Darksteel Splicer MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 7 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Creature — Phyrexian Artificer |
Power | 1 |
Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Whenever Darksteel Splicer or another nontoken Phyrexian enters the battlefield under your control, create X 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Golem artifact creature tokens, where X is the number of opponents you have. Golems you control have indestructible.
Cards like Darksteel Splicer
Darksteel Splicer joins the lineage of creature-support cards within Magic: The Gathering. It garners a comparison to cards such as Master Splicer, which also elevates golem creatures by increasing their power. Darksteel Splicer differentiates itself through granting indestructible to a golem, potentially ensuring its persistence against most threats.
When eyeing other cards in the same family, Blade Splicer emerges as a notable parallel. This card also produces a golem token and provides it with first strike, albeit without the enduring quality of indestructibility that Darksteel Splicer confers. Wing Splicer is another relative, bestowing the gift of flight in the form of flying to golem creatures, which impacts the game’s dynamic by allowing for an aerial advantage.
Weighing these companion cards, Darksteel Splicer holds its own within Magic: The Gathering’s diverse toolbelt of creature enhancements. Its unique ability to make a golem indestructible could sway a game’s outcome and make it a formidable card in any deck focused on durability and defense.
Cards similar to Darksteel Splicer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Darksteel Splicer enhances your battlefield presence by generating a 3/3 golem artifact creature token. This not only increases your creature count but also gives a strategic edge by offering a durable blocker or attacker.
Resource Acceleration: By delivering an additional artifact creature, Darksteel Splicer can potentially interact with other cards that benefit from having a high artifact count, effectively accelerating your access to powerful synergies within your deck’s strategy.
Instant Speed: While Darksteel Splicer itself may not have instant speed, its inherent indestructibility allows for a steadfast presence that doesn’t need hasty protection. This characteristic means you can commit to board development without the immediate fear of losing your investment to removal spells—a trait that indirectly complements a play style that values instant speed interactions and threats.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike some other creatures that offer value upon entering the battlefield, Darksteel Splicer requires you to discard a card to activate its ability. This can be especially taxing when you’re already struggling with card advantage or trying to maintain a healthy hand size.
Specific Mana Cost: Darksteel Splicer’s mana cost demands a specific allocation of mana colors, which can be restrictive. If your deck isn’t tailored to efficiently produce the required mana types, the splicer could often remain a stranded card in your hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Darksteel Splicer can offer unique benefits to artifact-centric decks, its higher mana cost is a significant investment. For the same amount of mana, players might access alternative cards that offer immediate impact or more substantial board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Darksteel Splicer offers flexibility across different strategies, fostering an environment where artifact creatures thrive. Its ability to grant golem creatures the indestructible keyword allows it to fit seamlessly into artifact-centered decks or those utilizing golems as a focal point.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other cards that generate golem tokens, or with abilities that capitalize on the indestructibility of creatures. It opens up avenues for various synergistic plays that can solidify your board position and frustrate opponents’ removal efforts.
Meta-Relevance: Understanding the landscape of your playgroup or competitive environment is crucial. In a meta where artifact creatures play a role, or where enchantments and spells often target creature destruction, Darksteel Splicer can prove to be a game-changer, offering resilience against common threats.
How to beat
The Darksteel Splicer presents a sturdy challenge in any MTG match, mainly due to its ability to boost Golem creatures. Its true strength lies in its indestructibility and the capability to assemble an army of resilient Golem minions. To counter this card effectively, it’s wise to rely on exile effects, such as Path to Exile, which can neatly sidestep the indestructibility factor by removing the card from the game completely.
Similarly, cards that reduce a creature’s toughness to zero, like Dismember, can overcome the Splicer’s defenses since the rules state that a creature with zero or less toughness is put into the graveyard regardless of any abilities. Additionally, forcing a player to sacrifice creatures can be notably useful; a classic example being Diabolic Edict. This approach is robust because it circumvents the Splicer’s indestructibility and doesn’t target a creature directly.
By interrupting the Splicer’s ability to build and empower its Golem legion, you diminish your opponent’s board presence significantly. Hence, while the Darksteel Splicer can be a formidable adversary, strategic removal and control techniques can efficiently dismantle the threat it poses on the battlefield.
BurnMana Recommendations
For MTG enthusiasts looking to upgrade their deck tactics, Darksteel Splicer is a card you might consider adding to your arsenal. This piece provides an edge by producing a robust 3/3 golem artifact creature token that can withstand the chaos of the battlefield. Understanding its pros and cons can fine-tune your comprehensive game plan. For insight into maximizing the potential of cards like Darksteel Splicer and others that bolster the resilience of your artifacts and creatures, delve into our resources. Elevate your deck’s durability and strategic depth—partner with BurnMana to learn more and enhance your MTG experience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Darksteel Splicer MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Commander and March of the Machine Commander, 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 Darksteel Splicer 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 Darksteel Splicer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Steven Belledin.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 100 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin | |
2 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steven Belledin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Darksteel Splicer has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Darksteel Splicer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2023-04-14 | Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to a Golem you control may become lethal if Darksteel Splicer leaves the battlefield during that turn. |