Chrome Replicator MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Construct
Released	2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set name	Core Set 2021
Set code	M21
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	229
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daniel Ljunggren

Key Takeaways

Chrome Replicator excels in card advantage by cloning creatures, enhancing your battlefield presence without depleting your hand.
It ramps up resource generation and fits instant-speed strategies, adding both unpredictability and tactical depth.
Despite its strengths, it has limitations in discard demands and specific mana needs which affects deck versatility.

Text of card

When Chrome Replicator enters the battlefield, if you control two or more nonland, nontoken permanents with the same name as one another, create a 4/4 colorless Construct artifact creature token.

Who would you trust to watch your back more than yourself?

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Chrome Replicator provides a substantial edge by potentially cloning one of your own creatures every turn. Such consistent cloning activity escalates the card advantage, as you’re effectively augmenting your army without depleting hand resources. This potent feature can quickly tilt the battlefield in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: With the ability to duplicate mana dorks or other utility creatures, the Replicator can significantly ramp up your resource generation. It allows for a more efficient mana curve, letting you deploy heavier spells ahead of schedule. It mirrors the nuances of mana acceleration, without the vulnerability of traditional artifact-based ramp.

Instant Speed: Although the Chrome Replicator is not an instant itself, it works seamlessly with instant-speed strategies. The threat of activation during any upkeep keeps opponents guessing, synergizing well with flash creatures or spells that you can cast on the fly. This inherent unpredictability lends tactical advantages during tight gameplay situations.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Chrome Replicator demands a card to be discarded as part of its activation. This can significantly set back players who are already struggling to maintain card advantage, turning the tide against them when their hand size is critical.

Specific Mana Cost: The activation of this artifact requires a precise blend of mana types, constraining its integration into multi-colored decks. Players must carefully consider their mana base to ensure the Chrome Replicator’s seamless playability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at five mana to cast, Chrome Replicator may lag behind in the race for efficiency. In a game where pace can determine the victor, other cards in a similar-cost range could potentially offer more impactful board presence or card advantage.

Reasons to Include Chrome Replicator in Your Collection

Versatility: Chrome Replicator is a dynamic card that can be integrated into multiple types of decks due to its clone-like ability. It thrives not only in decks that focus on artifact synergy but also in those valuing creatures and token generation.

Combo Potential: The capability to create a copy of itself when certain conditions are met means Chrome Replicator can exponentially increase the value of creature and artifact-centric combos, multiplying board presence and triggering ETB (Enter the Battlefield) effects.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where board presence is crucial, Chrome Replicator can provide a significant advantage. Its relevance is maintained as it can adapt to varying metas, offering strategic depth in both aggressive and artifact-heavy deck builds.

How to Beat Chrome Replicator

Chrome Replicator presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to clone itself provided you control two or more nonland, nontoken permanents with the same name. Dealing with one Chrome Replicator can be manageable, but when duplicates begin to populate the board, it can quickly become overwhelming. However, with the right strategy, you can mitigate its impact in your MTG games.

Firstly, controlling the number of the same named permanents your opponent has is key. Using removal spells on creatures or enchantments that have been duplicated helps prevent the Replicator from triggering its cloning ability. Efficient spot removal like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can ensure that the Replicator won’t find a twin on the board. Moreover, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, especially if multiple Replicators have already been created.

Additionally, leveraging counter magic to prevent the Replicator from hitting the field in the first place can save you from having to deal with its potential army. A well-timed Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto can keep this troublesome artifact creature safely in your opponent’s library or graveyard. When facing Chrome Replicator, remember that proactive measures and strategic removal can secure your victory against this potentially game-swinging card.

Cards like Chrome Replicator

The Chrome Replicator offers a unique twist to artifact strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It bears some resemblance to prolific artifact creatures like Myr Battlesphere and Thopter Assembly, which also play on the theme of creating tokens. The Chrome Replicator, when the condition of controlling two or more nonland, nontoken permanents with the same name is met, produces a token copy of itself. This mirrors Myr Battlesphere’s ability to bring forth multiple Myr tokens, albeit without the need for same-named permanents.

Other parallels can be drawn with cards like Mirrorworks, which duplicates any incoming nontoken artifact for a cost, providing players a potential army of replicas. While not creature-based, Mirrorworks shares the Replicator’s cloning theme. Comparably, The Antiquities War digs through the library for artifacts and later turns them into sizable creatures, different in execution but similar in artifact synergy.

As we delve into these comparisons, Chrome Replicator sets itself in a niche spot among artifact-centric cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its conditional token-generating ability offers a fascinating gameplay mechanic, particularly appealing to decks that can reliably meet its replication criteria.

Cards similar to Chrome Replicator by color, type and mana cost

The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chrome Replicator MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Chrome Replicator and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chrome Replicator has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chrome Replicator 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	Chrome Replicator's ability creates just one Construct, no matter how many namesake pairs of permanents you control.
2020-06-23	If you don't control two nonland, nontoken permanents with the same name immediately after Chrome Replicator enters the battlefield, its ability doesn't trigger. If you don't control two as the ability resolves, you don't create a token. They don't have to be the same pair, however.