Quick Answer

Abstruse Archaic is a rare Creature — Avatar from CMM (CMM) costing {4}. Current price: $2.6 USD. Legal in Commander.

Abstruse Archaic MTG card

Abstruse Archaic

Creature — Avatar

Card Text

Vigilance {1}, {T}: Copy target activated or triggered ability you control from a colorless source. You may choose new targets for the copy. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)

Unburdened from mortality, archaics wander the Vastlands seeking knowledge only they can comprehend.

Card Stats

3/4 rare CMC: 4.0 CMM CMM 🎨 Hristo D. Chukov
Vigilance

What kind of card is this?

Use these role hubs to find similar staples, upgrades, and answers.

Roles are still being computed for this card.

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$2.60
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$3.49
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€1.65
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€1.40
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-16

Format Legality

Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Legacy Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Vintage Legal

Similar Cards

Other Printings (2 total)

Community Stats

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Decks Using This Card
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Comments

Often Played With

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abstruse Archaic? Basics

Abstruse Archaic is a Creature — Avatar card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "Vigilance {1}, {T}: Copy target activated or triggered ability you control from a colorless source. You may choose new targets for the copy. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)"

How much mana does Abstruse Archaic cost to cast? Basics

Abstruse Archaic has a mana cost of {4}, which equals 4.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It is a colorless card and can be cast with any color of mana.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Abstruse Archaic's mana cost of {4} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Abstruse Archaic has a mana value of 4.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Abstruse Archaic's current oracle text is: "Vigilance {1}, {T}: Copy target activated or triggered ability you control from a colorless source. You may choose new targets for the copy. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)"

What is the current price of Abstruse Archaic? Pricing

The current market price for Abstruse Archaic is approximately $2.6 USD on TCGPlayer.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €1.65 EUR.

Where can I buy Abstruse Archaic? Pricing

You can purchase Abstruse Archaic from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for Abstruse Archaic in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Modern? Legality

Format legality information for Abstruse Archaic in Modern is not available.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Abstruse Archaic is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for Abstruse Archaic in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Legacy? Legality

Abstruse Archaic is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Vintage? Legality

Abstruse Archaic is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Abstruse Archaic legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Abstruse Archaic in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Abstruse Archaic from? Details

This printing of Abstruse Archaic is from CMM (CMM), with collector number 712.

Abstruse Archaic may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Abstruse Archaic's rarity? Details

Abstruse Archaic is a rare card in CMM.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Abstruse Archaic? Details

Abstruse Archaic was illustrated by Hristo D. Chukov.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

What is Abstruse Archaic's power and toughness? Details

Abstruse Archaic is a 3/4 creature.

Power (3) determines how much combat damage the creature deals. Toughness (4) determines how much damage it can take before being destroyed.

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