Icy Manipulator MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 248
1993-10-04 - Number 249
1993-12-01 - Number 249
1993-12-10 - Number 249
1993-12-10 - Number 249
1995-06-03 - Number 322
1996-05-02 - Number ml322
1996-05-02 - Number bl322
1996-05-02 - Number mj322
1996-05-02 - Number pp322
1996-05-02 - Number shr322
1996-05-02 - Number et322
2001-12-01 - Number 36
2001-12-01 - Number 36★
2003-10-02 - Number 186
2005-07-29 - Number 299★
2005-07-29 - Number 299
2007-07-13 - Number 326
2011-01-10 - Number 207
2011-09-02 - Number 64
2018-04-27 - Number 219
2019-11-07 - Number 1596
2022-11-28 - Number 245
2022-11-28 - Number 542
2023-01-13 - Number 225
2023-01-13 - Number 380
2002-06-24 - Number 35042
2020-09-26 - Number DOM-219
| Card sets | Released in 28 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
o1: You may tap any land, creature, or artifact in play on either side.
Cards like Icy Manipulator
Icy Manipulator has carved its niche in MTG as a versatile and tactical artifact. This manipulative tool stands shoulder to shoulder with its contemporaries like Winter Orb, known for locking down lands and stifling opponent’s resources. Compared to Icy Manipulator’s specific target approach, Winter Orb applies a broad freezing effect but lacks the pinpoint precision of choosing which resource to immobilize. On another icy front, Frost Titan also exerts its cold influence but at a heftier mana cost and tied to a creature body, offering a different layer of utility and threat.
Delving further, Lux Cannon emerges as another artifact with a slow buildup to a powerful impact. While less immediate than Icy Manipulator’s icy grip on the board, Lux Cannon provides the ultimate destruction at no mana cost once fully charged. The dichotomy between these two artifacts creates a balance for players who weigh immediate control against potential game-ending plays.
In essence, while several artifacts and cards in MTG offer control over the battlefield, Icy Manipulator’s immediate and repeatable freezing effect without requiring a setup stands as a testament to its enduring utility and influence in MTG decks that prioritize board control.
Cards similar to Icy Manipulator by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Icy Manipulator enables you to dictate the pace of the game, effectively providing card advantage by hampering your opponent’s resources. This can lead to a significant lead, as controlling the board often translates into controlling the flow of the game.
Resource Acceleration: By untapping your lands or other mana-generating artifacts during your opponent’s end step, the Icy Manipulator can be used to accelerate your resources. This strategic move can surprise your adversaries and give you the upper hand in mana availability.
Instant Speed: The Icy Manipulator’s ability to disrupt at instant speed makes it a versatile tool in many strategies. Whether you’re fending off attackers, freezing a tapping ability, or simply keeping mana open for a timely response, its instant speed utility aligns perfectly with a variety of tactical needs.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although the Icy Manipulator doesn’t require you to discard a card as part of its activation, having to manage it alongside your other cards can sometimes result in an undesirable hand reduction. In the late game, this can make it harder to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The Icy Manipulator comes with an activation cost that is colorless, which might seem advantageous at first glance. However, it means that it does not specifically benefit from mana reducers of a particular color or effects that would make colored spells cheaper or more versatile within a specific color-based strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its ability to tap any target artifact, creature, or land can be quite versatile, the Icy Manipulator itself carries a four-mana cost for its deployment. In a game where tempo is critical, allocating four mana to set up future control can be potentially slow, especially when there are other lower-cost options that could provide immediate benefits or fits better with the overall deck synergy.
Reasons to Include Icy Manipulator in Your Collection
Versatility: Icy Manipulator’s capacity to tap any target artifact, creature, or land makes it a flexible addition to numerous deck types. Its ability to interfere with an opponent’s strategy transcends the boundaries of specific archetypes, offering utility in various circumstances.
Combo Potential: As an artifact with a pivotal tap ability, Icy Manipulator pairs well with cards that capitalize on tapping or untapping mechanics. Its interaction with cards that monitor the state of permanents can be the cornerstone of inventive and powerful combinations.
Meta-Relevance: The evolving gameplay dynamics often showcase creatures and strategies that hinge on timing. Icy Manipulator can be a critical tool in manipulating the pace of the game, therefore remaining a relevant choice against decks that are susceptible to being locked down or strategically delayed.
How to beat Icy Manipulator
The Icy Manipulator is an artifact with a storied history in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Renowned for its versatility, the Manipulator provides players the ability to tap any target artifact, creature, or land, effectively hampering an opponent’s strategy. Its power lies in its ability to disrupt the timing and resources of your adversary during critical phases of the game.
However, the Manipulator is not without its weaknesses. One of the most straightforward methods to overcome the challenges it presents is by employing artifact removal spells such as Naturalize, which can destroy the Manipulator outright. Alternatively, one can mitigate its impact by diversifying threats, making it difficult for the opponent to determine the most advantageous target for the Manipulator’s ability. Additionally, instant-speed creatures or abilities can help navigate around the Icy Manipulator’s interference, allowing for more resilient play.
Remember, preparing for disruption is key when facing the Icy Manipulator. Intelligent deck building and being mindful of the opponent’s potential strategies will serve you well. This classic Magic card demands respect on the battlefield, but with careful planning and execution, you can neutralize its icy grip on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Icy Manipulator MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Icy Manipulator 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 Icy Manipulator Magic the Gathering card was released in 19 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 248 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 249 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 249 | 1993 | Normal | White | Douglas Shuler | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 249 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 249 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 6 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 322 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Amy Weber | |
| 7 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | ml322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 8 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | bl322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 9 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | mj322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 10 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | pp322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 11 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | shr322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 12 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et322 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Amy Weber | |
| 13 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 36 | 1997 | Normal | White | Amy Weber | |
| 14 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 36★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Amy Weber | |
| 15 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35042 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | ||
| 16 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 186 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Zug | |
| 17 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 299★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 18 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 299 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 19 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 326 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 20 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 207 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 21 | 2011-09-02 | Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas | DDH | 64 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 22 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 219 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Titus Lunter | |
| 23 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1596 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Titus Lunter | |
| 24 | The List | PLST | DOM-219 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Titus Lunter | ||
| 25 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 245 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 26 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 542 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Douglas Shuler | |
| 27 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 225 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 28 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 380 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Icy Manipulator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Icy Manipulator card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Once a player announces that they’re casting a spell or activating an ability, no player may take other actions until the spell or ability has been paid for. Notably, other players can’t try to tap that player’s permanents to stop them from paying or to stop them from producing enough mana. |