Arcbound Worker MTG Card


Economical with strategic benefits, Arcbound Worker fits perfectly into artifact and modular-themed strategies. The creature’s modularity operates at instant speed, offering combat flexibility and resource durability. Despite low stats, its counter transfer ability makes it a subtle yet potent addition to any deck.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Modular
Power 0
Toughness 0

Text of card

Modular 1 (This comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it. When it's put into a graveyard, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)

The parts are as strong as the whole.


Cards like Arcbound Worker

The Arcbound Worker is a nifty little artifact creature that finds a comfortable niche within the modular mechanic subset of Magic: The Gathering. It shares an affinity with other modular creatures like Arcbound Stinger, which also enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter. However, the Worker differentiates itself with its lower mana cost, making it a more accessible option early in the game.

Then, we can look at Sparring Construct, a card that looks deceptively simple at first glance, much like Arcbound Worker. Though not a modular card, on death, it bestows its +1/+1 counter onto another creature, making it surprisingly versatile in bolstering your field. Compared to the Arcbound Worker whose counters can potentially multiply if you have other artifact creatures on the field, Sparring Construct finds its strength in singular, targeted improvement.

Finally, Iron Bully is yet another comparable card that falls into this category. It also carries the modular ability and when paired with other creatures boasting the same feature can lead to a vastly improved board state. While the Bully costs more mana than the Arcbound Worker, it starts with a larger body.

In the landscape of artifact creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, Arcbound Worker shines as a starting point for synergy-driven decks, perfect for an early advantage and incremental growth through its modular ability.

Arcbound Stinger - MTG Card versions
Sparring Construct - MTG Card versions
Iron Bully - MTG Card versions
Arcbound Stinger - MTG Card versions
Sparring Construct - MTG Card versions
Iron Bully - MTG Card versions

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

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Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Signal Pest - MTG Card versions
Viridian Longbow - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green Hardened ScalesMono-Green Hardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesModern Challenge 64 2023-12-23
Hardened ScalesHardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesDoghouse-mas VII
Simic Hardened ScalesSimic Hardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesModern League 2024-02-01
Mono-Blue YawgmothMono-Blue Yawgmoth ModernHardened ScalesLast Chance Qualifier Ghent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcbound Worker arrives on the battlefield at a low cost, setting up strategic plays for later turns. When it’s placed in the graveyard from the battlefield, you can transfer its +1/+1 counter to another artifact creature, subtly bolstering your board presence without additional card expenditure.

Resource Acceleration: As part of the modular mechanic, this creature can effectively transfer its value upon death. This not only provides permanence to the resources you’ve invested but can also accelerate the power of a subsequent creature without the need for additional mana on that turn.

Instant Speed: While Arcbound Worker itself isn’t an instant, its modularity works at instant speed during combat or in response to removal, allowing you to optimize your counter distribution in the heat of the moment. This provides flexible and timely board state adjustments, which can be crucial in the swift-paced nature of gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Arcbound Worker does not have a discard requirement itself, its modular ability is contingent on it dying, which can be seen as a form of resource loss, especially in decks not tailored to utilize the graveyard or sacrifice synergy.

Specific Mana Cost: The single generic mana needed to cast Arcbound Worker seems inconsequential but in a format where mana efficiency is key, including it in multicolored decks may not always align with the deck’s mana curve strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Arcbound Worker’s casting cost is low, when considering its modest stats and the increasingly competitive one-drop slot across various formats, other creatures or spells could offer immediate impact or greater flexibility for the same investment.


Reasons to Include Arcbound Worker in Your Collection

Versatility: This low-cost artifact creature slides easily into artifact-centric or modular-themed decks. Its flexibility in mana cost allows for quick deployment which can be crucial to establishing board presence in the early game.

Combo Potential: Arcbound Worker shines in tandem with other modular creatures or any strategy that leverages +1/+1 counters. When it leaves the battlefield, it passes on its counters, intertwining seamlessly with numerous synergistic mechanics across various sets.

Meta-Relevance: In any format where artifact strategies are prominent, such as in Modern’s Hardened Scales builds, this card’s ability to contribute to cumulative advantage over time makes it a worthy consideration for iterative deck adaptations.


How to beat

Arcbound Worker may seem like a minor threat in MTG, with its modest stats and ability to modulate with +1/+1 counters. But underestimate this modular creature, and you may find your opponent’s board growing out of control swiftly. The key to disrupting the synergy of Arcbound Worker lies in neutralizing it before the counters become a problem. Immediate removal is essential – consider spells that can target and eliminate it without triggering its modular ability.

Spot removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can handle the Worker efficiently without giving the opponent the chance to transfer the counters. Alternatively, applying pressure with early game creatures can preempt the Worker’s effect, keeping the board in your favor. Look out for board wipes that clean the slate; they can remove the Worker and its potential modular recipients simultaneously. Keep in mind that countering the creature spells before they hit the board is another effective strategy, especially when it comes to Arcbound Worker and its subsequent modular chain.

By effectively managing the battlefield and using the right removal at the opportune moment, you can ensure that the Arcbound Worker doesn’t become the cornerstone of your opponent’s strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcbound Worker MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and World Championship Decks 2004, 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 Worker and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcbound Worker Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2013-06-07. Illustrated by Darrell Riche.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12004-02-06DarksteelDST 1042003NormalBlackDarrell Riche
22004-09-01World Championship Decks 2004WC04 ap104a2003NormalGoldDarrell Riche
32013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 2012003NormalBlackDarrell Riche

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcbound Worker has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2006-09-25 If this creature gets enough -1/-1 counters put on it to cause its toughness to be 0 or less (or the damage marked on it to be lethal), modular will put a number of +1/+1 counters on the target artifact creature equal to the number of +1/+1 counters on this creature before it left the battlefield.