Arcum's Astrolabe MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSnow Artifact

Key Takeaways

  1. Draw a card upon entering, smoothing draws and keeping up game tempo.
  2. One-mana artifact that aids in multicolor decks with efficient mana production.
  3. Fixes mana reliably, supporting instant-speed plays and strategic responses.

Text of card

({S} can be paid with one mana from a snow permanent.) When Arcum's Astrolabe enters the battlefield, draw a card. , : Add one mana of any color.

Though the Time of Ice has ended, its relics still slumber in New Argive.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcum’s Astrolabe offers a subtle, yet effective form of card advantage. When it enters the battlefield, you immediately get to draw a card, potentially smoothing out your draws and helping you find key components for your strategy without losing tempo.

Resource Acceleration: As a one-mana artifact that can tap for mana of any color, Arcum’s Astrolabe aids in resource acceleration. It supports multicolored decks for more consistent and efficient mana production, even potentially fixing mana in the early stages of the game to ensure you can cast your spells on curve.

Instant Speed: While Arcum’s Astrolabe does not operate at instant speed itself, it enables a smoother gameplay at instant speed for other cards in your deck by ensuring you have the correct colors of mana at all times. This reliability can make it easier to respond to an opponent’s actions or end-of-turn opportunities.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One pivotal downside of Arcum’s Astrolabe is its requirement for you to part with another card from your hand to leverage its benefits. This can deplete your hand quickly, especially in early game scenarios where preserving resources is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Arcum’s Astrolabe’s setup cost necessitates the use of snow mana – a requisition that imposes restrictions on deck construction. Decks not naturally aligned with snow lands or effects may find it difficult to adopt this card, limiting its versatility across various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card’s ability to filter mana and draw a card is beneficial, it comes with a snow mana investment that, on a large scale, can be considered hefty. This becomes apparent when compared to other one-mana artifacts that may offer comparable or even superior advantages without such a stringent mana requirement.


Reasons to Include Arcum’s Astrolabe in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcum’s Astrolabe stands out for its ability to slot into a variety of deck builds. Its low casting cost and simple snow mana requirement make it accessible early in the game, while the card draw it provides is useful in any stage of play.

Combo Potential: As an artifact, Arcum’s Astrolabe works seamlessly with strategies that capitalize on artifact synergies. It can be a cog in engine decks that untap and replay artifacts for value or serve as fodder for abilities requiring artifacts to be sacrificed.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where mana consistency and flexibility are paramount, Arcum’s Astrolabe can be a game-changer. It enables multicolored decks to smooth out their mana base and ensures that players can cast their spells on time.


How to beat

Overcoming the utility of Arcum’s Astrolabe in MTG requires strategic finesse due to its mana-fixing capability. It starts with recognizing that while the card allows for more consistent plays, its necessity implies a diverse mana base. Players can exploit this by incorporating artifact disruption or hate cards into their deck, thereby targeting the dependencies created by such artifacts.

Decisive actions such as employing cards like Stony Silence, which prevent artifacts from being activated, can stymie an opponent’s strategy reliant on Arcum’s Astrolabe. Another effective strategy is the use of enchantments like Collector Ouphe, denying all players the ability to use artifact abilities. This tactic effectively negates the benefits offered by Arcum’s Astrolabe, potentially crippling an opponent’s mana strategy and providing an opening for victory.

In summary, while Arcum’s Astrolabe is a powerful tool for mana consistency, it also introduces vulnerability into the deck that can be exploited. An acute awareness of these weaknesses and the incorporation of specific countermeasures can lead to effective strategies against decks relying on this versatile artifact.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering your MTG deck with cards like Arcum’s Astrolabe is a step towards a refined strategy and gameplay. The card’s ability to support multicolor decks and provide continuous card advantage makes it a valuable asset for players who want to optimize their mana and card flow. As you progress in your quest for deck perfection, consider the benefits and drawbacks we’ve discussed, and how including or countering Arcum’s Astrolabe can impact your play. Elevate your game by incorporating strategic card choices and always stay a step ahead of your opponents. Dive deeper into strategy and deck building with us and discover the best ways to harness the power of your collection.


Cards like Arcum's Astrolabe

Arcum’s Astrolabe in MTG is a versatile artifact that allows for mana fixing and card draw. This card is akin to Prophetic Prism, which also filters mana and draws a card upon entering the battlefield. Where Arcum’s Astrolabe distinguishes itself is its lower casting cost and the ability to draw a card for just one snow mana of any color when it enters the battlefield.

Examining the landscape of mana filtering artifacts, we also stumble upon Chromatic Star and Chromatic Sphere, both of which can be cracked for mana of any color and draw a card. However, unlike Arcum’s Astrolabe, they are one-time use and their costs don’t get refunded upon use. Moreover, they don’t encourage the building of a snow land-based deck which is where Arcum’s Astrolabe really shines.

Despite being seemingly simple, the synergies and efficiencies found within a snow mana-based deck elevate Arcum’s Astrolabe beyond its peers. By allowing seamless color fixing and a continuous draw mechanism that complements snow thematic strategies, Arcum’s Astrolabe has carved out a unique niche that keeps it relevant in formats where it’s still legal to play.

Prophetic Prism - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Star - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Sphere - MTG Card versions
Prophetic Prism - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Chromatic Star - Time Spiral (TSP)
Chromatic Sphere - Invasion (INV)

Cards similar to Arcum's Astrolabe by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Wooden Sphere - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Sol Ring - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Iron Star - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Library of Leng - Unlimited Edition (2ED)
Black Vise - Revised Edition (3ED)
Urza's Chalice - Masters Edition (ME1)
Ivory Cup - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Brass Man - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Mana Vault - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Soul Net - Seventh Edition (7ED)
The Rack - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Helm of Chatzuk - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Obelisk of Undoing - Masters Edition IV (ME4)
Feldon's Cane - Pro Tour Collector Set (PTC)
Ivory Tower - Pro Tour Collector Set (PTC)
Meekstone - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Triangle of War - Visions (VIS)
Throne of Bone - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Crystal Rod - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcum's Astrolabe // Arcum's Astrolabe MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons Art Series and Modern 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 Arcum's Astrolabe // Arcum's Astrolabe and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcum's Astrolabe // Arcum's Astrolabe Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2019-06-14. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-06-05Modern Horizons Art SeriesAMH1 532015art_seriesborderlessIgor Kieryluk
22019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 2202015normalblackIgor Kieryluk
32020-09-26The ListPLST MH1-2202015normalblackIgor Kieryluk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcum's Astrolabe has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyBanned
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernBanned
OathbreakerLegal
PauperBanned
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

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