Arcbound Prototype MTG Card
2021-06-18 - Number 4
2021-08-26 - Number 48
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Assembly-Worker |
| Abilities | Modular |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- Modular ability allows Arcbound Prototype topersist on the battlefield, increasing card utility.
- Its cost-effective synergy boosts other artifacts, making them significantly more potent.
- Complements instant speed strategies, granting flexibility and surprise tactical advantages.
Text of card
Modular 2 (This creature enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
It flickered to life, saw itself alone, and began to build.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Arcbound Prototype can be a strategic piece in modular decks or artifact-centric strategies. Although it doesn’t directly draw you cards, its reusability from the graveyard—thanks to its modular ability—ensures that you can maintain card presence on the battlefield. In this way, you get more utility out of every Arcbound Prototype card you draw.
Resource Acceleration: What the Arcbound Prototype lacks in mana acceleration, it makes up for in offering an affordable boost to artifact synergies. It can accelerate your resource accumulation by enhancing the power of other creatures or artifact-related cards that benefit from having more artifacts in play.
Instant Speed: While the Arcbound Prototype itself isn’t an instant, it pairs well with cards that operate at instant speed. This synergy may allow you to move its modular counters during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn, maximizing strategic flexibility and potential surprise factor in crucial game moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Arcbound Prototype demands you forfeit another artifact card from your hand, which can be particularly taxing when your hand size is dwindling or the artifacts in question are of high value.
Specific Mana Cost: While its cost is exclusively colorless, it does require two mana of any specific type to be deployed. This can be restrictive in multicolored or color-heavy decks that might benefit from a more flexible mana requirement.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its potential for synergy in artifact-centric decks, Arcbound Prototype’s initial investment may seem steep. Alternative artifact creatures come at a lower mana cost and can offer comparable or superior abilities without necessitating a discard.
Reasons to Include Arcbound Prototype in Your Collection
Versatility: Arcbound Prototype offers a flexible design that allows it to seamlessly adapt to numerous deck archetypes. Its low casting cost and modular nature enable it to be a strong early play, regardless of whether you’re bolstering your artifact synergy or simply need a reliable creature on the board.
Combo Potential: With its modular ability, Arcbound Prototype has significant combo potential. It works exceptionally well with any strategy focusing on +1/+1 counters or sacrificing artifacts for value, potentially snowballing into a game-winning advantage.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, decks that focus on synergy with artifacts continually find their place in the meta. Arcbound Prototype, capable of supporting such strategies, can become an essential piece, especially in formats where artifacts are prevalent or where its cost-efficiency can outpace the competition.
How to beat
Arcbound Prototype has made its mark in MTG, known for its modular ability which can make it a significant threat on the battlefield if not addressed promptly. A key strategy in countering this artifact creature lies in removing it before its counters become problematic. Prioritizing enchantment removals or spells that specifically target artifacts is essential. One could consider using Nature’s Claim or Abrade to dispatch Arcbound Prototype efficiently. It is crucial to manage it early, as it could potentially transfer its power through its modular ability upon death.
Utilize spells that can bypass its potential indestructibility, such as board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation, which do not target individual creatures. It’s also advantageous to employ exile effects through spells like Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, directly addressing its ability to bolster another creature upon its destruction. The key is to keep your removal flexible and be ready to handle the threat before it proliferates across the opponent’s board. Deny the synergy and you strip the deck of its power.
Ultimately, successfully countering Arcbound Prototype comes down to proactive disruption and choosing the correct timing to utilize your removals. By understanding its capabilities and maintaining removal options, you’ll reduce its impact and control the state of the game.
Cards like Arcbound Prototype
Arcbound Prototype offers a unique option for artifact-centric decks in Magic: The Gathering. It’s reminiscent of certain creatures like Arcbound Worker, which also comes in with a low-cost and the potential to move +1/+1 counters onto other artifacts. Nevertheless, Arcbound Prototype stands out with its self-imposed limitation of unable to attack or block alone, setting the stage for strategic play and synergy.
Comparing it to Myr Enforcer, both cards favor artifact-heavy decks. The Myr’s affinity for artifacts can make it a cheaper play, unlike the two-mana upfront cost of Arcbound Prototype. However, Prototype’s transferable counters can become instrumental late game. Sparring Construct is another analog, entering as a one-drop that supplies a counter on death. While it provides an immediate body, the delayed benefit of the counter contrasts with the immediate impact that can be orchestrated through the Prototype.
Evaluating these options, Arcbound Prototype presents a tactical advantage in decks that are adept at maneuvering counters and artifacts, carving its own niche in the MTG realm with its synergistic potential and modular ability.
Cards similar to Arcbound Prototype by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arcbound Prototype MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Prototype and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Arcbound Prototype Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 4 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Arcbound Prototype has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
