Argent Mutation MTG Card

Argent Mutation confers tactical advantage by altering permanents and drawing cards, disrupting your opponent’s strategy. Having instant speed allows Argent Mutation to serve as a game changer during crucial moments in a match. The card’s specific mana requirement may limit its use to decks with blue mana or artifact-based strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2011-05-13
Set symbol
Set name	New Phyrexia
Set code	NPH
Number	27
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jana Schirmer & Johannes Voss

Text of card

Target permanent becomes an artifact in addition to its other types until end of turn. Draw a card.

"My world is corrupted beyond cleansing. I must prevent this from happening to others." —Karn

Cards like Argent Mutation

The transformative nature of Argent Mutation mirrors the flexibility seen in other artifact-converting spells within Magic: The Gathering. A card like Liquimetal Coating comes to mind, albeit with a less direct approach. This artifact passively turns any target permanent into an artifact in addition to its other types, as opposed to Argent Mutation’s instantaneous effect that also draws a card.

Turning to Mycosynth Lattice, the comparison deepens. Lattice is broader, converting all permanents on the battlefield, not just a single one, into artifacts. While more encompassing, it doesn’t have the same immediate card draw aspect Argent Mutation offers. Then there is Neurok Transmuter, which also alters the state of a permanent by making it an artifact creature, though again without the benefit of card draw.

Taking these parallels into account, Argent Mutation holds a distinctive place. Its singular capacity to not only morph a target permanent into an artifact but also cycle itself from the hand gives it an edge in scenarios that demand both immediate disruption and maintaining card advantage.

Cards similar to Argent Mutation by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Argent Mutation sets you apart in game play by transforming any target permanent into an artifact in addition to netting you a new card. This swap can disrupt your opponent’s strategy while replenishing your own hand, hence providing a two-fold benefit.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t generate mana or tokens directly, modifying a permanent into an artifact with Argent Mutation can synergize with other cards that reward you for controlling artifacts, indirectly speeding up your resource gain.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Argent Mutation at instant speed offers significant tactical flexibility. You can catch opponents off guard by altering the state of play on their turn or save it for a moment when transforming a permanent could deliver maximum impact.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Argent Mutation doesn’t force you to discard, it does require careful hand management to ensure its best use, as it’s situational and might sit in your hand without an immediate opportunity to play effectively.

Specific Mana Cost: Argent Mutation commands a mana cost that includes blue, potentially restricting it to artifact-centric or blue decks and possibly irrelevant in others where color matters are stringent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s relatively steep for its effect, players may find the conversion to artifact less valuable than other spells or permanent transformations at lower costs.

Reasons to Include Argent Mutation in Your Collection

Versatility: Argent Mutation offers a unique twist to your deck by turning any permanent into an artifact. This enables creative interactions with artifact synergies and can adapt to a variety of situations in-game.

Combo Potential: The card goes beyond just transforming permanents; it can be a key component in combos, particularly in decks that capitalize on artifact count or those that exploit artifact-related mechanics for powerful effects.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames shift, decks that run heavy artifact strategies or those that aim to disrupt by altering board states can find Argent Mutation particularly useful. Its capacity to transform strategic targets makes it a savvy pick for adaptable players.

How to beat

Argent Mutation is a unique tool in a player’s arsenal within Magic: The Gathering. The card not only transforms a noncreature artifact into a 3/3 creature until end of turn but it also allows the player to draw a card, offering both a surprise element and card advantage in a single move. Its application is a tactical one, often converting an unsuspecting artifact into a sudden blocker or attacker to sway the course of a turn.

To effectively counter Argent Mutation, removal spells that can target artifacts and creatures alike are invaluable. Consider leveraging flexible removal options like Krosan Grip or Beast Within, which can disrupt the artifacts before they become a mid-combat threat. Additionally, engaging in planned combat math can mitigate the impact as the transformed artifact will often fail to change the board’s power dynamics significantly when you predict its coming.

Overall, being aware of Argent Mutation and maintaining instant-speed response capabilities to adapt to this kind of playstyle are critical. By staying one step ahead and having the right countermeasures, this card’s impact can be minimized, allowing a well-prepared player to navigate around these sneaky mutations.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Argent Mutation MTG card by a specific set like New Phyrexia, 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 Argent Mutation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Argent Mutation has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2011-06-01	If the permanent is an illegal target when Argent Mutation tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t draw a card.
2011-06-01	You can target an artifact with Argent Mutation. When it resolves, you’ll simply draw a card.