Coretapper MTG Card

Coretapper enables resource advantage by adding charge counters to artifacts, enriching card utility and strategy. Operates at instant speed, offering flexibility and on-the-fly adaptability to counter opponents’ moves. Its specialized activation can be resource-intensive, requiring careful consideration for optimal deck synergy.

Darksteel (DST)
2004-02-06 - Number 107

Double Masters (2XM)
2020-08-07 - Number 244

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Myr
Power	1
Toughness	1

Text of card

: Put a charge counter on target artifact. Sacrifice Coretapper: Put two charge counters on target artifact.

It converts the faintest surges of power from Mirrodin's core into usable energy, providing endless power for Memnarch's creations on the surface.

Cards like Coretapper

Coretapper is a unique piece in the world of MTG, mingling within the artifact synergy archetype. Its closest counterpart is the card Volt Charge, which, like Coretapper, offers the chance to proliferate and increase the number of counters on permanents. While Coretapper can incrementally add charge counters to artifacts, Volt Charge provides an immediate one-off proliferation after dealing damage.

Another relative is Power Conduit, which has a different approach, allowing players to move counters from one permanent to another. This not only gives flexibility in managing charge counters but also interacts with various counter types, something Coretapper cannot do. Lastly, Surge Node, an artifact with a low investment cost, requires energy counters to function, but like Coretapper, it plays a role in maneuvering charge counters to escalate the potential of other artifacts on the battlefield.

When surveying these options, Coretapper undoubtedly holds a unique position, especially for its ability to manipulate the charge counters turn after turn, a steady advantage that can tilt the scales in long-drawn games within the MTG universe.

Cards similar to Coretapper by color, type and mana cost

Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Coretapper. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

Name	Format	Archetype	Event
Dice Factory Tron	Modern	Dice Factory Tron	Modern Challenge 64 2023-12-10
Dice Factory	Modern	Dice Factory	Modern League 2024-03-31
Colorless Combo	Modern		ANZ Super Series Cycle 5 Regional Championship
Colorless Tron	Modern	Dice Factory Tron	UOL LCI Modern League
Colorless Prison	Modern	Dice Factory Tron	F2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship)
Izzet Affinity	Modern	Urza Dice Factory	Modern $20K Trial - SCG CON Cincinnati - Friday - 1:00 pm (Silver)
Izzet Kiki Cauldron	Modern	Izzet Kiki Cauldron	Modern Challenge 96 2023-12-30

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Coretapper is considered a valuable asset for decks that focus on charge counters. By adding these counters to your artifacts, you effectively transform your cards into resources, thus granting you the potential to outpace your opponents with extra utility or mana sources.

Resource Acceleration: With the ability to manipulate charge counters, Coretapper acts as a resource acceleration tool. It can consistently grow the power of cards like Everflowing Chalice or Darksteel Reactor, speeding up your strategy and enabling you to execute your game plan more quickly.

Instant Speed: Although Coretapper itself is not an instant, its ability to add charge counters operates at instant speed, providing flexibility during play. You can decide the most strategic moment during your turn or your opponent’s to enhance your artifacts, reacting to the ever-evolving state of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: As Coretapper requires a card to be sacrificed rather than simply discarded, players must weigh the potential long-term advantage against the immediate reduction of their board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Coretapper’s activation cost is bound to a single colorless mana, which means in decks that heavily rely on color-specific mana, it may not always be the most convenient card to utilize.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Coretapper itself has a low initial casting cost, the charge counter abilities can be mana-intensive when optimizing artifact strategies, potentially slowing down your board development compared to lower-cost alternatives.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Coretapper offers adaptability to a variety of deck builds, specifically those that rely heavily on charge counters. As it can be played early in the game, it supports strategies that accelerate the potency of artifacts like Darksteel Reactor or even the modular mechanic.

Combo Potential: It has the inherent ability to synergize with numerous combos, particularly in artifact-centric decks. Coretapper can rapidly increase the charge counters on key pieces such as Everflowing Chalice or Astral Cornucopia, potentially enabling a game-changing play.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact strategies are prevalent, Coretapper gains value. It can disrupt opponents’ plans by tipping the scales in your favor through the accumulation of necessary counters that can lead to a swift victory.

How to beat Coretapper

Coretapper presents an interesting dynamic on the battlefield by enabling players to manipulate charge counters in Magic: The Gathering. It becomes a linchpin in decks that leverage artifacts like Magistrate’s Scepter or Darksteel Reactor for a strategic advantage. Handling this creature effectively is critical to ensure it doesn’t tip the scales in your opponent’s favor.

To counter the threat of Coretapper, removing it swiftly from the board is paramount. Strategies can involve instant-speed removal spells, such as Abrupt Decay or Path to Exile, which can disrupt the Coretapper’s synergy before it accrues value. Artifact removal spells like Shattering Spree or Nature’s Claim are also effective, stripping away the artifact support that Coretapper needs to thrive.

Additionally, ensuring that your deck has answers to counteract proliferate mechanics or to remove counters from permanents can further mitigate the impact of Coretapper. Consider including diverse removal spells, both targeted and mass board wipes, in your arsenal. This diversity can help maintain control over your opponent’s artifacts and creatures, making Coretapper’s presence less of a threat.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Coretapper MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Double Masters, 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 Coretapper and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Coretapper Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by Dany Orizio.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2004-02-06	Darksteel	DST		107	2003	Normal	Black	Dany Orizio
2	2020-08-07	Double Masters	2XM		244	2015	Normal	Black	Dany Orizio

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Coretapper has restrictions

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