The 5 Best Elf Cards In MTG (2023)
Elves have long been a staple in the Magic universe, weaving their way into the game’s tapestry since its inception. As one of the most beloved creature types in Magic’s storied history, Elves are renowned for swarming the battlefield with a myriad of nimble creatures, many of whom are adept mana producers.
Couple that with their potent lord abilities that bolster the ranks, and you have a tribe that can dominate by going wide with sheer force.
Today, we’ll delve into the most pivotal, impactful, and legendary Elves that have graced the game.
The 5 Best Elf Cards In MTG 2023
1. Deathrite Shaman
Ah, Deathrite Shaman. Once a titan in the Magic world, now largely a relic of its past glory. Often dubbed the “one-mana planeswalker” due to its immense power, it reigned supreme in any format with fetchlands. Its dominance was so pronounced that it ended up being banned not just in Modern but also in Legacy.
With the ability to ramp up your mana on the second turn, either hasten the game’s end through life depletion or sustain you with life boosts, and simultaneously decimate opponent graveyards, it was a force to be reckoned with.
But its vast capabilities came at a minimal cost, leading to its downfall. Nowadays, it occasionally makes an appearance in Commander decks, but it’s a far cry from its heyday.
2. Arwen, Weaver of Hope
Arwen, Weaver of Hope is indeed an intriguing choice, and while it’s speculative, there’s potential merit to the idea. On the surface, granting an additional +1/+1 counter to a creature as it enters the battlefield might seem modest. However, when you factor in Arwen’s uncapped toughness potential and the propensity of Elf decks to amplify their smaller creatures with lords, things get interesting.
Imagine the scenario: Arwen, bolstered by a few lords, turns even the humble Llanowar Elves into formidable 4/4s upon entry. This not only changes the dynamics of the board but also forces opponents to reconsider their strategies. In the context of dedicated +1/+1 counter decks, her ability can be further exploited, making her a potential cornerstone for such builds.
While it’s early days for Arwen, Weaver of Hope, the card certainly has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the right deck environment.
3. Ezuri, Renegade Leader
Ezuri, a renowned elven powerhouse, might not be the star of Legacy Elves due to the deck’s inclination towards the mighty Craterhoof Behemoth, but he certainly hasn’t faded into obscurity. In Modern, where Elves still have a presence, albeit on the competitive outskirts, Ezuri’s Overrun ability remains a potent mana sink.
His appeal isn’t limited to Modern, though. In the realm of EDH, he’s a favored choice for mono-green Elf deck commanders. Even when he’s not leading the charge, he’s often found in the 99, serving as an excellent outlet for the abundant mana that Elf decks excel at producing. And let’s not forget his regenerate ability – a thorn in the side of many opponents, making their strategic moves all the more challenging.
4. Reclamation Sage
Reclamation Sage, at first glance, might seem like just another card. But in reality, it filled a significant gap when it was introduced. Before its arrival, players had limited options for creatures with enter-the-battlefield Disenchant effects.
Kor Sanctifiers and Indrik Stomphowler, while effective, were priced out of competitive play due to their mana costs. Harmonic Sliver, on the other hand, was restricted by its multicolored nature.
Enter Reclamation Sage: a perfectly balanced card at three mana, boasting a respectable 2/1 body, and crucially, it’s monocolored. The cherry on top? It’s an Elf! This made it an ideal fit for competitive Elf decks, serving as an in-deck tool for disruption.
Its utility and versatility have ensured its continued popularity, and to this day, it finds a home in numerous Commander decks worldwide.
5. Oracle of Mul Daya
Oracle of Mul Daya might not be brimming with Elf synergies, but what it lacks in tribal connections, it more than compensates for in sheer power. The ability to play an extra land is a boon, but the real game-changer is its capacity to play those lands straight from the top of your library.
This not only accelerates your mana but also streamlines your draws, ensuring you’re more likely to pull into action cards. As you lay down lands from the deck’s top, you’re essentially filtering your draws, leading to a hand packed with potential threats.
Its vulnerability as a 2/2 for four mana is a drawback, but its impact on the game often overshadows this frailty. I recall the days when this card’s price tag hovered around the $50 mark, making it a sought-after gem. Thankfully, reprints in sets like Jumpstart and Double Masters have made this powerhouse more accessible to players.
