Cytoplast Root-Kin MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 81
2015-05-22 - Number 143
2019-02-15 - Number 110
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Mutant |
| Abilities | Graft |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 0 |
Text of card
Graft 4 (This creature comes into play with four +1/+1 counters on it. Whenever another creature comes into play, you may move a +1/+1 counter from this creature onto it.) When Cytoplast Root-Kin comes into play, put a +1/+1 counter on each other creature you control that has a +1/+1 counter on it. : Move a +1/+1 counter from target creature you control onto Cytoplast Root-Kin.
Cards like Cytoplast Root-Kin
Cytoplast Root-Kin stands out as a key member of the +1/+1 counter synergy group in Magic: The Gathering. It often draws comparison to cards like Ivy Lane Denizen, another creature that leverages counters – granting them whenever a green creature enters the battlefield. Unlike Ivy Lane Denizen, Cytoplast Root-Kin has the ability to move its counters to other creatures, offering a dynamic strategy that encourages creature-based interactions.
Another related card is Experiment One, which embodies the evolution mechanic. Even though it starts smaller, it can potentially grow larger than the Root-Kin. However, the Root-Kin’s capacity to bolster other creatures provides a more immediate impact on the board state. Also worth noting is Forgotten Ancient, a creature that accumulates counters with each spell cast and can distribute them at will – similar to the asset-swapping versatility of Cytoplast Root-Kin, albeit with a different trigger mechanism.
Ultimately, Cytoplast Root-Kin’s dual role as both an enhancer of creature capabilities and a potential behemoth makes it a unique and versatile choice for decks focusing on counter manipulation in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Cytoplast Root-Kin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cytoplast Root-Kin helps you build up a formidable board presence by adding +1/+1 counters, effectively giving you more value from your creatures over time.
Resource Acceleration: With its graft ability, the Cytoplast Root-Kin invests in your growing creature base, speeding up the development of your threats on the battlefield. By moving counters from it to the newcomers, your resource impact is immediate and can intensify your aggressive strategies.
Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, Cytoplast Root-Kin has the flexibility to act at instant speed with its second ability. This allows you to manipulate +1/+1 counters during the combat or end phases, unexpectedly bolstering your team and catching opponents off-guard, which often leads to advantageous combat resolutions or saved creatures.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Cytoplast Root-Kin has no inherent discard mechanic, but its synergies often involve +1/+1 counters, and without a deck built to support this, you may find yourself forced to discard other potentially useful cards to keep up with its demands.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Cytoplast Root-Kin includes two green mana, which can make it a challenging fit for decks that operate on a multi-color basis and can be restrictive depending on the mana sources you have available during gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of four, including double green, Cytoplast Root-Kin demands a considerable investment early in the game. While providing a strong presence on the battlefield, its cost can slow down your early game progression in comparison to other creatures or spells that can be played for less and offer more immediate board impact or flexibility.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Cytoplast Root-Kin is a card that can seamlessly adapt to various deck strategies. With the ability to bolster your creatures with +1/+1 counters while also being able to move those counters to other creatures, it provides flexibility in how you manage your battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card opens up a variety of combo possibilities, especially in decks that revolve around +1/+1 counters. It can easily become a central piece in synergies that amplify the power of your creatures exponentially with each turn.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating nature of the meta, Cytoplast Root-Kin holds its ground by interacting well in environments heavy with creature-based strategies. Its graft ability can catch opponents off guard, making it a sleeper hit in the right decks.
How to beat
Cytoplast Root-Kin, a creature card with a significant presence on the battlefield, often poses a challenge to overcome in Magic: The Gathering. The card features unique mechanics such as Graft and the ability to transfer +1/+1 counters, enhancing its surrounding creatures. The key to besting this formidable foe lies in timing and strategy. Utilizing removal spells before the Root-Kin can distribute its counters is essential. Cards like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can efficiently dispose of the Root-Kin before it magnifies the threat level on the board.
Moreover, considering the Cytoplast Root-Kin thrives in a counter-centric deck, employing strategies that weaken or negate the effectiveness of counters can prove effective. This includes leveraging cards that restrict the placement of counters, like Solemnity, or ones that remove counters, such as Vampire Hexmage. Parallel maneuvers involve control spells to bypass its abilities, including countering it upon cast itself with spells like Cancel or employing board wipes like Wrath of God to reset the playing field.
Ultimately, understanding and anticipating the interactions around Cytoplast Root-Kin is vital. Tactics that either preemptively handle the creature or dismantle the synergies it relies upon will help navigate this obstacle and secure victory in your Magic: The Gathering matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cytoplast Root-Kin MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Root-Kin 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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Printings
The Cytoplast Root-Kin Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by Thomas M. Baxa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 81 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 143 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa | |
| 3 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 110 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Thomas M. Baxa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cytoplast Root-Kin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |