Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Vampire Knight |
| Abilities | Deathtouch,Lifelink |
| Released | 2022-10-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Dominaria |
| Set code | YDMU |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 20 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Maaz Ali Khan |
Text of card
Deathtouch, lifelink At the beginning of your end step, if a creature died this turn, Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler perpetually gets +X/+X where X is the number of creatures that died this turn. This ability also triggers if Arvad is in your graveyard.
Cards like Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler
Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler marks its territory in the pantheon of legendary creature cards in MTG. It calls to mind other legendary creatures like Captain Sisay, who also enables players to fetch legendary cards but does so directly from the library. While Arvad necessitates a more tactical play, requiring creatures to deal combat damage to players before you may draw cards, Captain Sisay’s ability to tutor legendary cards gives immediate card advantage without relying on combat.
Additionally, Arvad’s color identity, spanning both black and white, invites comparisons to Kambal, Consul of Allocation, a card that offers passive strategy by punishing opponents for casting noncreature spells. Though Kambal doesn’t contribute to the card draw dynamic, his ability to drain life can sway the game’s momentum, albeit in a contrasting manner to Arvad’s direct approach to bolstering a player’s hand.
Another peer in this realm is Teshar, Ancestor’s Apostle, which juxtaposes Arvad’s draw mechanic with a reanimation theme. Teshar permits the return of lower-cost creatures from the graveyard to the battlefield, thereby crafting a different value through board presence rather than card advantage. Each legendary creature carves a unique niche, but Arvad’s combination of aggressive tactics and card draw potential renders it a compelling option within MTG’s legendary repertoire.
Cards similar to Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mardu Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler offers a unique mechanism to gain control over the battlefield by smuggling in creatures from your hand at a potentially lower cost, increasing the number of threats you present to your opponent. As creatures enter the battlefield under the radar, you’re effectively bypassing traditional summoning restrictions and gaining a strategic edge.
Resource Acceleration: Your command over resources potentially accelerates with Arvad on the field. Having the ability to bypass summoning costs translates into saving mana, which can then be utilized for various spells or abilities. This ability to stretch your mana further every turn is a clear tactical advantage.
Instant Speed: The prowess of Arvad shines in the flexibility of action timing. Deploying creatures at instant speed disrupts your opponent’s expectations and strategies, allowing you to adapt swiftly to the ever-changing battlefield. Making moves unanticipated by your adversary can be key in securing victory.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler requires a player to discard another card, which could strain your hand, especially when playing a tight game where each card holds strategic value.
Specific Mana Cost: Despite his potential, Arvad comes with a restrictive casting cost that includes both black and white mana. This necessitates a commitment to both colors, potentially narrowing deck-building options and complicating mana bases.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing the card’s abilities against its five total mana cost suggests a notable investment. For seasoned players, this cost analysis might spotlight alternative cards with a more immediate or powerful effect at a similar, if not lower, mana threshold.
Reasons to Include Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler in Your Collection
Versatility: Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler’s ability to boost other legendary creatures makes it a flexible option across various deck types. Whether you’re running an aggro, control, or midrange strategy, Arvad fits nicely into decks looking to capitalize on legendary synergies.
Combo Potential: With Arvad’s ability to enhance other legendary creatures, it opens up possibilities for powerful combinations. It can easily become a linchpin in a deck built around legendary creatures, increasing their threat level and the efficacy of your plays.
Meta-Relevance: Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler can find its place in a meta that favors legendary creatures and tribal themes. As the meta evolves, a card like Arvad holds its value by empowering a wide range of viable legendary creatures, adapting to new and emerging strategies.
How to beat
Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler emerges in Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing legendary creature that can both boost your team and provide you the advantage of an indestructible status. Facing off against Arvad requires a strategic approach. Cards that can successfully exile creatures, bypassing indestructibility, become paramount in such encounters. Consider options like Path to Exile or Merciless Eviction for a clean removal.
Another tactic is to use board control cards that don’t destroy but rather alter the state of creatures on the board. Mass bounce spells such as Cyclonic Rift can reset Arvad’s advantage, temporarily removing the threat and buying you crucial time. It’s also beneficial to focus on cards that can reduce his impact, such as those that prevent abilities from triggering, like Pithing Needle, which can shut down Arvad’s supportive role to his allies.
Remember, the key to triumphing over a card like Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler is to minimize its influence and handle it with precision. Effective creature management and disruption are essential in sustaining control over the battlefield and tilting the match in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Dominaria, 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 Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Arvad, Weatherlight Smuggler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |