Cryptoplasm MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Shapeshifter |
| Released | 2011-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin Besieged |
| Set code | MBS |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 23 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Eric Deschamps |
Text of card
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may have Cryptoplasm become a copy of another target creature. If you do, Cryptoplasm gains this ability.
"If left in the enemy's shape too long, it might be lost to them." —Vy Covalt, Neurok agent
Cards like Cryptoplasm
Cryptoplasm offers a unique blend of adaptability and threat in the vast catalog of blue creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its most notable comparison is with the card Vesuvan Shapeshifter. Both share the shapeshifting trait, enabling them to copy other creatures on the battlefield at the beginning of your upkeep. Yet, Vesuvan Shapeshifter is a bit more versatile due to its Morph ability, allowing it to flip face-up any time for its Morph cost.
Moving to the realm of recent releases, we also see the card Protean Thaumaturge, which embodies a similar concept. This card, too, has the ability to become a copy of any creature on the battlefield whenever an enchantment enters under your control, granting potentially faster transformation than Cryptoplasm’s once-per-turn rate.
Despite these comparisons, Cryptoplasm’s persistent ability to adapt each turn without additional costs or triggers provides a strategic consistency that can be pivotal in longer games. Its place in Magic: The Gathering is solidified as a formidable option for players who seek control and flexibility through their creatures’ abilities.
Cards similar to Cryptoplasm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Cryptoplasm’s ability to duplicate the strongest creatures on the board, it effectively multiplies your board presence without the need for additional cards. This replication talent allows for a strategic advantage, offsetting card disadvantage from other areas of the game.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana, Cryptoplasm provides a form of resource acceleration by assuming the identity of mana-producing creatures. This can be a subtle yet powerful way to expand your available resources each turn.
Instant Speed: Cryptoplasm’s key feature is its adaptability at the beginning of your upkeep, which, while not at instant speed, allows you to act on the latest information from the board state. This means you can make informed decisions on what creature to copy, effectively utilizing the information gained during the entire cycle of turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Cryptoplasm offers versatile abilities, it requires discarding to fulfill the upkeep triggering condition. This can quickly deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage if you’re running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: Cryptoplasm demands both blue and generic mana, making it somewhat restrictive. This requirement can be challenging for multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana consistency, thereby limiting Cryptoplasm’s adaptability across various MTG archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including double blue, Cryptoplasm is on the higher side compared to other two-drop creatures. When considering its initial 2/2 stats without any copied abilities, it may not provide the board presence efficiency that a player is looking for at that stage of the game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cryptoplasm offers the ability to adapt on the battlefield by copying the most advantageous creatures in play. Its flexibility makes it a fit for a variety of decks that capitalize on dynamic board states.
Combo Potential: With its morphing capability, Cryptoplasm can be a critical piece in combos, especially in conjunction with creatures that have powerful enter-the-battlefield effects or static abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies often dominate, having a card like Cryptoplasm allows for tactical shifts that can align with, or effectively counter, prevalent meta decks.
How to beat
Cryptoplasm is a versatile and potentially game-altering blue creature card in Magic: The Gathering, noted for its adaptability on the battlefield. This shapeshifter thrives on copying the most advantageous creatures on the board, promising a dynamic shift in power with each of your upkeeps. To effectively neutralize the impact of Cryptoplasm, a strategic approach is essential. It’s beneficial to limit the variety of powerful creatures you play, as this reduces the options for Cryptoplasm’s transformative ability.
Removal spells are particularly potent against Cryptoplasm before it has a chance to clone a potent target. Pointed removal spells like Path to Exile or Go for the Throat can disrupt your opponent’s plan by targeting Cryptoplasm directly. Moreover, board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, act as a solid reset, efficiently dealing with Cryptoplasm along with other menacing creatures that could pose a potential threat. Ultimately, keeping the battlefield clear of influential creatures and having removal at the ready are key maneuvers that can restrain Cryptoplasm’s otherwise unpredictable and escalating prowess.
BurnMana Recommendations
Dive deeper into the complex strategies of Magic: The Gathering with Cryptoplasm at your side. Beyond its obvious perks and cons lies a world of tactical plays and synergies ready to be mastered. Whether you’re capitalizing on its versatile nature, devising clever combos, or navigating the meta, understanding how to harness Cryptoplasm’s potential will greatly enhance your MTG experience. Acknowledge its comparative traits and learn how to counteract its weaknesses effectively. Embrace the challenge and discover the profound impact this card can have on your game. Continue your journey with us and unlock the secrets that will bolster your collection and gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cryptoplasm MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Cryptoplasm 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cryptoplasm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cryptoplasm card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-06-01 | If another creature becomes a copy of Cryptoplasm, it will become a copy of whatever Cryptoplasm is currently copying (if anything), plus it will have Cryptoplasm’s triggered ability. |
| 2011-06-01 | If the creature is an illegal target when the ability tries to resolve, it won’t resolve. Cryptoplasm won’t become a copy of that creature; it remains whatever it was before. |
| 2011-06-01 | The copy effect lasts indefinitely. Often, it will last until it is overwritten by another copy effect (if it copies another creature on a future turn, perhaps.) |
| 2011-06-01 | You choose the target for the triggered ability when the ability is put onto the stack. You choose whether or not Cryptoplasm becomes a copy of that creature when the ability resolves. |