Arc Trail MTG Card


Card offers the flexibility to eliminate multiple threats, gaining card advantage through strategic damage division. The precise mana cost and sorcery speed of Arc Trail require thoughtful deck inclusion and tactical play. Versatility in red deck strategies and potential combo synergies make Arc Trail a valuable card for collection.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Arc Trail deals 2 damage to target creature or player and 1 damage to another target creature or player.

"Don't try to hit your enemies. Concentrate on the space between them, and fill the air with doom." —Spear-Tribe teaching


Cards like Arc Trail

Arc Trail is an intriguing spell in Magic The Gathering, bearing a resemblance to other red damage spells such as Forked Bolt. Both cards allow players to distribute damage across multiple targets. However, Arc Trail offers a split of damage that can be particularly tactical, dealing two damage to one target and one to another. Forked Bolt, in contrast, delivers a single damage movement, providing less flexibility for damage distribution, yet it has the advantage of being split as the player chooses if cast for its standard cost.

Spark Spreader Witch also enters the conversation, presenting a repeatable way to spread damage across the field though its effects are limited to a single damage per use. The witch functions differently, being a creature rather than a spell, and requires a mana and tapping investment for each damage point.

Exploring these alternatives displays the distinctive power and flexibility of Arc Trail’s effect. Its ability to unevenly split damage often times makes it the more strategic choice for players seeking control and precision. By examining the strategic values and uses of similar spells, Arc Trail secures its own niche within the arsenal of red damage-dealing cards in MTG’s expansive library.

Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions
Forked Bolt - MTG Card versions

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

Scent of Cinder - MTG Card versions
Spitting Earth - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Hammer - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Strategy, Schmategy - MTG Card versions
Disorder - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Oath - MTG Card versions
Last Chance - MTG Card versions
Tribal Flames - MTG Card versions
Breath of Darigaaz - MTG Card versions
Lava Blister - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Incendiary Flow - MTG Card versions
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Mortars - MTG Card versions
Burning Wish - MTG Card versions
Mana Seism - MTG Card versions
Yamabushi's Storm - MTG Card versions
Face to Face - MTG Card versions
Scent of Cinder - MTG Card versions
Spitting Earth - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Hammer - MTG Card versions
Fanning the Flames - MTG Card versions
Strategy, Schmategy - MTG Card versions
Disorder - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Oath - MTG Card versions
Last Chance - MTG Card versions
Tribal Flames - MTG Card versions
Breath of Darigaaz - MTG Card versions
Lava Blister - MTG Card versions
Pyroclasm - MTG Card versions
Incendiary Flow - MTG Card versions
Embereth Shieldbreaker // Battle Display - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Mortars - MTG Card versions
Burning Wish - MTG Card versions
Mana Seism - MTG Card versions
Yamabushi's Storm - MTG Card versions
Face to Face - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arc Trail shines in its ability to potentially deal with two threats in one go. By dividing its damage, you can remove a smaller creature and chip away at a larger threat or another target, which can equate to gaining an edge in card economy.

Resource Acceleration: While Arc Trail doesn’t directly result in resource acceleration like generating mana, the efficiency it brings can indirectly speed up your game plan. By eliminating key opposing creatures early, you pave the way for your own creatures to press an attack or to establish board control without delay.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery-speed spell, Arc Trail’s timing is crucial. It requires strategic planning to maximize its effect, often setting up favorable trades or clearing the way for your next turn.


Card Cons

Specific Mana Cost: Arc Trail has a precise mana requirement, including one red mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Arc Trail’s casting cost may seem on the higher end when considering other burn spells in MTG that can deal similar amounts of damage for less mana, potentially making it a less optimal choice in faster-paced formats.

Discard Requirement: Although Arc Trail doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, its higher mana cost could indirectly contribute to a disadvantage. Players may need to hold onto this card longer, thereby reducing hand flexibility and possibly forcing discards in other situations where hand size is managed.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arc Trail is a flexible card that can seamlessly integrate into various red spellslinger or control decks. Its ability to deal damage to multiple targets allows players to adapt to a wide array of board states, be it by removing creatures or pressuring the opponent’s life total.

Combo Potential: As a spell with split damage, Arc Trail can be a key piece in puzzles involving damage-based triggers or synergies. It can work in tandem with cards that reward you for damaging multiple creatures or players, amplifying the impact of your strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: This card shines in environments where aggressive creature decks are prevalent. Its capacity to disrupt early swarm strategies or remove key utility creatures makes it a valuable inclusion in a meta game focused on establishing and maintaining board presence.


How to beat Arc Trail

Arc Trail is a versatile and potent option for players looking to disrupt multiple targets on the board. With the ability to hit one target for two damage and another for one, it’s ideal for taking out early game threats. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to avoid playing creatures with one toughness if you suspect your opponent is holding an Arc Trail. Shielding your key creatures with hexproof or shroud can also circumvent the damage, making it harder for your opponent to gain a two-for-one advantage.

Another effective strategy is to bait out Arc Trail by playing less critical creatures first, thereby preserving your more valuable ones. Instant-speed creature boosts can also turn the tables – in response to Arc Trail, bolstering a creature’s toughness can nullify the intended damage and leave your opponent’s play fruitless. Lastly, countering Arc Trail with a well-timed counterspell secures card advantage and maintains your board presence, nullifying the threat entirely. With these tactics, a card that seems formidable can be stripped of its power, keeping your side of the board secure.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arc Trail MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Planechase 2012, 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 Trail and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arc Trail Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Marc Simonetti.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 812003NormalBlackMarc Simonetti
22012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 392003NormalBlackMarc Simonetti
32014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 232015NormalBlackMarc Simonetti
42016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 392015NormalBlackMarc Simonetti
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8412015NormalBlackMarc Simonetti
62020-09-26The ListPLST PCA-392015NormalBlackMarc Simonetti

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arc Trail has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal