Acquisition Octopus MTG Card


Gaining cards from combat damage can significantly boost your strategic position in the game. Low-cost tempo play can intensify early game pressure, shaping the game’s pace. Attachment ability converts any creature into a potential card drawing powerhouse.
Acquisition Octopus - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Equipment Octopus
Abilities Reconfigure
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number44
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byFrancisco Miyara

Text of card

Whenever Acquisition Octopus or equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, draw a card. Reconfigure (: Attach to target creature you control; or unattach from a creature. Reconfigure only as a sorcery. While attached, this isn't a creature.)

You can never have too many arms.


Cards like Acquisition Octopus

Acquisition Octopus is a creative creature card within Magic The Gathering’s myriad of sea-themed playables. It’s somewhat analogous to cards such as Thieving Otter, which also enables drawing a card upon dealing combat damage to a player. The unique twist with Acquisition Octopus lies in its ability to attach to another creature, effectively becoming an Equipment with a bonus card draw power.

On the flip side, Ophidian Eye is an enchantment that confers a similar ability, but it also includes flash and gives the enchanted creature the ability to tap to draw a card. Although not a creature itself, the instant-speed nature provides tactical advantages. Then there’s Curiosity, an aura which, like Acquisition Octopus, allows a creature to draw a card when it damages a player, lending sustained card advantage but without the flexibility of switching hosts.

Ultimately, while comparing these options, Acquisition Octopus distinguishes itself by its ability to hop between creatures, facilitating both offensive and defensive strategies. Its versatility might very well tip the scales for players looking to blend card advantage with creature combat dynamics.

Thieving Otter - MTG Card versions
Ophidian Eye - MTG Card versions
Curiosity - MTG Card versions
Thieving Otter - MTG Card versions
Ophidian Eye - MTG Card versions
Curiosity - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Acquisition Octopus by color, type and mana cost

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Poppet Stitcher // Poppet Factory - MTG Card versions
Mysterious Tome // Chilling Chronicle - MTG Card versions
Proteus Staff - MTG Card versions
Wizard Replica - MTG Card versions
Chronatog Totem - MTG Card versions
Sarcomite Myr - MTG Card versions
Master of Etherium - MTG Card versions
Skill Borrower - MTG Card versions
Esperzoa - MTG Card versions
Neurok Replica - MTG Card versions
Parasitic Strix - MTG Card versions
Trespassing Souleater - MTG Card versions
Spined Thopter - MTG Card versions
Implement of Examination - MTG Card versions
Portal of Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Midnight Clock - MTG Card versions
Crystal Shard - MTG Card versions
Rod of Absorption - MTG Card versions
Etherium Spinner - MTG Card versions
Tome of the Infinite - MTG Card versions
Poppet Stitcher // Poppet Factory - MTG Card versions
Mysterious Tome // Chilling Chronicle - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Acquisition Octopus provides players the chance to gain strategic superiority through drawing a card whenever it deals combat damage to a player. This steady stream of new options can be pivotal in securing the upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: As a card that can be cast for a relatively low cost, it easily finds its place in any deck seeking a tempo boost. By deploying threats early, players can exert pressure and shape the pace of the duel in their favor.

Instant Speed: Although the Acquisition Octopus itself isn’t an instant, the fact that it can trigger its card-drawing ability during each combat phase maximizes strategic flexibility. Players can cleverly navigate around opponents’ moves and optimize the timing of their card plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Drawing cards at the expense of another can be counterproductive, especially when the Acquisition Octopus prompts you to discard something valuable from your hand. This could potentially disrupt your strategy, setting you back in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Acquisition Octopus includes both generic and blue mana, which might not suit decks that are not built to optimize such a mana combination. This specificity could potentially restrict the card’s versatility across a broader range of decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With multiple mana required to summon the Acquisition Octopus, there are cases where the investment outweighs the benefits, particularly when cheaper alternatives are available that provide similar or better card advantage with less resource commitment.


