Arc-Slogger MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Beast
Released	2003-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Mirrodin
Set code	MRD
Power	4
Toughness	5
Number	85
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jeff Easley

Key Takeaways

Arc-Slogger can tip the scales by exiling cards to strategically remove threats or finish games.
Exercising instant speed usage, this card adds surprise elements, maximizing turn efficiency.
However, its high resource cost can deplete decks, demanding strategic play to optimize value.

Text of card

, Remove the top ten cards of your library from the game: Arc-Slogger deals 2 damage to target creature or player.

A shuffling sound and the smell of ozone follow the slogger as surely as its electric tail.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arc-Slogger offers a unique edge by enabling you to exile the top ten cards of your library to deal 2 damage to any target. This ability can be pivotal in closing out games or removing key threats on the board, tipping the scales in your favor. The repeatable nature of this ability can repeatedly impact the game state when used strategically.

Resource Acceleration: While Arc-Slogger itself doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, the ability to deal damage at a moment’s notice allows you to effectively utilize your mana each turn. Efficient mana usage is a form of indirect resource acceleration as it ensures you are always posing a threat and can influence your opponent’s plays.

Instant Speed: Although the ability is not an instant, it can be activated at instant speed, offering you flexibility and surprise potential. You can wait until the most advantageous moment during your opponent’s turn to activate Arc-Slogger’s ability, potentially disrupting their strategy or securing the win during an off-guard moment.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the primary drawbacks of the Arc-Slogger is its heavy reliance on discarding. Each activation of its ability requires the exile of the top ten cards of your library, which can rapidly deplete your deck. For players who are not running a specifically designed deck strategy, this could result in losing valuable resources too quickly, potentially leading to running out of cards and losing the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The Arc-Slogger demands a specific mana cost that consists primarily of red mana. This can be restrictive and may not fit seamlessly into multi-colored or more flexible deck builds. To properly and consistently utilize the Arc-Slogger’s capabilities, players need to ensure their mana base is heavily skewed towards red, which might not always align with a deck’s overall strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of 5 mana (4 colorless and 1 red), the Arc-Slogger is a significant investment in the early to mid-game. In competitive play, there are alternative creatures and spells that provide immediate impact or utility that outweighs the potential late-game benefits of the Arc-Slogger. This makes it less attractive when deck efficiency and optimal mana usage are crucial for achieving victory.

Reasons to Include Arc-Slogger in Your Collection

Versatility: Arc-Slogger provides a powerful finishing tool in red decks. Its ability to remove the top ten cards of your library to deal 2 damage to any target adds flexibility, allowing you to respond to various threats or push for the win in a tight game.

Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies revolving around graveyard manipulation or deck recycling. It can also fuel abilities or archetypes that thrive on high-power creatures or direct damage capabilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where longer matches are common, Arc-Slogger offers a repeatable damage source which can be crucial. Whether you’re facing down creature-heavy decks or need to apply consistent pressure in the late game, Arc-Slogger can adapt to the evolving MTG landscape.

How to beat

The Arc-Slogger is a potent monster in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering, admired for its capability to deal direct damage to any target. This red creature from the Mirrodin set can swiftly whittle down an opponent’s life total if left unchecked. However, there are strategies players can deploy to counteract the Arc-Slogger’s fiery onslaught.

One effective tactic is to apply removal spells before the Arc-Slogger can unleash its full potential. Swift action is key, as waiting too long could result in a substantial hit to your defenses. Additionally, players can employ counterspells or creature abilities that prevent or redirect damage, thus nullifying the Arc-Slogger’s threat. Ensnaring the Arc-Slogger with enchantments or artifacts that restrict its abilities can also turn the tide of the game in your favor.

In essence, anticipating the Arc-Slogger’s entry and reacting with the correct spells or abilities is crucial. Magic: The Gathering is a game of wits and strategy, and by effectively managing threats like the Arc-Slogger, players can maintain control of the battlefield and emerge victorious.

Cards like Arc-Slogger

Arc-Slogger proves to be a unique creature within the red mana realm of Magic: The Gathering. When examining cards of a similar flavor, we encounter Bosh, Iron Golem which can toss artifacts at your opponent’s life total. However, unlike Arc-Slogger, Bosh doesn’t have the ability to rapidly diminish your own library for a more immediate effect on the game board.

Another familiar card worth mentioning is Goblin Charbelcher. Although it also manipulates the library for damage, its reliance on the composition of the library differs significantly from Arc-Slogger’s consistent damage output. Where Goblin Charbelcher’s damage can be variable, Arc-Slogger presents a fixed amount, which can be planned for and relied upon in tight situations.

When it comes to comparison, it’s clear that while there are other cards that offer similar burst damage potential, Arc-Slogger stands out for its capacity to provide a hefty punch, often serving as a game-ender that can bypass various defenses. This makes the card a potent option for players who like to keep their opponents on their toes with the threat of sudden and massive life total shifts.

Cards similar to Arc-Slogger by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

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