Arcbound ShikariHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Beacon for Artifacts

Arcbound Shikari has three distinct abilities: First strike, a triggered 'enters' ability, and Modular 2. When it enters the battlefield, its triggered ability checks your board for other artifact creatures and places a +1/+1 counter on each of them. Note that it does not put a counter on itself with this specific ability, though it already starts with two counters thanks to Modular.

How it Resolves

Step 1: As Arcbound Shikari enters the battlefield, the static ability of Modular 2 applies, and it enters with two +1/+1 counters. Step 2: Once it is on the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Step 3: When the ability resolves, you identify all other artifact creatures you control and place one +1/+1 counter on each. Step 4: If Arcbound Shikari later dies, its Modular ability triggers, allowing you to move all of its +1/+1 counters to another target artifact creature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Players often forget that the 'enters' ability only targets other artifact creatures, meaning it won't buff non-artifact creatures or Arcbound Shikari itself. Additionally, keep in mind that Modular is an optional trigger ('you may'); if you don't have another artifact creature to target when it dies, or if your opponent removes the target in response, the counters are lost.

When to Play It

Because Arcbound Shikari provides a 'wide' buff, it is most effective when you already have a established board of small artifact creatures or tokens. It serves as both an anthem effect and a source of counters that can be recycled via Modular later in the game.

Interaction examples

Value Overload

Solemn Simulacrum

With Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield, you cast Arcbound Shikari. When the Shikari enters, its ability triggers and puts a +1/+1 counter on Solemn Simulacrum. This makes your Golem a 3/3 attacker. If Arcbound Shikari later dies, you can use its Modular 2 ability to move its two counters onto Solemn Simulacrum, turning it into a 5/5 threat.

Doubling the Pride

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Cat' or 'Soldier' chosen as the creature type, Arcbound Shikari's entry ability will trigger an additional time. This results in every other artifact creature you control receiving two +1/+1 counters instead of one. Furthermore, if Arcbound Shikari dies, Roaming Throne will cause the Modular trigger to trigger twice, allowing you to put its counters on target artifact creatures twice (potentially the same target or two different ones).