Arvad the Cursed MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arvad the Cursed’s ability to bolster other legendary creatures you control gives you a persistent edge on the battlefield. This can lead to significant card advantage as each legendary creature becomes a more substantial threat that needs to be dealt with individually.

Resource Acceleration: Though Arvad isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, his ability to amplify the power of legendary creatures can effectively reduce the amount of mana you’ll need to invest in other spells or abilities to achieve the same level of impact, thus acting as an indirect form of acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Arvad the Cursed doesn’t have an instant speed ability himself, his static ability is always ‘on’ while he’s on the field. This immediate effect on other creatures provides a passive benefit that doesn’t require the use of mana or waiting until your next main phase to be effective. This can lead to instant-speed-like advantages during your combat phase or even during your opponent’s turn, particularly if you’re playing with legendary creatures that have flash or other instant-speed effects.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Arvad the Cursed does not have a discard requirement, his specific play conditions may force players to optimize their hand to suit his abilities, sometimes at the expense of other valuable cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Arvad’s casting cost demands both black and white mana, which can restrict his inclusion in decks that run more diverse mana bases or those not aligned with the historic strategy that he synergizes with.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of 3WB (five mana total), Arvad comes into play later in the game. This can be disadvantageous in fast-paced matches where quicker threats or defenses are necessary, especially considering his abilities are more supportive than immediately impactful.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arvad the Cursed stands out for his ability to adapt to varied deck archetypes. His static ability grants a significant power and toughness boost to other legendary creatures, making him a reliable addition to decks centered around legendary synergies or superfriends tactics.

Combo Potential: Arvad shines when combined with strategies that exploit the legendary status of creatures. Pair him with creatures like “Captain Sisay” who can tutor for other legendary cards, and watch your battlefield presence grow substantially.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where legendary creatures are prevalent, Arvad becomes an asset. His boost can tip scales in your favor, especially in Commander where legendary creatures are always in the command zone. Plus, his deathtouch deters attackers, making Arvad a strategic piece in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

How to beat

Overcoming Arvad the Cursed in MTG relies on understanding its key strengths. This legendary creature not only boosts other legendary creatures you control, but also comes with both deathtouch and lifelink, making it a formidable opponent in combat. Neutralizing Arvad effectively can turn the tide of a duel.

To counter Arvad’s influence, prioritize removal spells that can bypass its deathtouch ability. Spells like Cast Down or Murder can seamlessly remove Arvad from the battlefield without engaging in combat. Another strategy is to employ exile effects, such as with Path to Exile, which removes the threat permanently and avoids triggering any potential death-related abilities or strategies your opponent might have.

Playing around Arvad also means managing the battlefield proactively. Since Arvad shines in a deck with other legendary creatures, including versatile creature removal and board wipes such as Damnation or Wrath of God in your deck composition can keep your opponent’s board presence under control. By anticipating and disrupting the synergies Arvad creates, you can maintain the upper hand and navigate your way to victory.

BurnMana Recommendations

Bringing together the power of legendary creatures with Arvad the Cursed can radically transform your MTG strategies. This card not only enhances your board but also adds a layer of complexity to your opponent’s removal decisions. Its abilities are tailor-made for a commanding presence in formats like Commander. As you consider your next deck adjustments or seek new collection additions, think about the synergistic prowess Arvad provides. Interested in discovering more about maximizing your gameplay with legendary creatures? Dive deeper with us, find engaging strategies, and expand your arsenal to become a formidable force at the gaming table.