Arcanis the Omnipotent MTG Card


Drawing three cards per tap with Arcanis sets up significant card advantage, offering more strategic options each turn. Instant speed ability of Arcanis provides tactical advantage, keeping mana open for counterspells and responses. Efficient removal spells or early pressure can counteract Arcanis’s high impact card draw ability.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Wizard
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

oc T: Draw three cards. o Uo U: Return Arcanis the Omnipotent to its owner's hand.

He has journeyed where none have been before. Now he returns to ensure that none follow.


Cards like Arcanis the Omnipotent

Arcanis the Omnipotent is a potent force in the world of blue creatures in MTG, offering unparalleled card draw with its tap ability. When examining cards with a similar impact, Consecrated Sphinx stands out, doubling up on the card advantage any time an opponent draws. Although the Sphinx doesn’t allow for control over when to draw, it can potentially net more cards without needing to tap.

Jace, the Mind Sculptor is another card worth comparing; it can also draw multiple cards, with its ‘Brainstorm’ ability. While Arcanis provides raw drawing power turn after turn, Jace offers more utility with his other abilities but requires you to have less than seven cards in hand to get the full advantage from his draw.

Lastly, Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur may come to mind, drawing seven cards during the end step versus Arcanis’s three on tap. The Augur however, comes with a steeper mana cost and the immediate impact on the game that Arcanis can have is not as pronounced, though in the long term, Jin-Gitaxias can be more devastating.

While there are numerous options for card advantage in MTG, Arcanis the Omnipotent commands respect due to its balance of cost, ease of activation, and sheer draw power, marking its territory as an exceptional source of card advantage for players.

Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Jace, the Mind Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Jace, the Mind Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arcanis the Omnipotent by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
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Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
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Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Havengul Skaab - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Havengul Skaab - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Arcanis the Omnipotent. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Five-color ReanimatorFive-color Reanimator Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you tap Arcanis the Omnipotent, you get to draw three cards which sets you up for a significant advantage over your opponents by increasing your hand size, giving you more options and strategies to execute each turn.

Resource Acceleration: Although Arcanis doesn’t directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, the sheer volume of cards drawn can lead to drawing into multiple lands or mana-producing spells, indirectly accelerating your resource development and potential plays.

Instant Speed: Arcanis’s ability can be used at the speed of an instant, allowing a tactical advantage by deciding to draw cards at the end of your opponent’s turn or in response to actions that may deplete your hand, while still keeping mana available for counterspells or other immediate reactions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arcanis the Omnipotent demands a full untap phase to utilize his card draw ability, potentially forcing you to forego playing other cards in anticipation of maximizing his potential.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring three islands to cast, Arcanis’s mana cost is relatively inflexible, making him less accessible for multi-colored decks that can struggle to gather the specific blue mana requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, including three blue mana, Arcanis the Omnipotent can burden your mana resources in the early game, especially when faster, lower-cost draw spells or creatures might suffice.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcanis the Omnipotent serves as a powerhouse of card advantage. With the ability to draw three cards at will, it fits snugly into any blue-based control or combo deck, providing a consistent stream of options to the player.

Combo Potential: The draw ability of Arcanis can be combined with numerous cards that capitalize on card draw or discard, enabling intricate combos that can overwhelm opponents with overwhelming advantage or even draw into game-winning conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In a constantly evolving competitive scene, having access to extra cards can be the difference between victory and defeat. Arcanis maintains relevance in various metagames, particularly where its ability to refuel your hand can outpace opponents’ resources.


How to beat

Arcanis the Omnipotent is a formidable presence in any MTG matchup, offering its controller a deep well of card advantage. To overpower this legendary creature, focusing on direct removal spells is crucial. Options like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can efficiently handle Arcanis before your opponent capitalizes on the card draw potential. In addition, countering Arcanis on the stack with spells such as Counterspell ensures that the threat never hits the board.

Another strategy involves manipulating the combat phase. Utilizing cards that can tap Arcanis or alter combat outcomes, such as Frost Lynx or Maze of Ith, can prevent your opponent from using its tap ability. Also, keep in mind that Arcanis requires a significant mana investment; applying pressure early in the game with aggressive creatures can divert your opponent’s resources away from casting their high-value spells.

Remember, Arcanis’s strength is drawn from not only its ability but also from the potential to be untapped. Including instant-speed interaction to keep it tapped or to remove it when your opponent least expects it is key in ensuring Arcanis the Omnipotent doesn’t take over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

A deep dive into the capabilities of Arcanis the Omnipotent reveals both its potent abilities and its few vulnerabilities. With the power to pull ahead in card advantage and the adaptability to fit into numerous deck strategies, Arcanis is more than a mere creature—it’s a formidable force in any blue-centric deck. However, understanding how to efficiently integrate and counter such a powerful card is paramount. We invite you to further explore the vast arsenal of strategies within MTG that can revolve around or stand up to this legendary creature. For a continued journey toward MTG mastery, richer gameplay, and a refined collection, let us guide you through every step of the way. Discover more ways to enhance your game with Arcanis the Omnipotent and similar impactful cards by joining us on this adventure.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcanis the Omnipotent MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Onslaught, 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 Arcanis the Omnipotent and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcanis the Omnipotent Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 545472015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
22002-10-07OnslaughtONS 661997NormalBlackJustin Sweet
32003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 pk662003NormalGoldJustin Sweet
42007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 662003NormalBlackJustin Sweet
52014-09-05Duel Decks: Speed vs. CunningDDN 422015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
62016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 392015NormalBlackJustin Sweet
72017-08-25Commander 2017C17 802015NormalBlackJustin Sweet
82019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4982015NormalBorderlessPeter Diamond
92023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 392015NormalBlackJustin Sweet
102023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 2801997NormalBlackJustin Sweet

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcanis the Omnipotent has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 Arcanis’s last ability can be activated only while it’s on the battlefield.