Arc Lightning MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 174
1999-08-04 - Number mlp174
1999-08-04 - Number mlp174sb
1999-11-12 - Number 5
2000-08-02 - Number jk174
2002-01-01 - Number 3
2009-09-04 - Number 46
2014-09-26 - Number 97y
2014-09-26 - Number 97
2002-06-24 - Number 55791
2002-06-24 - Number 36116
| Card sets | Released in 11 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Arc Lightning deals 3 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or players.
Rainclouds don't last long in Shiv, but that doesn't stop the lightning.
Cards like Arc Lightning
Arc Lightning is a versatile damage spell within the game of Magic: The Gathering that caters to players fond of direct damage strategies. Similar in nature to the iconic Lightning Bolt, this card allows the player to distribute three points of damage. Yet, unlike Lightning Bolt’s focused power, Arc Lightning’s divisibility among multiple targets accommodates a broader tactical playstyle, aligning more closely with cards such as Flames of the Firebrand.
Electrickery is another card worthy of comparison, featuring the ability to potentially deal damage to multiple creatures as well, though its baseline effect is more limited than Arc Lightning. Where Electrickery excels is in its Overload cost, which can then match Arc Lightning’s board impact under the right conditions. In contrast, Searing Blood provides a similar damage output but includes additional damage to a player if the creature it damages dies, offering advantageous player interactions that Arc Lightning lacks.
In the realm of red burn spells, assessing cards like Arc Lightning reveals its merit as a situational tool capable of shifting the board state with precise damage control, despite having competition from cards that offer more direct or conditional player damage.
Cards similar to Arc Lightning by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Arc Lightning can hit multiple targets, potentially removing several of your opponent’s creatures off the board with just one card. This efficient distribution of damage means you’re often gaining value by dealing with more than one threat at once.
Resource Acceleration: While Arc Lightning itself does not directly accelerate resources, its ability to clear the battlefield of smaller creatures can pave the way for your more impactful spells. By removing blockers, it accelerates your game plan, allowing more direct attacks and maintaining pressure on your opponent.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of Arc Lightning being at sorcery speed encourages strategic planning, aligning with MTG’s core gameplay of phases and turns. Although not instant, its timing allows you to set up your turn with precise control over when to dispatch threats, modify the board state, and optimize your impact during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Arc Lightning does not require a discard, managing your hand effectively is crucial. Utilize this spell at the right moment to avoid being card-deficient later on.
Specific Mana Cost: Arc Lightning’s casting cost demands both generic and red mana. This necessity may restrict its utility to particular archetypes, typically within red or multicolored decks that can accommodate its mana requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Arc Lightning can be comparatively expensive for its effect, especially when pitted against other low-cost removal spells in the game. This cost-benefit analysis is important when building a deck that aims for efficiency and speed.
Reasons to Include Arc Lightning in Your Collection
Versatility: Arc Lightning serves as a flexible tool in any red deck. Its ability to split three damage as you choose makes it effective against a swarm of smaller creatures or to finish off a wounded larger one.
Combo Potential: This card can work in conjunction with cards that trigger upon dealing damage or casting instant and sorcery spells, providing additional value beyond the initial damage.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where aggressive creature strategies are common, Arc Lightning can be a game-changer by managing the battlefield and keeping opposing threats in check.
How to beat
Arc Lightning is a versatile spell in the realm of red magic, known for its ability to deal three damage divided as you choose among one, two, or three targets. This card can be a game changer, tipping the scales by removing smaller creatures or finishing off weakened opponents. To counter this spell, it’s important to consider cards with hexproof to protect your creatures from being targeted. Diversifying the toughness of your creatures can also mitigate the impact of Arc Lightning, ensuring that not all your creatures are susceptible to a three-damage sweep.
Another strategic move is to use instant spells that can boost the toughness of your creatures in response to Arc Lightning being cast, such as Giant Growth or Gods Willing. This way, you can potentially save your creatures from being destroyed. Additionally, playing creatures with a toughness greater than three can render Arc Lightning ineffective as a removal tool. Having these strategies in your deck can give you an edge, making it challenging for opponents to gain advantage with Arc Lightning in play.
Ultimately, while Arc Lightning can present a challenge, preparing your deck with countermeasures and responding wisely during play can neutralize its threat and maintain your board’s integrity.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arc Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Arc Lightning and other MTG cards:
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- 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 Arc Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2014-09-26. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 174 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 2 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp174 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 3 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | mlp174sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 4 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 5 | 1997 | Normal | White | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 5 | 2000-08-02 | World Championship Decks 2000 | WC00 | jk174 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 6 | 2002-01-01 | Arena League 2002 | PAL02 | 3 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 7 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 55791 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Seb McKinnon | ||
| 8 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36116 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Goldhawk | ||
| 9 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 46 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Andrew Goldhawk | |
| 10 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 97y | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nathaniel Himawan | |
| 11 | 2014-09-26 | Khans of Tarkir | KTK | 97 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Seb McKinnon |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Arc Lightning has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arc Lightning card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-09-20 | If some of the creatures are illegal targets as Arc Lightning tries to resolve, the original division of damage still applies but no damage is dealt to the illegal targets. If all targets are illegal, Arc Lightning doesn’t resolve. |
| 2014-09-20 | You choose how many targets Arc Lightning has and how the damage is divided as you cast the spell. Each target must receive at least 1 damage. |