Arcus Acolyte MTG Card


Arcus Acolyte allows for deck filtering, providing a steady stream of resources and strategic play. It offers accelerated resource development with the potential to swiftly amplify board presence. Despite its potential, the card requires significant mana and other cards to be effective.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Cleric Archer
Abilities Lifelink,Outlast,Reach
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Reach, lifelink Outlast {G/W} ({G/W}, : Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature. Outlast only as a sorcery.) Each other creature you control without a +1/+1 counter on it has outlast {G/W}.

"Archery requires holding an enormous amount of tension and making it look effortless."


Cards like Arcus Acolyte

Arcus Acolyte slots into the Magic: The Gathering realm as a creature that supports +1/+1 counter strategies. Within this space, it echoes similarities with cards like Juniper Order Ranger. Both cards empower other creatures by distributing +1/+1 counters, although Arcus Acolyte offers this boost whenever you gain life, whereas the Ranger does it whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control.

Another relative in this arena is the renowned Ajani’s Pridemate. While Ajani’s Pridemate grows itself with each instance of life gain, Arcus Acolyte spreads the wealth among any number of other creatures you control — a trait that can quickly shore up an entire army. Conversely, to Merfolk Skydiver, which also accelerates the proliferation of counters, Arcus Acolyte favors a more passive approach that interacts directly with your life gain events as opposed to an active ability requiring additional mana investment.

Considering the unique dynamics of creatures that nurture their comrades, Arcus Acolyte offers a dynamic benefit to decks centered around life gain. Its ability to enhance a variety of creatures can create substantial board presence, making it a compelling choice for players weaving together synergistic strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Pridemate - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Skydiver - MTG Card versions
Juniper Order Ranger - MTG Card versions
Ajani's Pridemate - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Skydiver - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arcus Acolyte by color, type and mana cost

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Femeref Enchantress - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Knight - MTG Card versions
Qasali Pridemage - MTG Card versions
Watchwolf - MTG Card versions
Park Heights Pegasus - MTG Card versions
Bronzehide Lion - MTG Card versions
Shanna, Sisay's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Selesnya Evangel - MTG Card versions
Transluminant - MTG Card versions
Saffi Eriksdotter - MTG Card versions
Gaddock Teeg - MTG Card versions
Medicine Runner - MTG Card versions
Valeron Outlander - MTG Card versions
Steward of Valeron - MTG Card versions
Selesnya Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Knight of the Skyward Eye - MTG Card versions
Knotvine Paladin - MTG Card versions
Vitu-Ghazi Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Voice of Resurgence - MTG Card versions
Fleecemane Lion - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Arcus Acolyte. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Selesnya ComboSelesnya Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 12 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcus Acolyte comes with the potential for deck filtering, allowing players to sift through their decks for key pieces, thus maintaining a strong flow of resources while in play.

Resource Acceleration: This card offers a unique form of resource acceleration with its ability to place counters on creatures you control. As a result, you can bolster your board presence faster and more efficiently, translating into speedier threats for your opponents to handle.

Instant Speed: Although Arcus Acolyte doesn’t act at instant speed, its abilities can interact favorably during combat or in response to instant-speed spells, especially with mechanics that trigger upon gaining counters or via synergistic play with other instant-speed effects in your deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arcus Acolyte requires you to pitch another card to utilize its full potential, which can be less than ideal when your hand is already diminishing.

Specific Mana Cost: With a demand for not just one but two white mana as part of its casting cost, it necessitates a heavily white-aligned or dual-colored mana base, restricting its adaptability across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a total of four mana, Arcus Acolyte can feel somewhat costly, especially when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that may provide immediate board impact or value.


Reasons to Include Arcus Acolyte in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcus Acolyte seamlessly integrates into decks that focus on +1/+1 counters. Its ability to support various counter-centric strategies makes it a versatile addition to any collection, suitable for both aggressive and controlling deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: With skills to proliferate, Arcus Acolyte can skyrocket the efficiency of combos that utilize +1/+1 counters, infusing energy into synergistic plays and magnifying the impact of other counter-related cards.

Meta-Relevance: As players continuously adapt their decks to tackle the evolving meta, the capacity of Arcus Acolyte to manipulate and proliferate counters positions it as a formidable card against an array of current competitive strategies.


How to beat

Arcus Acolyte introduces an interesting dynamic into the battlefield with its modular ability, offering players not only an initial creature but also the potential to enhance others later in the game. This versatile card from Magic The Gathering has a comparably gentle mana cost for its adaptable uses. To effectively counteract Arcus Acolyte, it’s pivotal to disrupt the synergistic relationships it fosters with other creatures.

Direct removal spells are a solid strategy. Cards like Murder or Doom Blade can cleanly eliminate the Acolyte before its modular ability becomes a significant threat. Alternatively, countering it upon cast with spells like Cancel or Mana Leak can prevent its effects entirely. It’s also beneficial to keep in mind board wipes, such as Wrath of God, which can reset the playing field, nullifying the long-term advantages Arcus Acolyte could provide.

Tactics that prevent or remove counters—like Solemnity or Vampire Hexmage—can also mitigate the impact of the Acolyte’s modular ability. In a broader strategy, disrupting your opponent’s game plan through hand disruption or controlling the pace of the game are key in ensuring that Arcus Acolyte does not swing the balance too far in your opponent’s favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the Arcus Acolyte in MTG can greatly influence your deck’s performance and your overall strategy. Leveraging its ability to distribute +1/+1 counters complements life gain decks and empowers your creatures on the battlefield. Conversely, incorporating tactics to neutralize its impact can fortify your defense against it. Whether it’s bolstering your own lines or devising countermeasures, knowledge is your greatest asset. Seeking to deepen your understanding and enhance your gameplay experience? Explore our insights and take your MTG skills to the next level with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcus Acolyte // Arcus Acolyte MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 Art Series and Modern Horizons 2, 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 Arcus Acolyte // Arcus Acolyte and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcus Acolyte // Arcus Acolyte Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2 Art SeriesAMH2 442015Art seriesBorderlessVolkan Baǵa
22021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 1852015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
32021-06-18Modern Horizons 2 Art SeriesAMH2 44s2015Art seriesBorderlessVolkan Baǵa
42021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 3612015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
52021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 6782015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcus Acolyte has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal