# 2018 Magic: The Gathering Core Set 2019 #212

> Arcades, the Strategist is a legendary Elder Dragon from the Core Set 2019 expansion. This Mythic Rare card features unique defender synergy mechanics.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2018
- **Brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set**: Core Set 2019
- **Card Number**: 212
- **Featured**: Arcades, the Strategist
- **Game**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Rarity**: Mythic Rare
- **Mana cost**: {1}{G}{W}{U}
- **Type**: Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon
- **Power / Toughness**: 3 / 5
- **Color**: G, U, W
- **Language**: English
- **Material**: Card Stock
- **Finish**: Normal

## Description

Arcades, the Strategist is a distinctive Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon found in the Core Set 2019 expansion of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. As a three-color card with a mana cost of {1}{G}{W}{U}, this card appeals to players and collectors who appreciate complex strategic interactions within the game's ecosystem. The card, numbered 212 and illustrated by Even Amundsen, represents the Mythic Rare tier, marking it as one of the more significant and sought-after cards within the M19 set.

The card’s design and mechanics center around the Defender keyword, offering a unique twist on traditional creature roles. Arcades possesses both Flying and Vigilance, allowing it to threaten opponents while remaining on the defensive. Its primary ability triggers whenever a creature you control with Defender enters the battlefield, enabling you to draw a card. This creates a powerful synergy, rewarding players for building decks that utilize the Defender archetype. Furthermore, Arcades enhances the combat capabilities of all Defender creatures you control, allowing them to assign damage equal to their toughness rather than their power and to attack as if they did not have Defender. This ability transforms typically passive creatures into aggressive threats, making Arcades a focal point for specific deck strategies.

For collectors, the Core Set 2019 release serves as a foundational entry point for many enthusiasts, and Arcades stands out due to its high rarity and versatile gameplay utility. The card’s multi-color identity and legendary status make it a valuable addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection. Whether you are looking to complete a set or acquire a card with interesting mechanics, this product offers a compelling blend of aesthetic appeal and functional depth.

## FAQ

### What are the stats for Arcades, the Strategist?

Arcades, the Strategist is a Legendary Creature — Elder Dragon with a power of 3 and toughness of 5. It has Flying and Vigilance as static abilities.

### How does the Defender ability work with Arcades?

Arcades allows creatures you control with Defender to attack as though they didn't have Defender. Additionally, these creatures assign combat damage equal to their toughness rather than their power.

### What is the mana cost for this card?

The mana cost for Arcades, the Strategist is {1}{G}{W}{U}, requiring one generic mana along with one green, one white, and one blue mana.

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Editorial content updated: 2026-09-29.

Site deployment: 2025-11-29.