Branching Evolution MTG Card


Enhances creatures exponentially, compelling opponents to respond to the amplified threat quickly. Works efficiently without additional mana, allowing for strategic plays elsewhere in a game. While powerful, its color specificity and mana cost may limit its inclusion in some decks.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

If one or more +1/+1 counters would be put on a creature you control, twice that many +1/+1 counters are put on that creature instead.

"Is it the water? The stars? Whatever it is, something incredible is happening here." —Eris, zoologist, journal entry


Cards like Branching Evolution

Branching Evolution sits elegantly in the niche of creature growth mechanics within Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the capabilities of cards like Hardened Scales, which similarly amplifies the number of +1/+1 counters placed on creatures. However, Branching Evolution has the remarkable ability to double these counters, going a step further than the mere increment offered by Hardened Scales.

Parallel Lives also shares thematic ground with Branching Evolution, but it focuses on doubling creature tokens instead of counters. Although both aim to exponentially increase your assets, Branching Evolution’s scope is strictly within the realm of bolstering individual creatures’ power and toughness. Another counterpart, Doubling Season, offers a broader impact by doubling both counters and tokens. This makes Doubling Season a more versatile but also more costly option in terms of mana.

Ultimately, Branching Evolution stands out as a powerful engine in any counter-centric deck, offering a unique spin on accumulation strategies. Its comparatively lower mana cost makes it an attractive choice for MTG players aiming to scale their creatures rapidly and efficiently.

Hardened Scales - MTG Card versions
Parallel Lives - MTG Card versions
Doubling Season - MTG Card versions
Hardened Scales - MTG Card versions
Parallel Lives - MTG Card versions
Doubling Season - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Branching Evolution by color, type and mana cost

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Wanderlust - MTG Card versions
Maddening Wind - MTG Card versions
Cycle of Life - MTG Card versions
Hall of Gemstone - MTG Card versions
Dense Foliage - MTG Card versions
Momentum - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Mask - MTG Card versions
Broken Fall - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Food Chain - MTG Card versions
Howling Moon - MTG Card versions
The Dragon-Kami Reborn // Dragon-Kami's Egg - MTG Card versions
Squirrel Nest - MTG Card versions
Alpha Status - MTG Card versions
Lifegift - MTG Card versions
Blanchwood Armor - MTG Card versions
Rites of Flourishing - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Pollen - MTG Card versions
Spidersilk Armor - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Branching Evolution card is designed to amplify the benefits you receive from counters placed on creatures you control. It doesn’t directly allow you to draw more cards, but it augments the value of your creatures, giving an indirect advantage. Every time you would place one or more counters on a creature, those counters are doubled, which can lead to overwhelming your opponent with fewer actions.

Resource Acceleration: The card doesn’t produce mana or treasure tokens directly, but by quickly multiplying the size of your creatures it creates a more robust board state, potentially accelerating your win condition. This enhanced growth can lead to a faster victory and requires opponents to deal with your threats more urgently.

Instant Speed: Branching Evolution operates at enchantment speed, which means it needs to be played at a strategic moment, usually in your main phase. Once on the battlefield, its continuous effect provides a powerful advantage without requiring the use of mana each turn, therefore economizing your resources for other instant speed interactions during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Branching Evolution doesn’t force you to discard cards, it’s necessary to highlight that not having such a requirement makes it a potential target for your opponents’ disruption. This means that it stays on the battlefield beckoning for an answer, potentially straining your resources to protect it.

Specific Mana Cost: Branching Evolution’s mana cost requires one green and two generic mana, which could restrict its playability. Decks that heavily focus on colors other than green might find it challenging to consistently meet this requirement, leading to a lack of flexibility in broader deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although three mana might not appear steep, in a game where efficiency is key, this cost can compete with other vital plays in the crucial early to mid-game turns. For decks striving for maximum speed and efficiency, dedicating three mana to a non-creature spell that does not immediately impact the board can be a considerable setback.


Reasons to Include Branching Evolution in Your Collection

Versatility: Branching Evolution brings a new level of growth to any deck that focuses on +1/+1 counters. This card seamlessly integrates into creature-heavy decks, token strategies, or anywhere you’re looking to accelerate the power of your creatures on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: For synergy seekers, this card is a powerhouse. It pairs astonishingly well with various other cards that multiply or utilize counters, setting the stage for game-ending combos. Its ability to double the number of +1/+1 counters can quickly spiral out of your opponents’ control.

Meta-Relevance: With adaptable strategies often dominating play, Branching Evolution holds its ground by bolstering your creatures against removal and ensuring they stay threats. Its presence in your collection means you’re prepared to face and outpace the evolving challenges of the meta.


How to beat Branching Evolution

Overcoming the Branching Evolution card in MTG demands strategic play and an understanding of countermeasures. This enchantment doubles the number of +1/+1 counters placed on your creatures, which can quickly turn the tide of a game. To disrupt this advantage, prioritize removal spells that can target enchantments directly, such as Disenchant or Naturalize. Implementing cards that limit the ability to place counters, like Solemnity, can negate the effects of Branching Evolution entirely.

On the other hand, incorporating counterspells into your deck, like Dovin’s Veto or Negate, can prevent Branching Evolution from hitting the field in the first place. If the card does land, ensure you have a plan to either remove key creatures with +1/+1 counters to diminish its impact or have mass board clears available, like Wrath of God, to reset the playing field. Time is of the essence against such cards; therefore, keep your answers ready and be vigilant in executing them efficiently to maintain control of the game.

Ultimately, adaptability is crucial when facing powerful enchantments. Adjust your deck to include these preemptive measures, and stay one step ahead to secure your victories against decks utilizing Branching Evolution.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is an ongoing quest for deck supremacy and strategic finesse. Branching Evolution can be a lynchpin for decks that accentuate the value of +1/+1 counters, transforming your creatures into formidable adversaries. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses enriches your strategic approach. Whether seeking to enhance your collection with this unique card or gearing up to counteract it in the meta, knowing when to harness its power or deftly navigate against it is key. Immerse yourself deeper into MTG with us and refine your arsenal as you journey towards becoming an adept of the game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Branching Evolution MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Branching Evolution and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Branching Evolution Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-07-17 and 2024-06-14. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-07-17JumpstartJMP 292015NormalBlackTomasz Jedruszek
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 2342015NormalBlackLucas Graciano
32024-03-08FalloutPIP 4682015NormalBlackTomas Duchek
42024-03-08FalloutPIP 1952015NormalBlackTomas Duchek
52024-03-08FalloutPIP 7232015NormalBlackTomas Duchek
62024-03-08FalloutPIP 9962015NormalBlackTomas Duchek
72024-06-14Modern Horizons 3MH3 2852015NormalBlackLucas Graciano

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Branching Evolution has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-06-23 If a creature you control would enter the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters on it, it enters with twice that many instead.
2020-06-23 If two or more effects attempt to modify how many counters would be put onto a creature you control, you choose the order to apply those effects, no matter who controls the sources of those effects.
2020-06-23 If you control two Branching Evolutions, the number of +1/+1 counters put on a creature is four times the original number. Three Branching Evolutions multiplies the original number by eight, and so on.