Ichor Synthesizer MTG Card
2023-02-03 - Number 55
2023-02-03 - Number 14
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Wizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put an oil counter on Ichor Synthesizer. As long as Ichor Synthesizer has four or more oil counters on it, it gets +2/+0 and can't be blocked.
"I've isolated the chirality of the glistening oil, so there will be no wasted precursors."
Exploring Ichor Synthesizer’s Place in the Artifact Pantheon
When considering the utility of the Ichor Synthesizer within Magic: The Gathering, it’s beneficial to weigh its abilities against other artifacts in the game. This card stands out due to its synergy with +1/+1 counter strategies, something akin to the Golem’s Heart. Both cards have passive abilities that trigger during gameplay but Ichor Synthesizer takes it to another level by creating creature tokens.
Cards like Ichor Synthesizer
Ichor Synthesizer fits seamlessly into the realm of artifact-based MTG card creation. It’s worth drawing parallels to the likes of Animation Module, which similarly produces servo tokens. While Animation Module requires mana input to create tokens and buffs creatures, the Ichor Synthesizer automates token creation whenever a player gains life. This presents a passive advantage, circumventing the mana expenditure for token generation. Though not identical, Throne of Geth also shares a kinship, providing proliferate opportunities to increase token potency, further fueling strategies around counters and synergistic play.
Unpacking the facets of Ichor Synthesizer, Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts might also consider Contagion Clasp for its proliferating capabilities which can help grow the number of +1/+1 counters. Unlike the Ichor Synthesizer, it doesn’t create creatures but can be instrumental in enhancing board presence. In a holistic view, the Ichor Synthesizer claims its unique niche by merging aspects of life gain and counter mechanics, carving out a noteworthy position in the artifact lineup.
Cards similar to Ichor Synthesizer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ichor Synthesizer can potentially offer card advantage by creating a steady flow of Phyrexian tokens, which could translate into extra draw if synergized with other mechanics or cards that reward you for creatures entering the battlefield or dying.
Resource Acceleration: Each token created by Ichor Synthesizer carries its mana value on its back, essentially ramping your resources. These can be used in various ways, whether it’s to advance your board state quicker, enable larger spells sooner, or provide an edge in mana-hungry decks.
Instant Speed: Though Ichor Synthesizer itself may not be an instant, it can create tokens with the potential to be sacrificed or tapped for various effects at instant speed. This flexibility allows players to adapt to changing game states and surprise opponents with unexpected plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ichor Synthesizer compels players to discard a card, shedding valuable hand presence which could be critical in maintaining strategic flexibility throughout the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Locked into a particular phyrexian mana cost, Ichor Synthesizer demands color commitment which narrows deck inclusion options, potentially excluding it from a wider range of archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you consider its mana investment relative to other cards within its class, Ichor Synthesizer’s efficiency is called into question, especially when alternatives may provide more immediate or impactful outcomes at a similar or lower cost threshold.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ichor Synthesizer can be a game-changer across a wide array of deck archetypes. Its ability to generate artifact creature tokens allows for strategic defense and opens up avenues for deck synergy, making it a utility player in artifact-centric builds as well as token-focused strategies.
Combo Potential: The real magic of Ichor Synthesizer comes from its token creation, providing consistent artifact fodder for sac-outlets, or empowering strategies that swell in strength with every noncreature artifact that hits the field. Paired with the right cards, it unlocks a wealth of powerful interactions.
Meta-Relevance: As the game’s landscape continues to evolve, having a card that easily interacts with prevalent artifact and token strategies can offer a significant edge. Ichor Synthesizer slides neatly into the current meta, reinforcing decks that capitalize on the proliferating trend of artifact manipulation and token generation.
How to beat
Ichor Synthesizer is a unique MTG card that can create a significant advantage by generating Ichor tokens. These tokens can boost creatures and accrue value over time, making Ichor Synthesizer a target your opponents can’t ignore. To effectively neutralize its impact, it’s essential to manage it quickly. Utilizing removal spells that can direct target enchantments, such as Disenchant or Naturalize, will disrupt the token production early.
Another strategy involves applying pressure on the opponent to distract them from leveraging the synthesizer’s potential. Aggressive decks can force opponents to defend rather than invest in their token strategy. In control setups, using counter spells when Ichor Synthesizer is cast can prevent it from entering the battlefield altogether, thus maintaining your dominance and card advantage. Denying resources by attacking your adversary’s mana base can also be effective, as this limits their ability to use Ichor Synthesizer’s ability to its full extent.
By assessing the threat level and applying the right counter tactics, overcoming the challenge posed by Ichor Synthesizer becomes a manageable task within the complex gameplay of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ichor Synthesizer MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One and Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series, 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 Ichor Synthesizer 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 Ichor Synthesizer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-02-03 and 2023-02-03. Illustrated by Sam Wolfe Connelly.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-02-03 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One | ONE | 55 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sam Wolfe Connelly | |
| 2 | Phyrexia: All Will Be One Art Series | AONE | 14 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Sam Wolfe Connelly |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ichor Synthesizer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ichor Synthesizer 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 | Putting a fourth oil counter on Ichor Synthesizer after it has become blocked will not cause it to become unblocked. |