Arc Runner MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Ox |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Released | 2010-07-16 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2011 |
| Set code | M11 |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 123 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nils Hamm |
Text of card
Haste (This creature can attack and as soon as it comes under your control.) At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice Arc Runner.
The storms of the wastelands form quickly and hit hard. Few have anything to do with rain.
Cards like Arc Runner
Arc Runner stands out in the realm of hasty creatures within Magic: The Gathering. This creature is often paralleled with other red cards that are designed to hit fast, such as Ball Lightning. The distinction lies in their survivability – while Ball Lightning boasts a potent 6/1 stat line, it sacrifices itself at the end of the turn. Arc Runner’s lower stats are mitigated by its ability to stick around if not dealt with immediately.
Comparing it to the likes of Spark Elemental also brings interesting contrasts. Spark Elemental shares the same ephemeral characteristic as Ball Lightning but at a lower cost and power level. The trade-off with Arc Runner is the moderately increased stamina for a slightly higher mana investment. Monastery Swiftspear is another similar option, which, while lacking in raw power, compensates with prowess and the potential for incremental value over multiple turns, unlike the single-turn intensity of Arc Runner.
Overall, Arc Runner provides an intriguing choice for players looking to add immediate pressure on the battlefield. While it may not have the raw power of some alternatives, its capability to potentially endure beyond a single turn gives it a unique edge in aggressive red decks.
Cards similar to Arc Runner by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Though Arc Runner itself doesn’t directly provide card advantage, its hasty nature allows it to pressure opponents immediately, potentially triggering effects from other cards that give you an advantage.
Resource Acceleration: Arc Runner, while not a direct source of mana ramp, can serve as an early-game aggressor that allows you to maintain your resources while committing to the board. This can pave the way for more significant plays.
Instant Speed: Arc Runner’s speed doesn’t come from its casting time but from its ability to hit the battlefield and swing the same turn, acting almost like an instant by catching opponents off guard and potentially disrupting their strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Arc Runner demands you to discard a card to activate specific abilities. This stipulation can become a strategic setback when your hand is already depleted, or if discarding would force you to lose a crucial card from your play options.
Specific Mana Cost: The monetary expense of bringing Arc Runner into play is not only steep but also color-specific. Decks not heavily invested in mountains or red mana may struggle to accommodate this card, making it a less versatile choice for multi-color builds or those that do not focus on red mana production.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Arc Runner’s casting cost may not align with its impact on the game, especially when compared to other creatures in the same mana range. Players might find that their mana could be better spent on creatures or spells that offer more substantial board presence or game-changing effects.
Reasons to Include Arc Runner in Your Collection
Versatility: Arc Runner can be a strategic inclusion in decks that aim to capitalize on haste or utilize the element of surprise. With its ability to immediately impact the board, it offers a burst of speed that can be pivotal in races against opponent times.
Combo Potential: As a creature with haste, Arc Runner pairs well with cards that amplify the damage of creatures or that can manipulate the number of times a creature can attack. This synergy can turn it into a key piece of a game-winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where fast aggro decks are prominent, Arc Runner shines by providing an immediate threat. Its swift attack capability can pressure decks that need time to set up their defenses or combos, making it a timely card against certain popular strategies.
How to Beat
Arc Runner is a creature card that offers players a unique blend of speed and power in Magic: The Gathering. With haste, it allows you to instantly have an attacking creature the turn it comes into play, much like cards such as Spark Elemental or Ball Lightning, which also bring the surprise attack strategy to the table. Unlike its predecessors, Arc Runner has an interesting lifespan, surviving only until the end of the turn it’s cast.
To overcome an Arc Runner, consider using instant-speed removal spells or setting up defensive blocks that won’t cost you valuable creatures. Look at options such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, which are efficient methods to handle swift threats at a low mana cost. Another strategy is to hold back on summoning creatures with summoning sickness that cannot block, thereby ensuring Arc Runner’s attack is nullified by a ready and waiting defender.
Ultimately, when confronting a deck featuring Arc Runner, timing is everything. Knowing when to play your removal spells and how to manage your blockers can turn this temporary threat into a negligible blip in your game strategy, upholding the balance of control in your favor against such fleeting aggression.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arc Runner MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011, 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 Runner 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Arc Runner has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |