Simic Manipulator MTG Card


Delivers card advantage by taking control of opponents’ creatures, enhancing board presence significantly. Flexible at instant speed, but limited by specific mana requirements and higher cost. Ideal for decks focused on counters and creature control, it’s key in targeted environments.
Simic Manipulator - Gatecrash
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Mutant Wizard
Abilities Evolve
Released2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set nameGatecrash
Set codeGTC
Power 0
Toughness 1
Number50
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMaciej Kuciara

Text of card

Evolve (Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, if that creature has greater power or toughness than this creature, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.) , Remove one or more +1/+1 counters from Simic Manipulator: Gain control of target creature with power less than or equal to the number of +1/+1 counters removed this way.


Cards like Simic Manipulator

In the world of MTG, Simic Manipulator offers a unique experience in controlling the battlefield by leveraging its ability to gain control of opposing creatures. This card finds its relatives in the realm of creature control spells and abilities. Take for instance, Cytoplast Manipulator, which also can gain control of creatures, yet it does so by moving +1/+1 counters, blending well with other graft mechanics in the Simic toolbox.

Another similar card would be Beguiler of Wills, which also allows you to take control of enemy creatures. While Beguiler of Wills requires a hefty setup with tap ability and a number of other creatures you control to be effective, Simic Manipulator’s flexibility comes from its use of mana and +1/+1 counters without the tap restriction. And then there’s Dominus of Fealty, offering a more temporary control of any permanent, not just creatures, but its control resets each turn unlike Simic Manipulator’s more permanent theft.

Assessing these options highlights Simic Manipulator’s ability to exert lasting control as a key advantage in games that allow players to accumulate +1/+1 counters, thereby maintaining a stronger grip on the board when matched against cards with similar abilities.

Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Beguiler of Wills - MTG Card versions
Dominus of Fealty - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Beguiler of Wills - MTG Card versions
Dominus of Fealty - MTG Card versions

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Prodigal Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Apprentice Wizard - MTG Card versions
Homarid - MTG Card versions
Daring Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Time Elemental - MTG Card versions
Reef Pirates - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Shaman - MTG Card versions
Wind Drake - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions
Clam Session - MTG Card versions
Stronghold Biologist - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Wall - MTG Card versions
Wall of Air - MTG Card versions
Phantom Warrior - MTG Card versions
Wormfang Drake - MTG Card versions
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions
Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions
Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - MTG Card versions
Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Simic Manipulator excels in card advantage by giving you control over your opponent’s creatures when it accumulates enough +1/+1 counters, potentially leaving them with fewer resources to work with.

Resource Acceleration: This card aligns with Simic’s ethos of growth and evolution, often interacting well with strategies that rapidly increase the number of counters, thus speeding up your resource acquisition in terms of board presence.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Simic Manipulator’s effect at instant speed provides a disruptive element to the game, allowing you to strategically gain control of critical creatures mid-combat or in response to an opponent’s actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the downsides to the Simic Manipulator is its need for a discard to amplify its abilities. This condition can lead to a depletion of valuable hand options, limiting strategic flexibility over the course of a game.

Specific Mana Cost: The Manipulator requires both blue and green mana for casting. Players not running a deck tailored to the Simic guild could struggle to meet this prerequisite, restricting the card’s versatility in multi-color or splash color decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the higher end for its effect, Simic Manipulator competes with other MTG cards that may offer more immediate or impactful board presence. This cost can slow down the tempo for players, especially in the early stages of a matchup where faster plays are crucial.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Simic Manipulator thrives in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters and creature control. This card allows players to adapt their tactics fluidly, leveraging the power of both blue and green mana.

Combo Potential: With its ability to gain control of your opponents’ creatures, the card opens up numerous combos, weaving synergy with proliferate mechanics or cards like Vorel of the Hull Clade to accelerate the taking of key pieces on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Simic Manipulator can turn the tide of a match by shifting the best threats to your side of the battlefield, making it a unique and tactical asset in your arsenal.


How to beat

Simic Manipulator presents a unique challenge on the MTG battlefield, one which hinges on its ability to gain control of your opponent’s creatures through the accumulation of +1/+1 counters. Successfully navigating a game against this card requires strategic play. Prioritize removal spells that can target Simic Manipulator before its evolve mechanic takes full effect. Spells like Fatal Push, Path to Exile, or Abrupt Decay are excellent choices, ensuring the Manipulator is dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Alternatively, increasing the speed of your deck can outpace the growth of the Manipulator. Aggressive strategies, focusing on fast, direct damage and the quick deployment of threats leave little room for the Simic Manipulator to turn the tides. Employing tactics to limit its counters, such as with -1/-1 counter interactions or the inclusion of cards that prevent counter placement entirely, can effectively neutralize this blue-green marvel. Cards like Pithing Needle can be useful to shut down its activated ability as well.

The key to overcoming a Simic Manipulator is to remember it thrives on time and board presence. Curtail these elements, and you’ll dismantle the control it seeks to exert, thereby preserving your army and securing your path to victory in your MTG experience.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the Simic guild’s philosophy of growth and adaptability can dramatically enhance your MTG gameplay. Simic Manipulator, with its ability to commandeer creatures using +1/+1 counters, offers a dynamic approach to creature control. It’s essential to weave this card into decks that flourish with counter proliferation and to be mindful of its potential impact. While the card may carry a steeper mana investment and necessitate careful hand management, the tactical advantages it provides on the battlefield can be invaluable. Interested in evolving your tactics and refining your deck’s synergy? Swing by BurnMana for an in-depth exploration of strategies that can unlock the full potential of your MTG collection, ensuring your successes are not just momentary victories but a chain of strategic triumphs.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Simic Manipulator MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Simic Manipulator and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Simic Manipulator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Simic Manipulator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-01-24 The power of the target creature is checked both as you target it and as the ability resolves. If the power of the target creature when the ability resolves is greater than the number of +1/+1 counters removed from Simic Manipulator, the ability won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t gain control of any creature, but the counters removed as a cost remain removed.
2013-04-15 If a creature enters the battlefield with +1/+1 counters on it, consider those counters when determining if evolve will trigger. For example, a 1/1 creature that enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it will cause the evolve ability of a 2/2 creature to trigger.
2013-04-15 If evolve triggers, the stat comparison will happen again when the ability tries to resolve. If neither stat of the new creature is greater, the ability will do nothing. If the creature that entered the battlefield leaves the battlefield before evolve tries to resolve, use its last known power and toughness to compare the stats.
2013-04-15 If multiple creatures enter the battlefield at the same time, evolve may trigger multiple times, although the stat comparison will take place each time one of those abilities tries to resolve. For example, if you control a 2/2 creature with evolve and two 3/3 creatures enter the battlefield, evolve will trigger twice. The first ability will resolve and put a +1/+1 counter on the creature with evolve. When the second ability tries to resolve, neither the power nor the toughness of the new creature is greater than that of the creature with evolve, so that ability does nothing.
2013-04-15 When comparing the stats as the evolve ability resolves, it’s possible that the stat that’s greater changes from power to toughness or vice versa. If this happens, the ability will still resolve and you’ll put a +1/+1 counter on the creature with evolve. For example, if you control a 2/2 creature with evolve and a 1/3 creature enters the battlefield under your control, it toughness is greater so evolve will trigger. In response, the 1/3 creature gets +2/-2. When the evolve trigger tries to resolve, its power is greater. You’ll put a +1/+1 counter on the creature with evolve.
2013-04-15 When comparing the stats of the two creatures for evolve, you always compare power to power and toughness to toughness.
2013-04-15 Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, check its power and toughness against the power and toughness of the creature with evolve. If neither stat of the new creature is greater, evolve won’t trigger at all.