Reasons to Include Acquisition Octopus in Your Collection

Versatility: Acquisition Octopus offers unique versatility, capable of fitting into a variety of deck styles. Its ability to latch onto creatures means it can turn any beater into an unexpected card draw engine.

Combo Potential: Known to synergize well with unblockable or evasive creatures, the card can consistently draw you into combos or critical spells, giving you the edge you need at pivotal game moments.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where games can stretch out giving players time to set up their boards, Acquisition Octopus ensures you keep up the pace, maintaining card advantage and strategic pressure on your opponents.


How to beat

Acquisition Octopus is a card that can turn the tide by attaching to a creature, ensuring a steady flow of card advantage with each hit, much like Curiosity or Ophidian Eye. The key to countering this eight-limbed menace is timely removal. Instant-speed removal spells that can target either the enchanted creature or the Octopus itself are essential. Cards like Murder or Disenchant can disrupt the combo before the card advantage becomes overwhelming.

Another strategy is to use untargeted removal or board wipes such as Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict. These can clear the board, leaving the Octopus without a host to leech from. Don’t forget to keep up counterspells too, like Cancel or Negate, to prevent Acquisition Octopus from hitting the field altogether.

Finally, keep in mind the importance of maintaining a lead in the creature battle. If your opponent is without creatures to attach their Octopus to, they’ll miss out on its benefits. Efficient creature control is therefore just as crucial as direct answers to the Octopus itself.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Acquisition Octopus is a fascinating dive into the depths of strategic MTG gameplay. With its proficiency in card draw and its role in maintaining tempo, it’s a card worth considering for any blue-centric deck. If you find merit in the pros and cons outlined, and the creature’s potential has piqued your interest, we encourage you to add this versatile cephalopod to your collection. It could be the turning point for numerous matches ahead. For more insights and strategies on how to maximize the Acquisition Octopus’ potential, or to discover alternative cards to match your playstyle, join us to learn more and expand your MTG prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Acquisition Octopus MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Acquisition Octopus and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Acquisition Octopus has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 Although it causes an Equipment to become attached to a creature, reconfigure is not an "equip ability" for the purpose of cards like Fighter Class and Leonin Shikari.
2022-02-18 An Equipment creature can never become attached to itself. If an effect tries to do this, nothing happens.
2022-02-18 An Equipment creature with reconfigure can be attached to creatures by effects other than its reconfigure ability, such as the activated ability of Brass Squire.
2022-02-18 An Equipment doesn't become tapped when the permanent it's attached to becomes tapped. For example, if you attack with a creature that is equipped with Acquisition Octopus, then use reconfigure to unattach Acquisition Octopus after combat, the Octopus will be untapped and could be used to block during your opponent's turn.
2022-02-18 As soon as an Equipment creature with reconfigure stops being a creature, any Equipment and Auras with enchant creature abilities become unattached. Auras that can enchant an Equipment that isn't a creature remain attached to it.
2022-02-18 Attaching an Equipment with reconfigure to a creature causes that Equipment to stop being a creature until it becomes unattached. It also loses any creature subtypes it had.
2022-02-18 If a permanent with reconfigure is somehow still a creature after it becomes attached (perhaps due to an effect like that of March of the Machines), it immediately becomes unattached from the equipped creature.
2022-02-18 If an Equipment with reconfigure somehow loses its abilities while it is attached, the effect causing it to not be a creature continues to apply until it becomes unattached.
2022-02-18 Reconfigure represents two activated abilities. Reconfigure
-ost] means "
-ost: Attach this permanent to another target creature you control. Activate only as a sorcery," and "
-ost: Unattach this permanent. Activate only if this permanent is attached to a creature and only as a sorcery."
2022-02-18 Similarly, if an Equipment is tapped, its reconfigure abilities may still be activated and it may still become attached to creatures. Becoming attached doesn't untap it. In most cases, an attached Equipment being tapped won't affect gameplay, but it will be relevant if it becomes unattached again before it untaps.