Arc Mage MTG Card


Arc Mage - Nemesis
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Spellshaper
Released2000-02-14
Set symbol
Set nameNemesis
Set codeNEM
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number77
Frame1997
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byTerese Nielsen

Key Takeaways

  1. Arc Mage enables card advantage by dealing damage and drawing cards simultaneously, optimizing resources.
  2. Its instant-speed damage capability disrupts opponents’ plays, keeping battlefield control with the user.
  3. Mana cost and discard requirements may limit Arc Mage’s versatility across different deck strategies.

Text of card

o R, oc T, Discard a card from your hand: Arc Mage deals 2 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or players.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Arc Mage lets players strategically remove threats while drawing a card, thus maintaining or gaining card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: By allowing players to untap two lands when it enters the battlefield, the Arc Mage facilitates resource acceleration, enabling further plays in a single turn.

Instant Speed: Its ability to deal damage at instant speed gives players the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn, keeping the tempo in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arc Mage necessitates a card discard to activate its ability, potentially depleting your hand especially when you’re already struggling with resources.

Specific Mana Cost: With a distinct mana combination that caters to red and blue, Arc Mage might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks, potentially hindering its versatility in various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to bring Arc Mage into play can be steep relative to other creatures that may provide a stronger board presence or additional abilities that justify their inclusion in a deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arc Mage brings a level of flexibility to your arsenal, easily sliding into various deck builds. Whether you’re commanding a red burn deck or integrating into a multicolor piece, its damage-dealing ability can be a game-changer.

Combo Potential: The ability of Arc Mage to dish out damage across multiple creatures opens up synergy with cards that trigger upon damage or death of creatures. This can set off chain reactions that clear the board or feed into powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based decks are prevalent in many metas, having a card like Arc Mage can significantly disrupt your opponents’ strategies. It can act as a deterrent against swarms of smaller creatures or finish off weakened threats, keeping you in control of the battlefield.


How to beat

Arc Mage is a unique card within the vast arsenal of spells available to players in Magic: The Gathering. Renowned for its ability to deal damage divided as you choose among one, two, or even three targets, Arc Mage can seem like a daunting obstacle on the battlefield. The versatility of distributing damage makes it a threat to both creature-heavy strategies and life totals alike.

However, overcoming this card involves strategic planning and the clever use of removal. Instant speed removal spells are your best bet, allowing you to respond to the Arc Mage’s activation before it unleashes its damaging effect. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can efficiently dispose of the Arc Mage before the damage is dealt. Additionally, prioritizing the elimination of Arc Mage in the face of multiple threats can save you valuable resources and life points in the long run. Keeping mana open for these defensive plays will help ensure that Arc Mage’s impact on the game is mitigated, preserving your board state and increasing your chances for victory. By understanding the timing and having the right answers in your deck, you can nullify the threat posed by Arc Mage.


Cards like Arc Mage

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, the Arc Mage stands as an intriguing utility creature. Its abilities invite comparison with other damage-dealing characters like Cunning Sparkmage and Prodigal Pyromancer. Similar to the Arc Mage, these two creatures can deal direct damage to any target, offering strategic advantages against creatures and planeswalkers alike. Where the Arc Mage truly differentiates itself is in its potential to deal 2 damage across the board to each of two targets at the cost of tapping and sacrificing itself, a feature that neither Cunning Sparkmage nor Prodigal Pyromancer possess.

Next in line for comparison is Gelectrode, which shares the tap-to-damage ability but can untap whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, allowing for repeated usage in a single turn. Unlike Arc Mage, Gelectrode deals only one damage per activation but compensates with greater flexibility over multiple turns. Conversely, Embermage Goblin provides a similar versatile choice, enabling targeted damage that can be increased with each goblin ally on the field.

All things considered, Arc Mage fits a unique niche offering a one-time substantial impact, potentially altering the board state significantly in your favor, depending on your strategy and board position.

Cunning Sparkmage - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Gelectrode - MTG Card versions
Embermage Goblin - MTG Card versions
Cunning Sparkmage - Worldwake (WWK)
Prodigal Pyromancer - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Gelectrode - Guildpact (GPT)
Embermage Goblin - Onslaught (ONS)

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

Dwarven Warriors - MTG Card versions
Raging Bull - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lava - MTG Card versions
Brassclaw Orcs - MTG Card versions
Imperial Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Uthden Troll - MTG Card versions
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions
Goblin Rabblemaster - MTG Card versions
Nosy Goblin - MTG Card versions
Goblin Sky Raider - MTG Card versions
Cosmic Larva - MTG Card versions
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions
Ghost-Lit Raider - MTG Card versions
Goblin Chariot - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions
Basalt Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Orcish Artillery - MTG Card versions
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - MTG Card versions
Blind-Spot Giant - MTG Card versions
Mudbutton Torchrunner - MTG Card versions
Dwarven Warriors - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Raging Bull - Legends (LEG)
Wall of Lava - Ice Age (ICE)
Brassclaw Orcs - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Imperial Recruiter - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Uthden Troll - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms Promos (PAFR)
Goblin Rabblemaster - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Nosy Goblin - Onslaught (ONS)
Goblin Sky Raider - Onslaught (ONS)
Cosmic Larva - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Ghost-Lit Raider - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Goblin Chariot - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Balduvian Barbarians - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Basalt Gargoyle - Time Spiral (TSP)
Orcish Artillery - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Stinkdrinker Daredevil - Lorwyn (LRW)
Blind-Spot Giant - Lorwyn (LRW)
Mudbutton Torchrunner - Duel Decks: Elves vs. Goblins (DD1)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arc Mage MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Arc Mage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arc Mage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Arc Mage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2004-10-04 You can’t choose zero targets. You must choose between 1 and 2 targets.

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