Arcbound Javelineer MTG Card


Arcbound Javelineer can turn the tides by utilizing +1/+1 counters in crafty, creature-heavy metas. Its modular ability partners well with instant-speed spells, amplifying its battlefield presence effectively. Competitive decks may find its mana cost high when placed against alternatives with immediate impact.
Arcbound Javelineer - Modern Horizons 2
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Soldier
Abilities Modular
Released2021-06-18
Set symbol
Set nameModern Horizons 2
Set codeMH2
Power 0
Toughness 1
Number2
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byEric Deschamps

Text of card

, Remove X +1/+1 counters from Arcbound Javelineer: It deals X damage to target attacking or blocking creature. Modular 1 (This creature enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)


Cards like Arcbound Javelineer

The Arcbound Javelineer makes an interesting addition to the range of modular creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It shares a kinship with other modular creatures such as Arcbound Worker, a card that has long been a staple in artifact-centric decks. However, the Arcbound Javelineer stands out by offering a ranged tactical advantage, allowing you to deal damage directly to any target when it leaves the battlefield if it had a +1/+1 counter.

Other cards such as Arcbound Slith present an alternative, gaining a +1/+1 counter whenever it deals combat damage to a player, which can in turn beef up the Javelineer’s exit ability. The comparison continues with Arcbound Ravager, a powerhouse in the modular world, offering not only a way to accumulate counters but also a sacrifice outlet to trigger modular effects on demand, including that of the Javelineer. The Ravager, though, leaves behind no direct damage, unlike our spear-wielding construct.

In assessing these card interactions and their strategic benefits, it’s clear that the Arcbound Javelineer can hold its own within the modular family of MTG cards, offering both disruptive and aggressive tactical plays.

Arcbound Worker - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Slith - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Ravager - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Worker - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Slith - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Ravager - MTG Card versions

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Hotshot Mechanic - MTG Card versions
Inchblade Companion - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Drawbridge - MTG Card versions
T.A.P.P.E.R. - MTG Card versions
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Yotian Frontliner - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcbound Javelineer can potentially create card advantage as it can eliminate multiple threat creatures with its modular ability when combined with other cards that can manipulate +1/+1 counters, potentially clearing out several opposing creatures over the course of a game.

Resource Acceleration: Although Arcbound Javelineer doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana, it can be a key component in artifact-centric decks, particularly those that synergize with +1/+1 counters, effectively accelerating your board state and leveraging your assets more quickly than usual.

Instant Speed: Its inherent abilities don’t operate at instant speed, but Arcbound Javelineer works well with instant-speed spells that interact with +1/+1 counters. This allows the player to respond to threats immediately and utilize the Javelineer’s modular ability unpredictably, offering a dynamic edge during the heat of battle.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arcbound Javelineer’s abilities do not directly involve discarding cards, which could be seen as a con in strategies needing card cycling or graveyard filling. Its lack of discard synergy could be out of step with decks that benefit from or rely on discarding as a mechanic.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost demands a specific colorless mana allocation, which can potentially restrict its use strictly to artifact-friendly or modular-based decks, reducing its versatility across the various archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the mana cost of the Arcbound Javelineer may seem reasonable for its ability to grow by moving +1/+1 counters post-death, in a highly competitive environment, there are other lower-cost creatures or spells that can create a more immediate impact on the game, offering higher value for their mana cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcbound Javelineer can seamlessly adapt to various deck builds, particularly those looking to capitalize on +1/+1 counters and artifact synergies. Its modular ability allows it to contribute to both aggressive and controlling strategies.

Combo Potential: When combined with cards that interact with counters or use artifacts for combos, Arcbound Javelineer enhances multifaceted playstyles and enables a plethora of interactions that can turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, the Arcbound Javelineer’s capacity to deter early aggression and later serve as a resource after its death makes it a relevant inclusion in any deck aiming to stay competitive.


How to beat

Arcbound Javelineer is an intriguing card that appears in artifact-centric decks within Magic: The Gathering. Its strength lies in its modular ability allowing it to transfer its +1/+1 counters when it’s put into the graveyard. Despite this, there are reliable strategies to counter its effectiveness on the battlefield. One direct approach is to use exile removal spells, bypassing the graveyard and its modular tactic entirely. Cards like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can neatly handle the Javelineer without leaving any counters behind.

Another solid tactic is to limit counter proliferation. The Arcbound Javelineer thrives in an environment where counters can multiply and spread across creatures. Utilizing cards that prevent or remove these counters can significantly diminish the Javelineer’s impact. Furthermore, in matches where artifacts play a vital role, spells like Shatter or Release the Gremlins can be unanticipated game changers, dealing with not only the Javelineer but also any companion artifacts that may bolster its presence on the board.

While Arcbound Javelineer may present a resilient challenge, thoughtful deck building and strategic play can ensure it’s nothing more than a minor hurdle in the path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

For MTG players interested in enhancing their artifact strategies, Arcbound Javelineer is a versatile pick worth considering. Whether you’re refining your deck for competitive play or simply exploring the intricate interactions of the modular mechanic, this card may offer the tactical edge you’re seeking. To fully utilize its potential, keep an eye on synergies that enable counter manipulation and artifact combos. Revel in the complexity and challenge of incorporating Arcbound Javelineer into your gameplay and discover how it can shape your matches. Dive deeper with us into MTG’s strategic depth and find out how to effectively integrate the Javelineer into your deck’s arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcbound Javelineer MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2, 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 Arcbound Javelineer and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcbound Javelineer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arcbound Javelineer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-06-18 If the target is illegal as the activated ability tries to resolve, perhaps because it was removed from combat, no damage will be dealt.
2021-06-18 If this creature gets enough -1/-1 counters put on it to cause it to go to the graveyard, modular will put a number of +1/+1 counters on the target artifact creature equal to the number of +1/+1 counters on this creature before it left the battlefield.