Arcbound Prototype is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Modular 2 (This creature enters with two +1/+1 counters on it. When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
Complete guide
Arcbound Prototype is a versatile artifact creature that embodies the resilient nature of the Modular mechanic. By starting as a 2/2 and offering the chance to pass its power to another machine upon death, it ensures your board remains a threat.
Understanding Modular 2
Arcbound Prototype enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it. Because it is a 0/0 by default, these counters define its initial power and toughness. When it is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, its triggered ability allows you to move those counters onto another target artifact creature you control.
Step-by-Step Resolution
When Arcbound Prototype dies, its Modular triggered ability is put onto the stack. First, you choose a legal target artifact creature. Upon resolution, you check how many +1/+1 counters were on Arcbound Prototype at the moment it left the battlefield. You then place that many +1/+1 counters on the chosen target.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common error is forgetting that Modular only targets artifact creatures. You cannot move these counters to a non-artifact creature, such as a standard Human or Elf, unless that creature has somehow become an artifact. Additionally, if Arcbound Prototype is exiled instead of dying, the Modular trigger will not fire, as the card must reach the graveyard.
When to Play It
This card is best utilized in aggressive artifact decks where maintaining a high-power board state is critical. It serves as an excellent 'insurance policy' during combat; if your opponent blocks and kills it, your remaining artifact creatures simply become larger and harder to deal with.
Interaction examples
Esper SentinelIf you have both creatures on the battlefield and Arcbound Prototype dies, you can target Esper Sentinel with the Modular trigger. By moving two +1/+1 counters to the Sentinel, its power increases to 3. This forces your opponent to pay {3} instead of {1} for their first noncreature spell, making your taxing effect significantly more difficult to bypass.
Ornithopter of ParadiseSuppose you need an evasive threat to close out the game. When Arcbound Prototype dies, you target Ornithopter of Paradise with the Modular ability. The Ornithopter receives two +1/+1 counters, transforming it from a 0/2 mana producer into a 2/4 flying attacker that still retains its ability to tap for mana.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Arcbound Prototype
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
No additional ruling has been published for this card.
Popular combos
Real combos played by the community, sorted by popularity.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Viscera Seer + Arcbound Prototype
- 1Activate Viscera Seer by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Resolve the Viscera Seer ability.
- 6Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Ashnod's Altar + Arcbound Prototype
- 1Activate Ashnod's Altar by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Arcbound Prototype + Carrion Feeder
- 1Activate Carrion Feeder by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Resolve the Carrion Feeder ability.
- 6Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Arcbound Prototype + Bartolomé del Presidio
- 1Activate Bartolomé del Presidio by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Resolve the Bartolomé del Presidio ability.
- 6Repeat.
Antler Skulkin + Ashnod's Altar + Arcbound Prototype
- 1Activate Antler Skulkin by paying
, giving Arcbound Prototype persist until end of turn. - 2Activate Ashnod's Altar by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype, adding
. - 3When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular and persist abilities trigger.
- 4Resolve the modular trigger, putting all +1/+1 counters on Arcbound Prototype onto another artifact creature you control.
- 5Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield with one +1/+1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 6Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Phyrexian Altar + Arcbound Prototype
- 1Activate Phyrexian Altar by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Arcbound Prototype + Arcbound Ravager
- 1Activate Arcbound Ravager by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Resolve the Arcbound Ravager ability.
- 6Repeat.
Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight + Umbral Collar Zealot + Arcbound Prototype
- 1Activate Umbral Collar Zealot by sacrificing Arcbound Prototype.
- 2When Arcbound Prototype dies, its modular ability and persist ability trigger.
- 3Resolve the modular trigger, putting Arcbound Prototype's +1/+1 counters on another artifact creature.
- 4Resolve the persist trigger, returning Arcbound Prototype from your graveyard to the battlefield. It will not have a -1/-1 counter on it due to its modular ability.
- 5Resolve the Umbral Collar Zealot ability.
- 6Repeat.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Arcbound Prototype
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