Concept

Arcanysts come in a few different types:

1. Those that reward you for casting spells (Owlbeast, Blue Conjurer, etc.)
2. Those that generate or discount spells (Araras Prophet, Trinity Wing, etc.)
3. Random minions with the tribal tag for no apparent reason (Aethermaster, Moebius, etc.)

If you combine a bunch of minions from the first two categories above and cheap spells, you have a deck! In the Arcanyst factions (Songhai, Abyssian, Vanar) this archetype is top-tier. Even in the other factions, though, Arcanysts have enough tribal synergy through just their neutral cards to make decently powerful decks.

Cards

Arcanysts

• Manaforger
• Prismatic Illusionist
• Owlbeast Sage
• Trinity Wing
• in-faction

The best Arcanysts, which make it into practically every build.

• Aethermaster
• Araras Prophet
• Lightbender
• Alcuin Fugitive
• Blue Conjurer
• Firestarter

Other neutrals that aren’t universally played, but can be included as necessary to fill the curve or as tech pieces.

Cheap spells

Whatever is provided by your chosen faction, although as mentioned above you also get some token spells generated by your minions.

Example Decklists

Since it’s easy to find top-tier builds for Songhai and Abyssian, I’ve instead given some more memetic lists as examples.

Lyonar – The version presented above is the classic Lyonar Arcanyst build utilizing Divine Bond as the primary finisher, but you could also emphasize the synergies with heal effects or swarm. Decklists: Zir’an, Brome (credit Alplod).

Songhai – Runs a backstab package for unexpected OTKs if the Arcanyst swarm doesn’t work. Decklist.

Vetruvian – Could go with swarm, or for something more controlling. Decklists: Zirix (credit Alplod), Ciphyron.

Abyssian – A silly idea: tax your opponent with Spellbinder and the Sphynx’s Riddle. Arcanysts also synergize well with the Abyssian Trial. Decklists: Lillithe, Maehv (credit Alplod).

Magmar – A straightforward swarmy list. Decklist (credit AlphaCentury).

Vanar – An attempt to make use of some of Vanar’s lesser played cheap spells. Decklist (credit Miguel).