Arcanist's Owl MTG Card


Provides card selection by revealing top library cards, crucial for artifact or enchantment strategies. Hybrid mana cost affords seamless inclusion in blue-white decks, aiding consistent plays. Instant speed artifacts/enchantments from Owl’s ability enhance responsive play during matches.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Bird
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying When Arcanist's Owl enters the battlefield, look at the top four cards of your library. You may reveal an artifact or enchantment card from among them and put it into your hand. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.


Cards like Arcanist's Owl

Arcanist’s Owl carves a niche for itself among artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares traits with other cards that seek to blend creature value with magical abilities. Notably, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Glassdust Hulk, which also offers card interaction upon entering the battlefield. However, while Glassdust Hulk cycles cards, Arcanist’s Owl excels in directly fetching powerful artifacts and enchantments, providing a more targeted selection.

Gleaming Barrier represents another comparison, boasting a defensive artifact creature that also interacts with its owner’s mana when it dies. However, Arcanist’s Owl, with its ability to peek at the top four cards and reel in relevant spells, plays a more proactive role in sculpting the game’s progress. Then there’s Skyscanner, which, much like the Owl, arrives with an aerial body and card advantage. Yet, Skyscanner merely allows for a single card draw, whereas the Owl provides options and potential for a higher card yield.

Ultimately, Arcanist’s Owl stands prominently among artifact creatures, offering deck synergy, card advantage, and strategic depth, making it a unique asset in the MTG arena.

Glassdust Hulk - MTG Card versions
Gleaming Barrier - MTG Card versions
Skyscanner - MTG Card versions
Glassdust Hulk - MTG Card versions
Gleaming Barrier - MTG Card versions
Skyscanner - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arcanist's Owl by color, type and mana cost

Shorikai, Genesis Engine - MTG Card versions
Esper Cormorants - MTG Card versions
Unbender Tine - MTG Card versions
Belisarius Cawl - MTG Card versions
Cephalopod Sentry - MTG Card versions
Granite Witness - MTG Card versions
Shorikai, Genesis Engine - MTG Card versions
Esper Cormorants - MTG Card versions
Unbender Tine - MTG Card versions
Belisarius Cawl - MTG Card versions
Cephalopod Sentry - MTG Card versions
Granite Witness - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Arcanist's Owl. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White DevotionMono-White Devotion PioneerMono-White MidrangeSun. 10AM Pioneer 10k Open 8-Slot RCQ - DreamHack Atlanta 2023
Mono-White ComboMono-White Combo PioneerMono-White MidrangeSat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Arcanist’s Owl provides a valuable glimpse at the top four cards of your library, offering a chance to potentially snag an artifact or enchantment that can shift the tide of the game in your favor. This ability not only thickens your hand but also subtly filters your future draws.

Resource Acceleration: Due to its hybrid mana cost, the Owl is a seamless fit in decks that dabble in both blue and white mana. This flexibility can accelerate your game plan by ensuring that you’re more likely to cast it on curve, without delaying your resource development.

Instant Speed: While the Owl itself is a creature, it often retrieves artifacts or enchantments that can be activated or cast at instant speed, giving you the upper hand by expanding your responsive play options during the heat of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Arcanist’s Owl allows players to dig through their deck, it does not come with a discard requirement. However, its advantage may be negated when a player has an empty hand or must protect valuable cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Arcanist’s Owl has a hybrid mana cost, requiring an exact combination of blue and white mana. This can restrict its playability to only Azorius or certain multicolored decks, limiting its versatility across the broader spectrum of MTG strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, this card comes at a significant investment. In the competitive four-mana slot, players might consider other options that could have an instantaneous impact on the game state or provide a more substantial presence on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Arcanist’s Owl in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcanist’s Owl shines in a variety of decks, particularly those that value artifact synergy or need consistent card filtering. Its ability to dig through the top four cards of your library ensures you get the spells you need when you need them.

Combo Potential: This card is a great fit for combos thanks to its enter-the-battlefield ability that can seek out key pieces of an intricate puzzle. Whether it’s finding an enchantment or another artifact to complete your game-winning combination, Arcanist’s Owl acts as a reliable searcher.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where enchantments or artifacts play a critical role, the Owl can be a game-changer by ensuring your hand is well-stocked with relevant spells. Furthermore, its hybrid mana cost makes it a flexible choice for multicolored decks, keeping it relevant regardless of the shifting meta.


How to beat

Arcanist’s Owl is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, offering both a flying body and a valuable card selection mechanic. Its ability to dig into your deck to retrieve an enchantment or artifact can provide a significant advantage. But how do you outmaneuver this hybrid mana cost card? The key lies in disrupting its artifact synergy and preventing its search ability.

Instant-speed removal spells are particularly effective against Arcanist’s Owl. By removing it before its enter-the-battlefield effect resolves, you can negate its ability to search and gain an upper hand. Consider spells such as Fatal Push or Abrupt Decay that offer efficient removal options. Additionally, cards that restrict the types of spells your opponent can cast or abilities they can activate, such as Damping Sphere or Pithing Needle, can hinder the Owl’s impact on the game.

Understanding and anticipating your opponent’s strategy sets you in a prime position to deal with Arcanist’s Owl. By being one step ahead, you maintain control over the game’s tempo and weaken their strategic plays. A smart and timely response can make all the difference when facing cards with potent abilities.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the ins and outs of Arcanist’s Owl can significantly enhance your game. As we dissected the card’s strengths and areas for consideration, remember it can be a catalyst for your deck’s performance. Unlocking its full potential involves strategic planning and familiarity with artifact-enchantment synergies that can tip scales in your favor. Staying updated with shifts in the MTG meta is just as critical, ensuring you’re always ahead of the curve with a hand that’s ready to respond. Craving more insights and strategies to refine your deck with cards like Arcanist’s Owl? Dive into our wider MTG discussions and keep your strategy soaring.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcanist's Owl MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Neon Dynasty Commander, 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 Arcanist's Owl and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcanist's Owl Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Véronique Meignaud.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-10-04Throne of EldraineELD 2062015NormalBlackVéronique Meignaud
22022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 1352015NormalBlackVéronique Meignaud

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcanist's Owl has restrictions

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