Inchblade Companion MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Equipment Insect |
| Abilities | Reconfigure |
| Released | 2022-03-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Kamigawa |
| Set code | YNEO |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 2 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Bartek Fedyczak |
Text of card
Equipped creature gets +1/+1. Whenever Inchblade Companion becomes attached to a creature, create a token that's a copy of Inchblade Companion, except it doesn't have this ability. This ability triggers only once each turn. Reconfigure (: Attach to target creature you control; or unattach from a creature. Reconfigure only as a sorcery. While attached, this isn't a creature.)
Cards like Inchblade Companion
Inchblade Companion holds its own among the array of interesting creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. In terms of utility, it can be compared to efficient artifact creatures like Myr Sire, which when destroyed, creates another artifact creature token. Inchblade Companion offers a mix of creature and enchantment benefits as it grants a +1/+1 counter when a player casts their first spell each turn. This is a subtle but powerful ability, especially in decks that cast numerous spells in a single turn.
Iron Myr is another card that shares a kinship with Inchblade Companion, serving as both a creature and a source of mana generation. However, Iron Myr falls short with its lack of the inherent ability to grow stronger over time. Meanwhile, Hopeful Initiate thrives in an environment where +1/+1 counters are prevalent and can be an effective tool in counter-based strategies similar to Inchblade Companion. Although the Initiate has the additional ability to remove counters from itself to destroy an opponent’s nonland permanent, it does require an active choice and mana to do so.
Parsing the capabilities and applications of these cards, Inchblade Companion offers a valuable blend of passive strength-building alongside a creature presence, carving a unique niche for itself within the MTG landscape.
Cards similar to Inchblade Companion by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Inchblade Companion. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
 | Boros Aggro | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 | |
| Jeskai Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Mardu Tokens | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024 | |
 | Mono-White Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024 | |
| Mardu Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
| Azorius Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Inchblade Companion shines in decks focused on fetching specific items from your library. The little creature digs through your stack to ensure that the tools you need are at hand, effectively ironing out your draw and tipping the scales of card advantage in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Efficiency meets utility, as this card offers an innovative approach to resource acceleration. Whether it’s ramping up to deploy formidable threats earlier than usual or providing just the right mana for a pivotal spell, Inchblade Companion helps streamline your game plan with ease.
Instant Speed: The adaptability of instant speed interaction is part of what defines Inchblade Companion’s strategic depth. This allows savvy players to weave a tapestry of cunning plays, reacting to opponents’ moves in real time, while simultaneously paving the way for their own victory.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Inchblade Companion forces players to toss another card from their hand into the graveyard to activate its strengths. This can deplete a player’s hand quickly and leave them at a disadvantage, especially if they’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The Inchblade Companion requires a combination of generic and green mana for casting. This specificity can present a deck-building challenge, making it difficult for players to incorporate the card in multicolored decks that might not have a heavy emphasis on green mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it’s a formidable creature, the mana cost of Inchblade Companion can be on the higher side when compared to other options. Players may find that at four mana, there are alternate creatures or spells that could provide a greater immediate impact on the game or offer more utility.
Reasons to Include Inchblade Companion in Your Collection
Versatility: Inchblade Companion shines with its flexibility, easily finding its place in decks that prioritize Equipment or Modifying creatures. Its ability to make creatures more formidable is a boon for aggressive or creature-focused strategies.
Combo Potential: This card has a natural synergy with equipments and auras, potentially unlocking powerful combinations. Enhancing creatures on the fly can disrupt your opponent’s tactics or pave the way for an unexpected victory.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature interactions are crucial, Inchblade Companion can become a key player. Its low cost and solid stats make it a relevant choice for decks looking to establish board presence swiftly or to exploit the Equipment synergies currently in play.
How to beat Inchblade Companion
Inchblade Companion offers a unique challenge in the lineup of MTG cards. Its adaptability to serve as both a creature and equipment makes it a versatile addition to any deck. Importantly, to gain an edge against Inchblade Companion, you’ll want to focus on timing and disruption. Since it equips at instant speed, be prepared to respond with instant-speed removal. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can handle the creature before it becomes an equipment or vice versa, disrupting your opponent’s board presence and strategy.
Another strategy is to limit the effectiveness of Inchblade Companion by controlling the number of creatures your opponent has on the battlefield. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Doomskar can clear the board, making it more difficult for your opponent to benefit from the Companion’s attributes. It is also beneficial to play around it by using creatures with hexproof or shroud, ensuring they are safe from being targeted by Inchblade Companion’s equip ability.
Overall, overcoming Inchblade Companion in MTG involves a balance of removal at the right time and minimizing the creature synergy it relies on. By keeping these tactics in mind, you can neutralize this versatile threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Inchblade Companion MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Kamigawa, 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 Inchblade Companion 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Inchblade Companion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |