Arvad the Cursed MTG Card


Arvad enhances other legendaries, significantly boosting their battlefield presence and threat level. Acts as indirect acceleration, making legendary creatures more impactful without additional mana costs. Despite a higher mana cost, Arvad’s ability to deter attacks and bolster creatures is considerable.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Vampire Knight
Abilities Deathtouch,Lifelink
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Deathtouch, lifelink Other legendary creatures you control get +2/+2.

"I won't abandon the *Weatherlight*. My destiny is to serve at Jhoira's side. This 'illness' means I must trust my faith more and myself less."


Cards like Arvad the Cursed

Arvad the Cursed stands out as a unique booster for legendary creatures within the Magic: The Gathering universe. Drawing similarities with cards such as Timeless Witness and Custodi Lich, Arvad makes a significant impact on decks that capitalize on legendary synergies. Timeless Witness, for example, aids in the retrieval of valuable cards from the graveyard, but lacks Arvad’s ability to empower other creatures on the battlefield.

Looking at Custodi Lich, its connection to the Monarch mechanic can offer a player valuable draw opportunities, yet again, it doesn’t offer the across-the-board stat increase to legendary creatures that is Arvad’s hallmark. Compared to both, Arvad doesn’t just support the deck’s strategy through recursion or card draw – it serves as a linchpin for turning formidable legendary creatures into absolute powerhouses on the playing field.

So, while other cards offer valuable utility or advantages under certain conditions, Arvad the Cursed provides an unwavering buff to legendary creatures, which can lead to dominating game states in MTG, especially in formats rich with legendary figures.

Timeless Witness - MTG Card versions
Custodi Lich - MTG Card versions
Timeless Witness - MTG Card versions
Custodi Lich - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arvad the Cursed’s ability to bolster other legendary creatures you control gives you a persistent edge on the battlefield. This can lead to significant card advantage as each legendary creature becomes a more substantial threat that needs to be dealt with individually.

Resource Acceleration: Though Arvad isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, his ability to amplify the power of legendary creatures can effectively reduce the amount of mana you’ll need to invest in other spells or abilities to achieve the same level of impact, thus acting as an indirect form of acceleration.

Instant Speed: While Arvad the Cursed doesn’t have an instant speed ability himself, his static ability is always ‘on’ while he’s on the field. This immediate effect on other creatures provides a passive benefit that doesn’t require the use of mana or waiting until your next main phase to be effective. This can lead to instant-speed-like advantages during your combat phase or even during your opponent’s turn, particularly if you’re playing with legendary creatures that have flash or other instant-speed effects.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Arvad the Cursed does not have a discard requirement, his specific play conditions may force players to optimize their hand to suit his abilities, sometimes at the expense of other valuable cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Arvad’s casting cost demands both black and white mana, which can restrict his inclusion in decks that run more diverse mana bases or those not aligned with the historic strategy that he synergizes with.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of 3WB (five mana total), Arvad comes into play later in the game. This can be disadvantageous in fast-paced matches where quicker threats or defenses are necessary, especially considering his abilities are more supportive than immediately impactful.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Arvad the Cursed stands out for his ability to adapt to varied deck archetypes. His static ability grants a significant power and toughness boost to other legendary creatures, making him a reliable addition to decks centered around legendary synergies or superfriends tactics.

Combo Potential: Arvad shines when combined with strategies that exploit the legendary status of creatures. Pair him with creatures like “Captain Sisay” who can tutor for other legendary cards, and watch your battlefield presence grow substantially.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where legendary creatures are prevalent, Arvad becomes an asset. His boost can tip scales in your favor, especially in Commander where legendary creatures are always in the command zone. Plus, his deathtouch deters attackers, making Arvad a strategic piece in both offensive and defensive scenarios.


How to beat

Overcoming Arvad the Cursed in MTG relies on understanding its key strengths. This legendary creature not only boosts other legendary creatures you control, but also comes with both deathtouch and lifelink, making it a formidable opponent in combat. Neutralizing Arvad effectively can turn the tide of a duel.

To counter Arvad’s influence, prioritize removal spells that can bypass its deathtouch ability. Spells like Cast Down or Murder can seamlessly remove Arvad from the battlefield without engaging in combat. Another strategy is to employ exile effects, such as with Path to Exile, which removes the threat permanently and avoids triggering any potential death-related abilities or strategies your opponent might have.

Playing around Arvad also means managing the battlefield proactively. Since Arvad shines in a deck with other legendary creatures, including versatile creature removal and board wipes such as Damnation or Wrath of God in your deck composition can keep your opponent’s board presence under control. By anticipating and disrupting the synergies Arvad creates, you can maintain the upper hand and navigate your way to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Bringing together the power of legendary creatures with Arvad the Cursed can radically transform your MTG strategies. This card not only enhances your board but also adds a layer of complexity to your opponent’s removal decisions. Its abilities are tailor-made for a commanding presence in formats like Commander. As you consider your next deck adjustments or seek new collection additions, think about the synergistic prowess Arvad provides. Interested in discovering more about maximizing your gameplay with legendary creatures? Dive deeper with us, find engaging strategies, and expand your arsenal to become a formidable force at the gaming table.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arvad the Cursed MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria Promos and Dominaria, 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 Arvad the Cursed and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arvad the Cursed Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Lius Lasahido.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27Dominaria PromosPDOM 191s2015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
22018-04-27DominariaDOM 1912015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
32022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1412015NormalBlackLius Lasahido
42023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3172015NormalBlackLius Lasahido

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arvad the Cursed has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-04-27 Because damage remains marked on a creature until it's removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to a legendary creature you control may become lethal if Arvad leaves the battlefield during that turn.