Clockwork Beast MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 236
1993-10-04 - Number 237
1993-12-01 - Number 237
1993-12-10 - Number 237
1993-12-10 - Number 237
1994-04-01 - Number 240
1994-04-01 - Number 240
1994-06-21 - Number 240
1995-04-01 - Number 307
1995-04-01 - Number 307
1996-07-01 - Number 48
1996-12-31 - Number 49
1997-03-24 - Number 356
2000-10-01 - Number 70
2007-09-10 - Number 153
2022-11-28 - Number 232
2022-11-28 - Number 529
| Card sets | Released in 17 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Beast |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Put seven +1/+0 counters on Beast. After Beast attacks or blocks a creature, discard a counter. During the untap phase, controller may buy back lost counters for 1 mana per counter instead of untapping Beast; this taps Beast if it wasn't tapped already.
Cards like Clockwork Beast
Exploring the mechanics of Clockwork Beast from MTG, one can draw parallels with other artifact creatures that manipulate +1/+1 counters. Clockwork Beast, which originally appeared in the Base Set, uses counters to illustrate its battery-like depleting power over time. Mechanically kindred, the Arcbound series—including staples like Arcbound Ravager—also revolves around the modular usage of +1/+1 counters, offering a comparison in the way these artifacts evolve or regress on the battlefield.
While Clockwork Beast requires a substantial mana cost and decreases in power with each attack, it holds an interesting niche in MTG’s history of artifact creatures. Contrasting this with something more contemporary like Steel Overseer, there’s a clear evolution. Steel Overseer allows for a more active counter distribution across all your artifacts, not just itself. The upgraded flexibility and control over how and when to use those counters illustrates a shift in design and utility over time within artifact-centric decks.
In essence, understanding and comparing Clockwork Beast to its modern counterparts can give a comprehensive view of the design and gameplay progression in MTG’s artifact creatures. It’s a reflection not just of the individual card’s strategic depth, but also of the broader context of its type and role in shaping the artifact creature archetype.
Cards similar to Clockwork Beast by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Clockwork Beast can be a source of ongoing advantage. Once on the battlefield, this complex contraption can give its controller incremental benefits each turn, adding to the sustainability and resilience of their game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct ramp card, Clockwork Beast’s entrance into the fray with seven +1/+0 counters allows for aggressive tactics early on. Over time, as you manage the counters and combat, it provides an implicit form of resource acceleration by pressuring the opponent and dictating the flow of the game.
Instant Speed: Despite Clockwork Beast not operating at instant speed itself, it rewards strategic play during your turn. Offering intriguing interactions with artifacts or abilities that can untap creatures or modify counters at instant speed, it enhances the tactical depth and flexibility of your strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Clockwork Beast often entails a discard mechanic to replenish its power counters. This mandatory action can leave you at a card disadvantage, especially when your hand size is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Clockwork Beast demands a precise combination of six mana, including one artifact. This restricts the card’s harmony with faster-paced or more color-diverse decks that could struggle to produce the necessary mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With seven mana to cast, Clockwork Beast stands on the pricier side of creatures. Considering its limited immediate board impact and subsequent end-of-combat phase restriction, one could argue that similar mana investments might yield more dynamic creature options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Clockwork Beast can complement various deck builds, providing a reliable body that can be recharged via its winding mechanism. Its adaptability is suited for decks that seek to maintain a board presence with creatures that can recover from damage taken.
Combo Potential: This artifact creature synergizes well with cards that capitalize on artifacts or creature abilities. With the right setup, Clockwork Beast can become an integral part of a combo, consistently offering utility or benefiting from untapping mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that values resiliency and staying power, Clockwork Beast negotiates a niche role. It’s especially handy for outlasting opponents in matches where attrition can dictate the outcome, providing enduring value to your creature roster.
How to Beat Clockwork Beast
Clockwork Beast is a unique artifact creature in Magic: The Gathering, known for its ability to enter the battlefield with seven +1/+1 counters. While initially formidable, this creature loses a counter each time it attacks, gradually reducing its threat level. Understanding its mechanics is key to countering it effectively.
To combat Clockwork Beast, it’s essential to adopt a strategy that either prevents it from attacking or makes its attacks less impactful. Artifact removal spells like Shatter or Nature’s Claim can directly eliminate the threat. Ensnaring creatures in pacifism effects or utilizing cards that restrict the ability to attack, such as Meekstone, especially since Clockwork Beast has a higher power, are also effective tactics.
Another angle is to be mindful of counter manipulation; exploiting the Beast’s need to tap and the time it takes to rebuild counters through cards like Pithing Needle or Phyrexian Revoker, naming Clockwork Beast, to lock down its counter-gaining ability. By anticipating and interrupting your opponent’s plans for Clockwork Beast, you can mitigate the impact of this once-powerful creature and maintain control of the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Clockwork Beast MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Clockwork Beast 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Clockwork Beast Magic the Gathering card was released in 16 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 236 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 237 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 237 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 237 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 237 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 6 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 240 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 7 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 240 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 240 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 307 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 307 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 11 | 1996-07-01 | Rivals Quick Start Set | RQS | 48 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 12 | 1996-12-31 | Introductory Two-Player Set | ITP | 49 | 1993 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 13 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 356 | 1997 | Normal | White | Drew Tucker | |
| 14 | 2000-10-01 | Beatdown Box Set | BTD | 70 | 1997 | Normal | White | Carl Critchlow | |
| 15 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 153 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 16 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 232 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 17 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 529 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Clockwork Beast has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Clockwork Beast 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 | Can attack or block even if it has no counters. |
| 2004-10-04 | Loses a counter even if it is affected by a Fog-like effect which prevents it from dealing damage. |
| 2007-09-16 | Clockwork Beast’s last ability resolves, you can choose to put fewer than X +1/+0 counters on it. |
| 2007-09-16 | If Clockwork Beast has seven or fewer +1/+0 counters on it when its last ability resolves, it can wind up a maximum of seven such counters on it. If it has seven or more +1/+0 counters on it, the ability will have no effect. |
| 2007-09-16 | This is a change from the most recent wording. Now, if some other spell or ability causes +1/+0 counters to be put on Clockwork Beast, it can wind up with more than seven such counters on it. |