile or Fatal Push that can take it off the board before its ability can be exploited for significant advantage. Additionally, cards that prevent your opponent from untapping lands, such as Tangle Wire or Stasis, could thwart the tempo that an Argothian Elder-based strategy typically relies on. Spot removal during your opponent’s upkeep or utilizing instant speed spells that disrupt their battle phase can also mitigate the synergy this card tries to establish.

Stripping your opponent of the synergy that Argothian Elder provides is essential for maintaining control of the game. Careful observation of their mana pool and restraining their resources can guide you to victory against decks that utilize this powerful utility creature.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the subtleties of MTG, the Argothian Elder emerges as a tactical asset for any player aiming to maximize the utility of their lands. Its synergy with various cards opens the door for potential infinite mana scenarios, propelling your arsenal to new heights. To harness its full potential, include versatile removal spells in your deck, countering opponents’ threats and maintaining the upper hand. The Elder is an investment in strategic gameplay and a nod to future meta shifts. Enhance your collection, optimize your deck and secure your victories with the myriad possibilities Argothian Elder provides.


Cards like Argothian Elder

The Argothian Elder is a card that resonates well with players who appreciate untapping potential in Magic: The Gathering. This card subtly mirrors the abilities of cards like Voyaging Satyr and Krosan Restorer, which also focus on untapping lands. The sheer power of Argothian Elder lies in its ability to untap two lands simultaneously, which can be a significant advantage over the Satyr’s single land focus.

Delving deeper into comparisons, Krosan Restorer can tap to untap up to three lands, but that’s contingent on achieving threshold which requires seven or more cards in your graveyard – a condition the Elder doesn’t require. On the flip side, the Elder distinguishes itself with its 2/2 body, offering more than just an untap ability; it can be a considerable blocker or attacker when the opportunity arises.

Assessing the utility and flexibility of Argothian Elder against its counterparts, the card surely holds its ground as a valuable utility player in many MTG decks, especially in those built around land synergies and combo potential.

Voyaging Satyr - MTG Card versions
Krosan Restorer - MTG Card versions
Voyaging Satyr - MTG Card versions
Krosan Restorer - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Argothian Elder MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Battle Royale Box Set, 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 Argothian Elder and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Argothian Elder Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 1999-11-12. Illustrated by DiTerlizzi.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 2331997NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
21999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 61997NormalWhiteDiTerlizzi
32020-09-26The ListPLST USG-2331997NormalBlackDiTerlizzi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Argothian Elder has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Argothian Elder card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 The ability can target an already untapped land.
2004-10-04 The ability must target two different lands. It can’t be activated if there is just one land to target.

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