Galvanic Arc MTG Card


Doubles as removal and creature buff, providing dual benefits and card advantage upon entering the battlefield. Enhances a wide array of deck types, especially those combining direct damage strategies and creature buffs. Requires precise timing and a creature on board, which may not always align with deck strategies or mana availability.
Galvanic Arc - Ravnica: City of Guilds
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2005-10-07
Set symbol
Set nameRavnica: City of Guilds
Set codeRAV
Number126
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMichael Sutfin

Text of card

Enchant creature When Galvanic Arc comes into play, it deals 3 damage to target creature or player. Enchanted creature has first strike.


Cards like Galvanic Arc

Galvanic Arc stands out as a versatile enchantment in Magic: The Gathering for a few reasons. Similar to other Aura spells, such as Madcap Skills or Spectra Ward, it not only boosts a creature but also provides an additional effect upon entering the battlefield. What sets Galvanic Arc apart is its ability to deal 3 damage to any target when it comes into play. This direct damage effect echoes spells like Lightning Bolt, although Lightning Bolt provides this impact without the need for a creature.

Comparing it with cards such as Pacifism or Claustrophobia, which are also enchantments used to control the battlefield, Galvanic Arc ensures immediate board impact by removing a small threat. However, unlike these control-oriented Auras, Galvanic Arc requires a creature on your side to be cast, making it somewhat situational. This distinction is key for players constructing their decks as the choice between control and aggressive strategies can be pivotal.

Ultimately, the duality of enhancing a creature and acting as a removal tool makes Galvanic Arc a unique choice within its kind. While not as flexible as singular removal or buff spells, in the right deck, it could tip the scales by offering both offensive and defensive advantages.

Madcap Skills - MTG Card versions
Spectra Ward - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Claustrophobia - MTG Card versions
Madcap Skills - MTG Card versions
Spectra Ward - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Claustrophobia - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Galvanic Arc by color, type and mana cost

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Gravity Sphere - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Drums - MTG Card versions
Aggression - MTG Card versions
Heat Stroke - MTG Card versions
Seismic Assault - MTG Card versions
Torch Song - MTG Card versions
Ghitu War Cry - MTG Card versions
Goblin Warrens - MTG Card versions
Fervor - MTG Card versions
Spellshock - MTG Card versions
Mana Cache - MTG Card versions
Citadel of Pain - MTG Card versions
Insolence - MTG Card versions
Steam Vines - MTG Card versions
Curse of Hospitality - MTG Card versions
Anax, Hardened in the Forge - MTG Card versions
Draconic Destiny - MTG Card versions
Mechanized Warfare - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Galvanic Arc enters the battlefield, it enables you to immediately remove a target creature posing a threat, acting as both a removal spell and a creature enhancement. This dual function provides significant card advantage by affecting the board state with a single card.

Resource Acceleration: While Galvanic Arc doesn’t directly accelerate your resources in terms of mana, it allows you to focus your other resources on development rather than removal. This effective use of resources can put you ahead in terms of board presence and momentum.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Galvanic Arc attaches to a creature as soon as it hits the board, which can unexpectedly turn your creature into a blocker that can deal damage without being dealt damage in return. This aura can be seen as a form of speed acceleration in combat scenarios, altering the pace of the game by immediately affecting combat outcomes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Galvanic Arc requires that you have a target creature when you cast it. Without a creature on the battlefield to enchant, it’s a card that can sit idle in your hand, potentially slowing down your gameplay momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: Galvanic Arc has a mana cost that includes both generic and red mana. This specific combination may not always align smoothly with multicolored decks, particularly if the red mana source is limited or becomes disrupted during play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Galvanic Arc provides both a power boost and a removal aspect, its three mana cost can be considered steep, especially when there are alternative enchantments or instant removal spells available at a lower cost, offering similar or greater value.


Reasons to Include Galvanic Arc in Your Collection

Versatility: Galvanic Arc is not just an enchantment; it’s an Aura with a kick. When it enters the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to any target. This duality means it can be both a removal and a way to buff your creatures, fitting seamlessly into a wide range of Red-based decks or those that capitalize on direct damage and creature enhancement.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that aim to reuse or recycle Auras. With mechanics such as Enchantment Retrival or Flashback, Galvanic Arc can be replayed, potentially dealing 3 damage multiple times. Moreover, it can trigger “when enters the battlefield” effects repeatedly in decks designed around that theme.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta heavy with creature-based strategies, Galvanic Arc offers a tool to swing the tide, removing key threats upon entry. Furthermore, as the MTG landscape often includes creatures with vital abilities, being able to eliminate them while strengthening your board position is invaluable. Galvanic Arc’s fit in your collection could ensure your deck remains competitive and versatile.


How to beat

Overcoming the Galvanic Arc in MTG can be tactical. As an enchantment that deals 3 damage upon entering and equips a creature with first strike, disrupting this card’s impact requires smart play. Targeted removal that can deal with both the attached Aura and the enchanted creature is ideal. Consider waiting to clear the threat until after your opponent has invested in casting Galvanic Arc, thus gaining card and tempo advantage.

Another strategy is to prioritize creatures with hexproof or protection from red, as Galvanic Arc is red and cannot target them. Alternatively, having a robust sideboard plan with enchantment removal like Naturalize can keep you one step ahead in the game. When dealing with Galvanic Arc, always remember that preventing its cast can be more effective than dealing with the aftermath, so counterspells also form a solid line of defense. Finally, assess your resources and choose the most efficient means of neutralization, keeping in mind your opponent’s potential follow-up plays.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Galvanic Arc MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Galvanic Arc and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Galvanic Arc has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal