Artifact Mutation MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target artifact. It can't be regenerated. Put X 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens into play, where X is its converted mana cost.
"From shards and splinters I call forth my living horde." —Molimo, maro-sorcerer
Cards like Artifact Mutation
The strategic placement of Artifact Mutation in the realm of Magic: The Gathering’s card pool threads along the lines of flexible removal and token creation. Neighboring cards include Naturalize, a steadfast card in green magic capable of neutralizing artifacts or enchantments without the token production perk. While Artifact Mutation excels at dispatching artifacts and simultaneously bolstering your battlefield presence, Naturalize promises a more streamlined and often easier to cast solution.
Turning our attention to the similarities with Shatter, we see a distinct focus on artifact removal. Both cards serve this purpose well, but Artifact Mutation again shines with its added ability to create Saproling tokens proportionate to the artifact’s mana value. On the other hand, Shatter’s straightforward destruction comes at a lower cost, creating an interesting dynamic based on strategic and mana considerations.
Evaluating these cards and their functionalities in Magic: The Gathering, Artifact Mutation emerges as a particularly versatile tool. It not only handles imminent artifact threats but also forwards your board state, setting it apart as a strong option for players seeking dual utility in their spell choices.
Cards similar to Artifact Mutation by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Artifact Mutation provides a unique twist on card advantage. Not only does it enable you to deal with an opponent’s threatening artifact, but it also rewards you with Saproling tokens proportional to the artifact’s mana value. This creates potential for board presence and future strategic plays, making it a multifaceted utility in your deck.
Resource Acceleration: The Saproling tokens generated from Artifact Mutation can be a valuable asset for resource acceleration. They can be used as blockers, attackers, or even as sacrifices for various abilities or additional mana if synergies allow, paving the way for more powerful plays ahead.
Instant Speed: The fact that Artifact Mutation can be cast at instant speed offers immense flexibility. You can respond to your opponent’s actions on their turn, effectively disrupting their strategies. Waiting until the last possible moment to use Artifact Mutation maximizes your tactical options and keeps your opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Artifact Mutation demands that you sacrifice one of your artifacts to transform it, which could set you back if you’re already struggling to maintain board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requirement is particularly tricky, needing both green and red mana, making it less flexible for decks that aren’t already tuned to these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring two specific types of mana and an additional generic mana, the overall cost to cast Artifact Mutation may be steep in situations where speed and efficiency are vital for maintaining momentum in the game.
Reasons to Include Artifact Mutation in Your Collection
Versatility: Artifact Mutation isn’t just a spot removal; it’s a tool that adapts to various situations. It helps you handle problematic artifacts while simultaneously creating Saproling tokens, which can be vital blockers or an army in token-focused decks.
Combo Potential: It shines in decks that exploit token generation, boosting strategies that synergize with creature tokens. Whether it’s fueling sacrifice engines or amplifying token buffs, Artifact Mutation adds unexpected utility and surprise factor mid-game.
Meta-Relevance: As artifact-heavy decks continue to play a significant role in the game, having a quick and efficient answer like Artifact Mutation can tilt the scales in your favor, making it a savvy choice for a metagame with a high artifact presence.
How to beat Artifact Mutation
Artifact Mutation is a versatile card known for its dual utility in Magic: The Gathering. This instant not only disrupts an opponent’s strategy by destroying target artifact but also cushions your field with Saproling creature tokens equivalent to the artifact’s cost. When facing Artifact Mutation, prioritize artifacts with lower mana costs to mitigate the number of Saprolings your opponent receives. This reduces the momentum they gain from the card.
Consider running counterspells or instant-speed removals to handle the Saprolings. Efficient spells like Echoing Decay or Electrickery can clear out multiple tokens with a single cast. Moreover, having artifact protection such as Leonin Abunas or Padeem, Consul of Innovation can shield your valuable artifacts from such targeted removals, ensuring your game plan remains uninterrupted.
Ultimately, understanding Artifact Mutation’s potential and preparing your deck with appropriate responses will turn this seemingly disadvantageous situation to your favor. Adequately anticipating and countering this spell means you can maintain control over the board and position yourself for victory in your MTG matches.
BurnMana Recommendations
Artifact Mutation is an intriguing card that skillfully balances destruction with creation. Its ability to dismantle artifacts while populating your board with Saproling tokens can be a game-changer. As you refine your MTG arsenal, consider the diverse roles Artifact Mutation can play, from accelerating your resources to providing strategic flexibility at instant speed. For players drawn to the tactical gameplay of simultaneous offense and defense, this card could be a hidden gem in your collection. Dive into the Magic: The Gathering universe with us, and unlock the full potential of Artifact Mutation in your decks for ultimate gaming success.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Artifact Mutation MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Commander 2016, 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 Artifact Mutation and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Artifact Mutation Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 231 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
2 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 179 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
3 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 269 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dominik Mayer | ||
4 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 203 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
5 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 326 | 2015 | Normal | Black | José Parodi |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Artifact Mutation has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Artifact Mutation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | This spell is countered and you get no Saprolings if the artifact is an illegal target on resolution. |