Cytoplast Manipulator MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard Mutant |
| Abilities | Graft |
| Released | 2006-05-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dissension |
| Set code | DIS |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
| Number | 23 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dan Scott |
Text of card
Graft 2 (This creature comes into play with two +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever another creature comes into play, you may move a +1/+1 counter from this creature onto it.) , : Gain control of target creature with a +1/+1 counter on it as long as Cytoplast Manipulator remains in play.
Cards like Cytoplast Manipulator
The Cytoplast Manipulator stands out as a unique fixture in the realm of creature control in Magic: The Gathering. It finds parallels with cards like Beguiler of Wills, which allows for the control of target opponent’s creatures, but the Cytoplast Manipulator does one better. It requires both a graft creature and building up +1/+1 counters to permanently gain command of a creature by placing a counter on it. This method is slightly slower but also more versatile and sustainable as it can continue across multiple turns.
Domineering Will is another card that temporarily shifts the power balance by commandeering three target nonattacking creatures until the end of turn. However, this only provides short-term advantages unlike the ongoing control Cytoplast Manipulator can secure. Sower of Temptation offers a similar permanent control mechanic, but it’s more restricted since it loses control upon leaving the battlefield, whereas the Cytoplast Manipulator’s effect remains as long as the +1/+1 counters stay on the controlled creature.
Assessing the landscape of creature control, the Cytoplast Manipulator is a compelling option for Magic the Gathering players seeking long-term board advantage, delivered through a synergy of +1/+1 counters and strategic gameplay.
Cards similar to Cytoplast Manipulator by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cytoplast Manipulator allows the strategic theft of your opponent’s creatures once they’ve been equipped with a +1/+1 counter. This unique ability can swing the game in your favor by not only expanding your array of creatures but depleting your opponent’s resources simultaneously.
Resource Acceleration: By granting control of potentially stronger creatures, Cytoplast Manipulator can offer an indirect form of resource acceleration. It effectively transforms your newly acquired creatures into additional attackers or blockers, possibly freeing up your mana for other spells or abilities.
Instant Speed: Although the Manipulator itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability can be activated at instant speed. This provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing you to wait until the most opportune moment within a turn sequence to disrupt your opponent’s strategy or to make a decisive move during combat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cytoplast Manipulator’s ability to gain control of creatures requires you to discard a card, which could be a tactical setback when you have a thin hand and need to maintain your options or respond to an opponent’s actions.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific mana allocation, two blue and two of any color, to cast. This might hinder its incorporation into decks that aren’t heavily geared towards generating blue mana, therefore limiting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana and additional resources needed to utilize its ability, Cytoplast Manipulator can be a costly inclusion. When considering its role in the game, other cards may provide creature control with less resource strain, making them potentially more attractive choices for a deck that values efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cytoplast Manipulator is adaptable to various decks that emphasize on counter manipulation to strengthen creatures. Its ability to gain control of opponents’ creatures with +1/+1 counters adds a dynamic layer of strategy across multiple game formats.
Combo Potential: This card can create powerful synergies with proliferate mechanics or any strategy that multiplies or moves +1/+1 counters. It can essentially turn any creature with a +1/+1 counter into a potential resource for the player wielding the Manipulator.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies are prominent, Cytoplast Manipulator gains significant value. It can shift the balance of power on the battlefield, disrupting opponent setups and absorbing their advantages, making it a tactical asset in your arsenal.
How to beat
Cytoplast Manipulator is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering with the potential to take control of your opponents’ creatures. Its ability revolves around graft and the manipulation of +1/+1 counters. To successfully overcome this card, it’s essential to disrupt the counter-adding gameplay it promotes. Artifact removal cards or those that prevent activating abilities can be pivotal.
Consider using removal spells that can specifically target Cytoplast Manipulator before the opponent can accumulate enough counters to be a threat. Alternatively, cards that strip or negate abilities provide a way to render the Manipulator’s power useless. Additionally, countering it directly as it casts is a straightforward strategy—keep your mana ready for that crucial counterspell.
Ultimately, dealing with Cytoplast Manipulator requires proactive measures. Keeping a close eye on the board state and responding to the underlying mechanics rather than the power it could potentially leverage is key. With the right counters and removals, this manipulative threat can be kept at bay, ensuring it doesn’t hijack your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cytoplast Manipulator MTG card by a specific set like Dissension, 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 Cytoplast Manipulator 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cytoplast Manipulator 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 Cytoplast Manipulator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-05-01 | If the ability is activated and Cytoplast Manipulator leaves the battlefield before it resolves, the ability does nothing. The target creature will remain under its current controller’s control. |
| 2006-05-01 | The control change lasts as long as Cytoplast Manipulator is on the battlefield. It doesn’t end if the creature loses all its +1/+1 counters, it stops being a creature, or if Cytoplast Manipulator becomes untapped. |