Arachnoid MTG Card

Arachnoid offers card advantage and strategic flexibility with its rich ability suite. Its instant speed and resource acceleration can rapidly shift game dynamics. However, a high mana cost and discard requirement may restrict its use.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Spider
Abilities	Reach
Released	2004-06-04
Set symbol
Set name	Fifth Dawn
Set code	5DN
Power	2
Toughness	6
Number	102
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Staples

Text of card

Arachnoid may block as though it had flying.

It follows the green sun over Mirrodin's surface, spinning massive webs of whispersilk as it goes.

Cards like Arachnoid

The Arachnoid card offers a unique twist within Magic: The Gathering’s extensive array of creature cards. When evaluating Arachnoid against similar creature cards, one can’t help but draw comparisons to Giant Spider, which is also known for its reach ability, allowing it to block flying creatures. While both spiders can fend off aerial threats, Arachnoid separates itself with its artifact creature type, offering synergies in decks that capitalize on artifact strategies.

Penumbra Spider is another creature that echoes Arachnoid’s arachnid theme. With its ability to create a copy of itself upon death, Penumbra Spider could provide more long-term value on the battlefield. However, it lacks the artifact status that makes Arachnoid a multipurpose tool for artifact-based decks. Then there’s Nyx Weaver, which not only boasts reach but also delves into graveyard mechanics by allowing players to return a card from the graveyard to their hand.

Despite the distinct offerings of these creatures, Arachnoid holds its ground with its unique characteristics, providing intriguing possibilities for players crafting decks around artifacts and creature defense strategies in the world of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Arachnoid by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Arachnoid card weaves a vast web of possibilities, enabling players to ensnare more options in hand and keep opponents on their toes. Maintaining a healthy hand size can be critical, and this card does exactly that, offering players strategic depth and flexibility throughout the match.

Resource Acceleration: By literally spinning mana out of thin air, Arachnoid assists players in gaining the upper hand sooner. Casting larger threats or activating key abilities ahead of schedule can be what separates victory from defeat. This card accelerates game tempo, allowing for a more aggressive playstyle or the ability to marshal defenses early on.

Instant Speed: Arachnoid’s instant speed is akin to a spider pouncing on unsuspecting prey. It grants the ability to adapt to the evolving game state, making it a versatile tool in the hands of a tactical player. The flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves without sacrificing your turn can turn the tide, making it a valuable component in any strategic game plan.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the intricate web of MTG gameplay, the Arachnoid card’s discard requirement might leave you entangled in a bind when your hand is already depleted, leading to a potentially disadvantageous board position.

Specific Mana Cost: Wielding the Arachnoid card demands a specialized mana layout, catering to a niche deck construction and possibly ensnaring your mana base if it doesn’t align with the rest of your deck’s color scheme.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Summoning an Arachnoid comes at a steep cost, which might not align with the efficiency spiders are known for, as other creatures in MTG boast similar strengths for less mana, providing more agile plays early on.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Arachnoid card, with its web of abilities, adapts well to different deck types, especially those capitalizing on creature-based strategies or those needing solid blockers.

Combo Potential: This spider-themed card weaves a combo web with other cards that synergize with creatures, articulating strategies around creature type or abilities, such as with cards granting buffs to spiders or insects.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating MTG meta, Arachnoid can surprise opponents in an environment where flying creatures are prominent, providing an aerial defense or an ally to ground-centric decks.

How to Beat

Arachnoid is a niche creature card that brings a unique flavor to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. With its imposing web and potential to stall the board, it’s no wonder players might seek out strategies to handle this eight-legged threat efficiently. Facing Arachnoid often means engaging with its blocking capabilities, which can be formidable due to its reach and toughness attributes.

To swing the game in your favor against Arachnoid, consider focusing on removal spells that bypass its stout defense. Cards like Doom Blade or Murder can be quite effective as they target creatures regardless of their stats. Should you operate within red’s domain, spells such as Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor offer a way to leverage your instant and sorcery cards in the graveyard for direct removal. Alternatively, evasion tactics that grant your creatures the ability to fly or have unblockable characteristics can circumvent Arachnoid’s defensive posture, allowing you to press your advantage and close out the game.

Ultimately, overcoming the Arachnoid requires a blend of direct removal or outmaneuvering its static defense. Cards capable of either strategy should be part of your gameplan when anticipating the potential for this card to hit the table. Keep these tactics in mind, and the Arachnoid won’t pose so much of a tangled threat in your MTG matches.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arachnoid MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn, 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 Arachnoid and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arachnoid has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal