Firebrand Archer — Magic: The Gathering card

Firebrand Archer

{1}{R}
Creature — Human Archer

Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature deals 1 damage to each opponent.

*A word of vengeance, and her arrows awaken in flame.*

Power/Toughness: 2/1

Set Foundations
Rarity Common
Mana Value 2
Artist John Stanko
Collector # 196
Scryfall

Why Play Firebrand Archer

Aggressive spells-matter decks want this cheap threat that converts every instant and sorcery into additional reach damage. The archer shines in burn and prowess strategies where you're already casting multiple noncreature spells per turn, effectively doubling your damage output in multiplayer games. It's particularly effective when you can protect it early and then chain together cheap cantrips or removal spells to pressure opponents' life totals while advancing your board state.

Format Notes

Firebrand Archer sees most play in Pauper burn decks where its common rarity and efficient damage-per-mana ratio make it a format staple. In Commander, it provides excellent value in spell-slinger decks since it hits all opponents simultaneously, making every Lightning Bolt effectively deal 4+ damage total. The card has never faced bans but remains a consistent role-player rather than a format-warping threat across eternal formats.

Combos & Synergies

Young Pyromancer creates an explosive engine alongside Firebrand Archer, generating tokens while dealing incremental damage with every spell cast. Monastery Swiftspear pairs naturally as another cheap threat that grows with your spell-heavy game plan. Storm decks can use Firebrand Archer as an alternate win condition, dealing massive damage when chaining together ritual effects and cantrips, especially in multiplayer pods where the damage scales with opponent count.

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Creature Standard Modern Pioneer