Evolving Adaptive MTG Card

Evolving Adaptive cards grant resource and strategic advancement through additional mana and instant-speed plays. However, they necessitate careful deck construction and may face issues with high mana demands. Their flexibility makes them valuable for countering diverse strategies in the MTG landscape.

Evolving Adaptive - Phyrexia: All Will Be One

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Phyrexian Warrior
Released	2023-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Set code	ONE
Power	0
Toughness	0
Number	167
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	John Di Giovanni

Text of card

Evolving Adaptive enters the battlefield with an oil counter on it. Evolving Adaptive gets +1/+1 for each oil counter on it. Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, if that creature has greater power or toughness than Evolving Adaptive, put an oil counter on Evolving Adaptive.

Cards like Evolving Adaptive

As players delve into the expanding universe of Magic: The Gathering, the Evolving Adaptive card introduces an innovative mechanic that resonates with cards like Pelt Collector. Both exemplify growth-enabling creatures, with Pelt Collector gaining a +1/+1 counter whenever a bigger creature enters the battlefield under your control. Evolving Adaptive, while adeptly adjusting to varied playstyles, also thrives on board development, yet distinguishes itself by gaining counters through alternative gameplay interactions.

Comparatively, Experiment One showcases regeneration, presenting a form of resilience while similarly accruing +1/+1 counters. Still, Evolving Adaptive takes it a step further by allowing for more versatility with the possible mutations it can undergo. Another related card is Scute Mob, which grows monstrously in the late game based on land count. Though it doesn’t share the immediate adaptability of Evolving Adaptive, Scute Mob can become an overwhelming force over time.

Ultimately, the Evolving Adaptive card challenges MTG enthusiasts to evaluate its utility within their strategies. Its dynamic nature not only encourages synergy with a variety of deck types but also rewards creative play, making it a noteworthy comparison when examining the potential of growth-mechanic creatures in the game.

Cards similar to Evolving Adaptive by color, type and mana cost

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Evolving Adaptive. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

Name	Format	Archetype	Event
Mono-Green Aggro	Standard	Mono-Green Aggro	Standard League 2024-02-08
Mono-Green Stompy	Gladiator		Gladiator Games: We're Back
Gruul Stompy	Gladiator		Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Gruul Aggro	Standard	Gruul Aggro	Standard Challenge 64 2023-12-31
Gruul Midrange	Standard	Gruul Aggro	Japan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Simic Aggro	Standard	Simic Aggro	Standard Challenge 64 2023-12-10 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: By generating a draw effect or potential replacement when conditions are met, this card ensures you are replenishing your hand, keeping pressure on the opponent by maintaining a healthy flow of options.

Resource Acceleration: This type of card often introduces additional mana sources or reduces casting costs, letting you deploy threats faster than normal and effectively outpace your adversaries in the resource game.

Instant Speed: Its ability to be played at instant speed offers the element of surprise, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the board state dynamically and make pivotal decisions at the most opportune moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: An Evolving Adaptive card often comes with a downside of needing to discard one or more cards. This demand for additional card sacrifice can rapidly deplete your hand, leaving you in a challenging position if your resources are already stretched thin.

Specific Mana Cost: These cards generally have a particular mana cost arrangement that requires a careful mana base. It can restrict deck-building options as you need to ensure the right color mana is available to play the card effectively, otherwise, you risk it sitting idle in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Evolving Adaptive cards tend to be on the higher end of the mana spectrum. The substantial cost sometimes doesn’t align with the pace of faster decks, and as a result, they might be outpaced by other strategies that can mobilize threats or answers more efficiently.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Evolving adaptive cards provide the unique ability to adjust to various game states, making them a smart choice for players seeking flexibility. Their mechanism to adapt to different types of threats or opportunities in-game means they can be useful in almost any match.

Combo Potential: With the inherent ability to evolve, these cards synergize well with strategies focused on +1/+1 counters, proliferate mechanics, or any deck that revolves around adaptability. Their transformative nature can often be the linchpin of powerful and unexpected combo finishes.

Meta-Relevance: Considering their capability to change in response to opponents’ actions, evolving adaptive cards can counter a variety of popular strategies in the current meta. They fit well into decks that need to stay one step ahead, constantly adapting to the ebb and flow of competitive play.

How to beat

The Evolving Adaptive card defies traditional MTG playstyles with its chameleon-like ability to adapt on the fly, tailoring its power to fit various situations. Unlike static cards with predetermined abilities, the Evolving Adaptive card pivots its role within the game, making it a formidable opponent on the battlefield. However, versatility comes with its own set of challenges and vulnerabilities.

One tactical approach to outmaneuver an Evolving Adaptive card is through the use of removal spells that can outpace its adaptability. Timing is crucial; strike before the card morphs to gain an upper hand. Another strategy is to limit the card’s options by controlling opponent’s resources, thereby narrowing the paths of evolution it can take. Cards that force discards or shut down mana generation can choke the Evolving Adaptive’s potential before it fully unfolds. Lastly, counterplay with your instants can be especially effective, as they can be deployed in response to the card’s evolution triggers, maintaining pressure and disrupting the synchronization of the adaptive strategy.

While facing an Evolving Adaptive card may seem daunting, remember that precision and preemptive action can be just as powerful as any shape-shifting beast on the MTG battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Evolving Adaptive MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Evolving Adaptive and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Evolving Adaptive has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Alchemy	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2023-02-04	If a creature enters the battlefield with +1/+1 counters on it, consider those counters when determining if Evolving Adaptive's ability will trigger.
2023-02-04	If multiple creatures enter the battlefield at the same time, Evolving Adaptive's ability may trigger multiple times, although the stat comparison will take place each time one of those abilities tries to resolve. For example, if you control an Evolving Adaptive with two oil counters on it and two 3/3 creatures enter the battlefield, the ability will trigger twice. The first ability will resolve and put an oil counter on Evolving Adaptive. When the second ability tries to resolve, neither the power nor the toughness of the new creature is greater than that of Evolving Adaptive, so that ability does nothing.
2023-02-04	If the ability triggers, the stat comparison will happen again when the ability tries to resolve. If neither stat of the new creature is greater, the ability will do nothing. If the creature that entered the battlefield leaves the battlefield before the ability tries to resolve, use its last known power and toughness to compare the stats.
2023-02-04	When comparing the stats as the ability resolves, it's possible that the stat that's greater changes from power to toughness or vice versa. If this happens, the ability will still resolve and you'll put an oil counter on Evolving Adaptive. For example, if you control an Evolving Adaptive with two oil counters and a 1/3 creature enters the battlefield under your control, its toughness is greater so the ability will trigger. In response, the 1/3 creature gets +2/-2. When the ability tries to resolve, its power is greater. You'll put an oil counter on Evolving Adaptive.
2023-02-04	When comparing the stats of the two creatures for Evolving Adaptive's last ability, you always compare power to power and toughness to toughness.
2023-02-04	Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, check its power and toughness against the power and toughness of Evolving Adaptive. If neither stat of the new creature is greater, the last ability won't trigger at all.