Arcbound TrackerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Scaling Power Through Spells

Arcbound Tracker enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters due to Modular 2. Its most unique feature is its triggered ability: every time you cast a spell that is not your first spell of the turn, you put a +1/+1 counter on it. Importantly, the Tracker checks how many spells you have cast during the entire turn, even those cast before it entered the battlefield. If you cast the Tracker as your first spell, the very next spell you cast will trigger its ability.

Understanding Modular

When Arcbound Tracker dies, its Modular 2 ability triggers. You may choose a target artifact creature and move all +1/+1 counters currently on the Tracker onto that creature. Note that this includes both the original two counters it started with and any additional counters it gained from your second, third, or fourth spells of the turn. If the Tracker is destroyed by -1/-1 counters, it still checks how many +1/+1 counters it had just before leaving the battlefield to determine how many to transfer.

Menace and Combat

Because Arcbound Tracker has menace, it cannot be blocked except by two or more creatures. This makes it an excellent recipient for its own growing power. As you cast more spells each turn, the Tracker becomes harder for your opponent to deal with in combat, often forcing them to commit multiple blockers to stop a single creature.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Arcbound Tracker, you should aim to cast it early or on a turn where you have enough mana to follow up with a second spell. Since the trigger relies on casting, the spell doesn't even need to resolve for the Tracker to get its counter. This makes it particularly effective in decks that utilize low-cost artifacts or cheap instants.

Interaction examples

Double Triggers with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Dog' chosen as the creature type, Arcbound Tracker's abilities will trigger an additional time. When you cast your second spell of the turn, the Tracker's triggered ability triggers twice, giving it two +1/+1 counters instead of one. Additionally, if the Tracker dies, the Roaming Throne causes the Modular ability to trigger twice, allowing you to put its counters on a target artifact creature twice (though the second trigger will only have an effect if the Tracker still had counters to move).

Passing the Torch to the Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

Imagine your Arcbound Tracker has grown to a 5/5 thanks to several spells. If your opponent destroys the Tracker, its Modular ability triggers. You can target Solemn Simulacrum with this ability. As the ability resolves, all five +1/+1 counters are placed on the Simulacrum, turning your utility creature into a 7/7 powerhouse while you still get to draw a card from the Simulacrum's own death trigger later.