Arc Lightning MTG Card


Arc Lightning offers card advantage by possibly removing multiple threats with a single cast. By clearing blockers, it accelerates your attack strategy, pressing the opponent. The sorcery’s timing demands strategic usage, optimizing its board impact during your turn.
Card setsReleased in 11 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Arc Lightning deals 3 damage divided as you choose among any number of target creatures and/or players.

Rainclouds don't last long in Shiv, but that doesn't stop the lightning.


Cards like Arc Lightning

Arc Lightning is a versatile damage spell within the game of Magic: The Gathering that caters to players fond of direct damage strategies. Similar in nature to the iconic Lightning Bolt, this card allows the player to distribute three points of damage. Yet, unlike Lightning Bolt’s focused power, Arc Lightning’s divisibility among multiple targets accommodates a broader tactical playstyle, aligning more closely with cards such as Flames of the Firebrand.

Electrickery is another card worthy of comparison, featuring the ability to potentially deal damage to multiple creatures as well, though its baseline effect is more limited than Arc Lightning. Where Electrickery excels is in its Overload cost, which can then match Arc Lightning’s board impact under the right conditions. In contrast, Searing Blood provides a similar damage output but includes additional damage to a player if the creature it damages dies, offering advantageous player interactions that Arc Lightning lacks.

In the realm of red burn spells, assessing cards like Arc Lightning reveals its merit as a situational tool capable of shifting the board state with precise damage control, despite having competition from cards that offer more direct or conditional player damage.

Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Electrickery - MTG Card versions
Searing Blood - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Electrickery - MTG Card versions
Searing Blood - MTG Card versions

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

Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Cry - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions
Stone Rain - MTG Card versions
Game of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Evaporate - MTG Card versions
Pillage - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Cry - MTG Card versions
Steam Blast - MTG Card versions
Goblin Offensive - MTG Card versions
Desert Sandstorm - MTG Card versions
Search for Survivors - MTG Card versions
Panic Attack - MTG Card versions
Searing Rays - MTG Card versions
Rupture - MTG Card versions
Tundra Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Browbeat - MTG Card versions
Anger of the Gods - MTG Card versions
Erratic Explosion - MTG Card versions
Threaten - MTG Card versions
Sizzle - MTG Card versions
Hammer of Bogardan - MTG Card versions
Fiery Gambit - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arc Lightning can hit multiple targets, potentially removing several of your opponent’s creatures off the board with just one card. This efficient distribution of damage means you’re often gaining value by dealing with more than one threat at once.

Resource Acceleration: While Arc Lightning itself does not directly accelerate resources, its ability to clear the battlefield of smaller creatures can pave the way for your more impactful spells. By removing blockers, it accelerates your game plan, allowing more direct attacks and maintaining pressure on your opponent.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Arc Lightning being at sorcery speed encourages strategic planning, aligning with MTG’s core gameplay of phases and turns. Although not instant, its timing allows you to set up your turn with precise control over when to dispatch threats, modify the board state, and optimize your impact during your turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Arc Lightning does not require a discard, managing your hand effectively is crucial. Utilize this spell at the right moment to avoid being card-deficient later on.

Specific Mana Cost: Arc Lightning’s casting cost demands both generic and red mana. This necessity may restrict its utility to particular archetypes, typically within red or multicolored decks that can accommodate its mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Arc Lightning can be comparatively expensive for its effect, especially when pitted against other low-cost removal spells in the game. This cost-benefit analysis is important when building a deck that aims for efficiency and speed.


Reasons to Include Arc Lightning in Your Collection

Versatility: Arc Lightning serves as a flexible tool in any red deck. Its ability to split three damage as you choose makes it effective against a swarm of smaller creatures or to finish off a wounded larger one.

Combo Potential: This card can work in conjunction with cards that trigger upon dealing damage or casting instant and sorcery spells, providing additional value beyond the initial damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where aggressive creature strategies are common, Arc Lightning can be a game-changer by managing the battlefield and keeping opposing threats in check.


How to beat

Arc Lightning is a versatile spell in the realm of red magic, known for its ability to deal three damage divided as you choose among one, two, or three targets. This card can be a game changer, tipping the scales by removing smaller creatures or finishing off weakened opponents. To counter this spell, it’s important to consider cards with hexproof to protect your creatures from being targeted. Diversifying the toughness of your creatures can also mitigate the impact of Arc Lightning, ensuring that not all your creatures are susceptible to a three-damage sweep.

Another strategic move is to use instant spells that can boost the toughness of your creatures in response to Arc Lightning being cast, such as Giant Growth or Gods Willing. This way, you can potentially save your creatures from being destroyed. Additionally, playing creatures with a toughness greater than three can render Arc Lightning ineffective as a removal tool. Having these strategies in your deck can give you an edge, making it challenging for opponents to gain advantage with Arc Lightning in play.

Ultimately, while Arc Lightning can present a challenge, preparing your deck with countermeasures and responding wisely during play can neutralize its threat and maintain your board’s integrity.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arc Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Lightning and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arc Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2014-09-26. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 1741997NormalBlackAndrew Goldhawk
21999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 mlp1741997NormalGoldAndrew Goldhawk
31999-08-04World Championship Decks 1999WC99 mlp174sb1997NormalGoldAndrew Goldhawk
41999-11-12Battle Royale Box SetBRB 51997NormalWhiteAndrew Goldhawk
52000-08-02World Championship Decks 2000WC00 jk1741997NormalGoldAndrew Goldhawk
62002-01-01Arena League 2002PAL02 31997NormalBlackAndrew Goldhawk
72002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 557912015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon
82002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 361161997NormalBlackAndrew Goldhawk
92009-09-04PlanechaseHOP 462003NormalBlackAndrew Goldhawk
102014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 97y2015NormalBlackNathaniel Himawan
112014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 972015NormalBlackSeb McKinnon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arc Lightning has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-09-20 If some of the creatures are illegal targets as Arc Lightning tries to resolve, the original division of damage still applies but no damage is dealt to the illegal targets. If all targets are illegal, Arc Lightning doesn’t resolve.
2014-09-20 You choose how many targets Arc Lightning has and how the damage is divided as you cast the spell. Each target must receive at least 1 damage.