Arcbound Shikari MTG Card


Arcbound Shikari excels in generating card advantage by interacting favorably with +1/+1 counter mechanics. The card’s synergy with modular artifacts substantially accelerates resource development and board strength. It offers strategic combat capabilities by emulating instant-speed boosts through its counter distribution.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Cat Soldier
Abilities First strike,Modular
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

First strike When Arcbound Shikari enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each other artifact creature you control. Modular 2 (This creature enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)


Cards like Arcbound Shikari

Arcbound Shikari injects a unique dynamic into the artifact and modular strategies often seen in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards such as Steel Overseer, which offers a way to increase the power of your artifacts. Arcbound Shikari distinguishes itself with the immediate boost it gives to other artifact creatures upon entering the battlefield and the ability to scale aggressively with additional +1/+1 counters.

In comparison, we also have Arcbound Ravager, a heavyweight in the modular mechanic. While Arcbound Ravager demands a sacrifice of artifacts to amass its own power, it lacks the direct, wide-spread augmenting impact of Arcbound Shikari. Conversely, there’s Cranial Plating, offering a similar potential for a significant power increase but again, centered on a single creature rather than bolstering an entire team.

In sum, Arcbound Shikari stands out in the artifact creature deck archetype. It not only provides immediate enhancement to your artifact creatures but also continues to scale, making it a resilient and formidable presence on the battlefield, especially when considering the value of modular synergy in Magic: The Gathering.

Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Ravager - MTG Card versions
Cranial Plating - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Ravager - MTG Card versions
Cranial Plating - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arcbound Shikari by color, type and mana cost

Sunforger - MTG Card versions
Boros Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Boros Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Boros Locket - MTG Card versions
Arcee, Sharpshooter // Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe - MTG Card versions
Bladehold War-Whip - MTG Card versions
Sunforger - MTG Card versions
Boros Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Boros Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Boros Locket - MTG Card versions
Arcee, Sharpshooter // Arcee, Acrobatic Coupe - MTG Card versions
Bladehold War-Whip - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcbound Shikari has the powerful ability to synergize with +1/+1 counters, potentially drawing multiple cards when combined with other modular cards or counter-granting effects, solidifying your position on the board with a greater number of resources.

Resource Acceleration: This creature shines in artifact-heavy decks by bolstering your creatures instantly. Its synergy with modular mechanics not only develops your board presence faster but effectively squeezes additional value out of the creatures that you control, accelerating your resource advantage.

Instant Speed: While Arcbound Shikari itself isn’t instant speed, its ability to provide a +1/+1 counter and first strike until end of turn can be triggered during the combat phase, mimicking an instant-speed boost. This allows for strategic combat adjustments, surprising opponents and turning tide of battle in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Arcbound Shikari necessitates discarding an artifact card to activate its most potent abilities, potentially depleting your hand when you might need those resources for other plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both red and white mana, making it imperative to have a mana base that can consistently produce these colors, or else you risk having it stuck in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of three, including specific colors, there are scenarios where Arcbound Shikari may not be as mana-efficient compared to other creatures that bolster your artifact strategies more effectively.


Reasons to Include Arcbound Shikari in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcbound Shikari offers broad adaptability, seamlessly slotting into artifact or modular decks. Its ability to grant +1/+1 counters and First Strike during combat makes it a flexible choice for both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergistic play, especially when combined with other modular creatures. It can swiftly transform a battlefield with its counter distribution ability, amplifying the strength of each artifact creature you control.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment dominated by creature-heavy decks, Arcbound Shikari’s capability to scale up your forces and provide a significant combat advantage makes it an asset in keeping pace with the ever-evolving meta.


How to beat

Arcbound Shikari is a notable card in MTG that can strengthen creatures with +1/+1 counters, making it a solid addition to artifact and modular strategy decks. Tackling Arcbound Shikari effectively requires disrupting its synergy with other artifacts and creatures. Counteracting its power-up ability is key, so consider cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile to remove it before it can accumulate counters or benefit from other modular creatures.

Furthermore, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the board of multiple threats, including Arcbound Shikari and the creatures it aims to empower. Arcbound Shikari’s inherent strength lies in its cumulative effect on the battlefield, so maintaining control over the board state and countering before it can leverage those counters is crucial. Artifact removal spells, like Abrade or Shatter, also play a significant role in dismantling the synergy that Arcbound Shikari relies on to dominate the game.

In essence, staying proactive against Arcbound Shikari through strategic removal and disruption can tip the scales in your favor. As with any key piece on your opponent’s board, immediate and efficient responses are imperative to ensure that Arcbound Shikari does not become an insurmountable threat in your match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the battlefield in MTG takes more than just powerful cards; it requires strategy and a deep understanding of synergies within your deck. Arcbound Shikari is a formidable addition to any artifact-oriented strategy, known for its ability to amplify your creatures’ strengths with +1/+1 counters. While considering its pros and cons, remember that Arcbound Shikari excels in the right elemental mix, supporting aggressive tactics, and scaling your forces. Interested in refining your artifact deck and evolving your gameplay? Let us guide you through harnessing the full potential of Arcbound Shikari and similar powerhouse cards. Embark on your journey to mastery with us today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcbound Shikari MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Modern Horizons 2, 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 Arcbound Shikari and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcbound Shikari Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Campbell White.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 3602015NormalBlackCampbell White
22021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 1842015NormalBlackCampbell White
32021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 6772015NormalBlackCampbell White

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcbound Shikari has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal