Dragonspark Reactor MTG Card


Dragonspark Reactor - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Number137
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byBilly Christian

Key Takeaways

  1. Dragonspark Reactor provides card advantage with threat and board presence, escalating if unchecked.
  2. Resource acceleration is key, fitting well into artifact strategies, with charge counters leading to impactful bursts.
  3. Favorably interacts with instant-speed spells, deterring opponents and deciding combat with its activation.

Text of card

Whenever Dragonspark Reactor or another artifact enters the battlefield under your control, put a charge counter on Dragonspark Reactor. , Sacrifice Dragonspark Reactor: It deals damage equal to the number of charge counters on it to target player and that much damage to up to one target creature.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dragonspark Reactor is not your typical draw engine, but it acts as a card advantage tool by providing a recurring threat on the board. If left unchecked, it can translate into a significant gain in board presence over time. Additionally, its explosion feature can potentially eliminate an opponent’s creature or planeswalker, effectively acting as a two-for-one in certain situations.

Resource Acceleration: Integrating seamlessly with artifact or treasure-based strategies, Dragonspark Reactor can be a potent source of resource acceleration. By accumulating charge counters each turn, you’re incrementally building towards a burst of damage that can turn the tide of the game. Moreover, in a pinch, sacrificing it can also provide an unexpected mana boost that could be the difference between casting a game-winning spell or not.

Instant Speed: While Dragonspark Reactor itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it interacts favorably with instant-speed spells and abilities. The threat of activation deters adversaries from committing too heavily to the board, allows it to serve as a deterrent or decide combat outcomes unfavorably against the opponent, and synergizes well with flash artifacts or abilities that add charge counters at opportune moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Entering the fray with Dragonspark Reactor in your deck means embracing the strategy that sometimes you’ll have to part with a precious card from your hand. This discard requirement can be a real setback, especially when your hand is full of key cards aimed to clinch your victory in the turns ahead.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Dragonspark Reactor requires an investment of not just any mana, but a commitment to red mana. This demand restricts its compatibility, fitting primarily into decks heavily favoring mountains or those with a reliable mana-fixing mechanism.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at three mana to cast and another one to activate, Dragonspark Reactor comes with a cost consideration. When the battlefield is ripe for quicker or more impactful plays, the four-mana total to fully utilize this asset may feel steep, especially when alternatives may provide more immediate or cost-effective results.


Reasons to Include Dragonspark Reactor in Your Collection

Versatility: Dragonspark Reactor is an asset in various deck builds. Its ability to deal damage and provide energy counters offers dynamic play options for aggressive and control strategies alike.

Combo Potential: With the right synergies, Dragonspark Reactor can be a ticking time bomb. Pairing it with cards that proliferate counters or sacrificial mechanics enhances its explosive end-game impact.

Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts towards decks with numerous creatures and artifacts, Dragonspark Reactor could gain traction as a versatile and unexpected counter, especially with its potential for a game-ending damage output.


How to beat

Dragonspark Reactor stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a versatile red artifact with the potential to deal explosive damage. To effectively counter this card, players are advised to prioritize artifact removal strategies. Direct artifact destruction spells such as Nature’s Claim or Disenchant can be pivotal in dismantling a Dragonspark Reactor before it reaches critical mass. Moreover, cards that allow interaction on the opponent’s turn, such as Thrashing Brontodon’s activated ability, offer flexibility in timing the removal to disrupt your adversary’s game plan.

Maintaining a vigilant stance on the board-state also plays a crucial role in neutralizing the threat of Dragonspark Reactor. Since it relies on the accumulation and eventual sacrifice of charge counters to unleash its damage potential, keeping the artifact count low on the opponent’s side can prevent the reactor from becoming fully charged. This defensive strategy may involve employing creature abilities that target artifacts or using spells like Shatterstorm that can clear multiple threats at once, providing a cleaner slate and shielding you from the reactor’s detonation.

In summary, your defense against Dragonspark Reactor hinges on timely artifact removal and controlling the board. By incorporating proactive measures into your gameplay, you can prevent Dragonspark Reactor from becoming a significant threat and maintain the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

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Cards like Dragonspark Reactor

Dragonspark Reactor brings a unique dynamic to Magic: The Gathering, drawing parallels to cards that balance both creature control and incremental damage output. Izzet Staticaster can be similar in that it allows you to ping creatures or players each turn, but unlike Dragonspark Reactor, it doesn’t usher the potential to deal a large amount of damage in a single blow. Additionally, the Reactor’s ability to accumulate charge counters gives it an edge in scaling its impact throughout the game.

Comparing it to something like Ratchet Bomb, we see a difference in the control aspect. Ratchet Bomb can be powerful for wiping out tokens or low-cost permanents but doesn’t provide direct damage to players. Dragonspark Reactor, in contrast, offers a single, potentially game-ending burst. Finally, Lux Cannon emerges as a relative in this category, offering targeted removal. Despite its steeper setup requirement, it doesn’t have the alternative win condition built into Dragonspark Reactor.

Thus, MTG players may find Dragonspark Reactor to be a multifaceted tool, dealing with both creatures and utilizing the built-up energy to apply pressure to their opponent’s life total. With its scalable nature, Dragonspark Reactor stands out among similar MTG utility cards.

Izzet Staticaster - MTG Card versions
Ratchet Bomb - MTG Card versions
Lux Cannon - MTG Card versions
Izzet Staticaster - MTG Card versions
Ratchet Bomb - MTG Card versions
Lux Cannon - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dragonspark Reactor MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Dragonspark Reactor and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dragonspark Reactor has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dragonspark Reactor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-02-18 If you target both a player and a creature as you activate the ability, and one of the targets is illegal as the ability resolves, Dragonspark Reactor will deal damage to the remaining legal target. If both targets are illegal, the ability won't resolve.
2022-02-18 Targeting a creature is optional, but you must choose at least one target player to activate Dragonspark Reactor's last ability.