Metal Fatigue MTG Card


Grants artifact advantage through targeted disabling, crucial for disrupting opponent strategies efficiently. Requires card discard for play, adding a strategic layer to its use in maintaining hand advantage. Flexibility at instant speed allows strategic play during an opponent’s turn, optimizing turn structure.
Metal Fatigue - Darksteel
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set nameDarksteel
Set codeDST
Number8
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byArnie Swekel

Text of card

Tap all artifacts.

The Auriok have fought the metal hordes for so long now that knowing how to cripple them has become an instinct.


Cards like Metal Fatigue

Metal Fatigue holds an interesting niche within the pantheon of artifact disruption spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its most immediate counterparts include cards like Shatter, which also deals with artifacts by outright destroying them. Metal Fatigue, however, goes a somewhat different route by preventing all activated abilities of a single artifact from being activated, effectively neutralizing it without destroying it, which can sometimes be advantageous in the intricate web of gameplay strategies.

A close relative in terms of functionality is Stony Silence. This card provides a broader effect, disabling all activated abilities of artifacts across the battlefield, making it a more powerful staple in decks that aim to hamstring opponents reliant on artifact strategies. On the flip side, Damping Matrix offers a similar blanket restriction on not just artifacts but creatures as well, although it comes with a higher mana cost and doesn’t target specifically, which can affect the finesse of its application.

After evaluating the pros and cons of Metal Fatigue compared to its relatives, it’s clear that it fits into a smaller, more precise role in MTG. For players seeking to disrupt opponent’s artifacts with precision without incurring collateral damage, Metal Fatigue could be the exact tool they need in their deck.

Shatter - MTG Card versions
Stony Silence - MTG Card versions
Damping Matrix - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Stony Silence - MTG Card versions
Damping Matrix - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Metal Fatigue by color, type and mana cost

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Armed Response - MTG Card versions
Renewed Faith - MTG Card versions
Reverse Damage - MTG Card versions
Army of Allah - MTG Card versions
Holy Light - MTG Card versions
Blood of the Martyr - MTG Card versions
Piety - MTG Card versions
Martyrdom - MTG Card versions
Harsh Justice - MTG Card versions
Kor Chant - MTG Card versions
Just Fate - MTG Card versions
Waylay - MTG Card versions
Warrior's Honor - MTG Card versions
Radiant's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Restrain - MTG Card versions
Prismatic Strands - MTG Card versions
Ardenvale Tactician // Dizzying Swoop - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Protection - MTG Card versions
Oblation - MTG Card versions
Wing Shards - MTG Card versions
Armed Response - MTG Card versions
Renewed Faith - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Metal Fatigue offers a tactical edge by potentially removing multiple artifacts from the game, depriving your opponent of their resources while you maintain yours.

Resource Acceleration: By eliminating key artifact-based sources of mana or utility, Metal Fatigue can indirectly accelerate your position by setting your opponent back on the board.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Metal Fatigue at instant speed gives you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn, keeping you one step ahead.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Metal Fatigue to be played, you must discard another card, which could set you back when your hand size is crucial to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Metal Fatigue comes with a mana cost that is color specific, requiring both red and generic mana, potentially limiting its seamless inclusion in multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The playability of Metal Fatigue is challenged by its mana cost, which is considered high for its effect when compared to other options available, potentially reducing its efficiency in gameplay.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Metal Fatigue fits seamlessly into artifact-centric and control decks, providing a reliable way to hinder opponent’s artifact strategies while furthering your own game plan.

Combo Potential: It aligns perfectly with decks that capitalize on artifacts being tapped or untapped, opening up opportunities for creative and potentially game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to disrupt commonly used artifacts in the current competitive scene, Metal Fatigue has the potential to be a tactical inclusion against prevalent deck archetypes.


How to beat

Metal Fatigue is a unique card in the Magic: The Gathering landscape, often presenting a challenge for players due to its ability to disrupt artifact strategies. To effectively counter Metal Fatigue, it’s essential to focus on flexibility within your deck. Prioritize incorporating a variety of removal spells that can handle enchantments, such as Naturalize or Disenchant. By maintaining the capability to directly remove Metal Fatigue from play, you can safeguard your key artifacts from its detrimental effect.

Furthermore, consider diversifying your threats. Rather than relying heavily on artifacts, build a balanced deck with creatures, instants, and sorceries. This strategy reduces Metal Fatigue’s impact on your overall game plan. It’s also beneficial to use instant-speed spells that can be played in response to Metal Fatigue’s activation, ensuring your most valuable artifacts are protected or utilized before they can be targeted by this potentially game-altering card.

Overall, defeating Metal Fatigue requires strategic planning and deck versatility. By preparing for enchantment removal and broadening your deck’s focus beyond artifacts, you can minimize the influence of Metal Fatigue on the battlefield, preserving your advantage and leading you closer to victory in your Magic: The Gathering matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Metal Fatigue MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Metal Fatigue and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Metal Fatigue has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal