Akiri, Line-Slinger MTG Card
2016-11-11 - Number 26
2016-11-16 - Number 48
2020-11-20 - Number 515
2002-06-24 - Number 86154
Text of card
First strike, vigilance Akiri, Line-Slinger gets +1/+0 for each artifact you control. Partner (You can have two commanders if both have partner.)
Her bold movements are anchored in the careful precision of each rope.
Cards like Akiri, Line-Slinger
Akiri Line-Slinger, a unique commander from the plane of Zendikar, sets a precedent in red and white decks in MTG. It’s akin to other commanders like Sram, Senior Edificer, who also capitalizes on artifacts to enhance their ability. However, Akiri takes it further with its power boost for each artifact you control. In contrast, Sram draws you a card for each artifact played, focusing on card advantage rather than combat strength.
On the battlefield, we see parallels to Ardent Electromancer. Both can provide an early advantage but in different ways – Akiri grows stronger with artifacts, while the Electromancer gives you an extra boost of red mana. There’s also Valduk, Keeper of the Flame, who shares a synergy with equipment, creating Elementals as you gear up. Yet, Akiri’s potential for an escalating power level as the game progresses provides a persistent threat not found with Valduk’s transient tokens.
Ultimately, Akiri Line-Slinger’s role in MTG is a testament to its versatility and strength in red and white artifact strategies, offering a blend of aggression and potential for synergy often sought by players looking to command with a balance of might and machinery.
Cards similar to Akiri, Line-Slinger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Akiri Line-Slinger’s unique ability to gain a power boost from each artifact you control not only turns her into a formidable threat but also promotes effective card utilization, optimizing your in-game card advantage by making each artifact in play more impactful.
Resource Acceleration: Synergy with artifact decks means Akiri can be a significant component in strategies centered around resource acceleration. By playing artifacts that tap for mana, you enhance Akiri’s power while also speeding up your mana base, enabling faster and more powerful plays as the game progresses.
Instant Speed: Paired with equipment that can be attached at instant speed, Akiri Line-Slinger can become unexpectedly powerful right before damage is dealt, catching opponents off guard. This adaptability at instant speed allows for dynamic playmaking, potentially turning the tide of battle in your favor without telegraphing your moves too early.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Akiri Line-Slinger doesn’t directly require a discard, synergizing with its ability often involves other cards that might. Managing artifacts to power up Akiri means you could be facing tough decisions on what to keep or toss.
Specific Mana Cost: Akiri Line-Slinger demands both red and white mana, narrowing its seamless integration to certain deck archetypes, mainly Boros or multicolored ones that can accommodate this color pairing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial mana investment doesn’t immediately threaten opponents given Akiri’s starting power. Without a board presence of artifacts, you may find the cost steep compared to other creatures that impact the board more significantly upon entering. Even in artifact-heavy decks, getting the most from Akiri takes time and additional resources.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Akiri Line-Slinger is a dynamic addition to commander decks, given its ability to scale power with the number of artifacts you control, making it a natural fit in artifact-heavy builds or equipment-centric strategies.
Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin in artifact combos, potentially creating a formidable presence on the battlefield. Its synergy with equipment can pave the way for explosive turns, especially when combined with cards that untap creatures or double strike enablers.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where artifacts are prevalent, Akiri Line-Slinger shines as an efficient creature, capable of turning your passive artifacts into an aggressive threat. Its low casting cost also ensures that you can have a presence on the board early in the game.
How to beat
Akiri Line-Slinger is a potent force on the battlefield, recognized for its ability to leverage artifacts for power. When facing this card, smart removal is key. Direct removal spells that can bypass Akiri’s potential for increased toughness are ideal. Consider using spells that don’t rely on damage to eliminate creatures, such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push, avoiding the boost Akiri gets from your opponents’ artifacts.
Additionally, controlling the number of artifacts in play can weaken Akiri significantly. Cards that allow artifact removal, like Abrade or Shenanigans, disrupt the synergy and reduce Akiri’s threat level. Board wipes can also be effective, as they can clear multiple threats, including Akiri—assuming she’s not protected by indestructibility or other such effects.
Overall, prioritizing control over the board and disrupting artifact-based strategies are fundamental strategies when mitigating the impact of Akiri Line-Slinger. By focusing on these aspects, you can diminish the power of Akiri and maintain the upper hand in your matches.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering the art of MTG means making every card in your deck count, and Akiri Line-Slinger can be just the powerhouse you need to turn the tide in artifact-centric strategies. With her unique ability to gain strength from your artifacts, Akiri encourages a playstyle that values both aggression and resourcefulness. If you’re intrigued by the potential of a Boros artifact build or looking to refine your commander deck with a scalable threat, Akiri Line-Slinger is worth a closer look. Dive deeper into the synergies, strategies, and deck-building tips that will make your next match a display of cunning and might. Embark on this journey with us and discover how to harness Akiri’s full potential for an unparalleled gaming experience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Akiri, Line-Slinger MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2016, 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 Akiri, Line-Slinger and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Akiri, Line-Slinger Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-11-11 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by David Gaillet.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 86154 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | ||
| 2 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 26 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | |
| 3 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | |
| 4 | 2020-11-20 | Commander Legends | CMR | 515 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Akiri, Line-Slinger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Restricted |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Akiri, Line-Slinger card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-11-10 | An effect that checks whether you control your commander is satisfied if you control one or both of your two commanders. |
| 2020-11-10 | Both commanders start in the command zone, and the remaining 98 cards (or 58 cards in a Commander Draft game) of your deck are shuffled to become your library. |
| 2020-11-10 | If something refers to your commander while you have two commanders, it refers to one of them of your choice. If you are instructed to perform an action on your commander (e.g. put it from the command zone into your hand due to Command Beacon), you choose one of your commanders at the time the effect happens. |
| 2020-11-10 | If your Commander deck has two commanders, you can only include cards whose own color identities are also found in your commanders' combined color identities. If Falthis and Kediss are your commanders, your deck may contain cards with black and/or red in their color identity, but not cards with green, white, or blue. |
| 2020-11-10 | Once the game begins, your two commanders are tracked separately. If you cast one, you won't have to pay an additional the first time you cast the other. A player loses the game after having been dealt 21 damage from any one of them, not from both of them combined. |
| 2020-11-10 | To have two commanders, both must have the partner ability as the game begins. Losing the ability during the game doesn't cause either to cease to be your commander. |
| 2020-11-10 | You can choose two commanders with partner that are the same color or colors. In Commander Draft, you can even choose two of the same commander with partner if you drafted them. If you do this, make sure you keep the number of times you've cast each from the command zone clear for "commander tax" purposes. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.