Incubator // Phyrexian MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
TypeToken Artifact Creature — Phyrexian
Power 0
Toughness 0

Key Takeaways

  1. Incubator excels in generating card advantage and propelling players into a leading position.
  2. Phyrexian mana adds deck flexibility despite the card’s demanding casting costs.
  3. Its instant speed capability allows players to make pivotal game decisions reactively.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Incubator // Phyrexian MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine and March of the Machine, 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 Incubator // Phyrexian and other MTG cards:

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Incubator card is a powerhouse in situations where you’re aiming to pull ahead with resources in hand. It has the incredible potential to put you in an advantageous position by effectively converting one card into multiple threats or solutions.

Resource Acceleration: One of the standout features of Incubator is its ability to ramp up your mana resources. This card lets you deploy bigger threats earlier than usual, setting the pace to outmaneuver your opponents and establish a dominant board presence swiftly.

Instant Speed: Incubator’s ability to be played at instant speed grants you tremendous flexibility. This strategic boon allows you to adapt to the dynamic flow of the game, keeping your opponents guessing while you efficiently manage your mana and options.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Adding Incubator to your deck means you’ll be facing a tough decision every time it’s in your hand. To cast it, you’ll need to let go of another card. This can be a particularly painful cost when your hand is almost empty, making it harder to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: While Phyrexian mana offers flexibility, it’s important to remember that Incubator demands Phyrexian mana specifically. This may lock it out of decks that can’t afford life payment or don’t have the right color mana readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Incubator provides a unique and potentially powerful effect, its mana cost is on the high side. For decks that aim for peak efficiency, there might be hesitation to include a card that isn’t as cost-effective as possible, given the diverse array of options available.


Reasons to Include Incubator in Your Collection

Versatility: Incubator is a standout card because it can seamlessly slot into various deck archetypes. Players can appreciate its ability to reduce colorless mana costs, making it a solid choice for decks with heavy colorless spells.

Combo Potential: This card has an inherent synergy with Phyrexian-themed decks or those looking to accelerate out high-cost creatures. Its ability to make powerful creatures more accessible can quickly turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the shifting dynamics of competitive play, Incubator holds its ground by enabling faster play of big threats. This makes it particularly potent in a meta that favors ramp strategies or battles of attrition where establishing a formidable board presence is key.


How to beat

Incubator, known for its presence in Phyrexian decks, can pose quite the challenge to players in the world of Magic the Gathering. Its ability to proliferate counters across your permanents enables aggressive strategies that can overwhelm opponents. Yet, much like any formidable card, there exists a strategy to counter it. Control decks that focus on counter spells, removal, or board wipes can effectively mitigate the advantage that Incubator provides. Disruption is key, by either targeting the card directly with removal before it can activate or hindering the opponent’s ability to cast it with a well-timed counterspell. Additionally, utilizing cards that limit the number of counters an opponent can place on their permanents can stall the momentum that Incubator aims to build. Keep in mind that pinpointing the pivotal turn before the proliferation effect goes off is crucial, making timing your responses just as important as the responses themselves.


Cards like Incubator // Phyrexian

Comparing Incubator to other Phyrexian cards in Magic: The Gathering, one can see distinctive traits and similarities within this unique group. Incubator, much like Glistener Elf, is an emblematic card that exhibits the classic Phyrexian mana mechanic, allowing players to pay with either mana or life points. This flexibility can be invaluable, especially in the early stages of the game.

Another card that echoes Incubator’s Phyrexian lineage is Phyrexian Metamorph. It shares the ability to either be cast using regular mana or with the alternative Phyrexian mana payment. However, unlike Incubator, Metamorph offers versatility in copying any artifact or creature on the battlefield, potentially acquiring more complex and varied abilities. Conversely, Incubator differentiates itself with its specific purpose and potential for synergy within a Phyrexian-themed deck.

Assessing the scope of similar MTG cards, Incubator carves out its niche with its inherent strengths tied to the Phyrexian mana system. It stands out in a Phyrexian-centric strategy, emphasizing the archetype’s adaptability and tactical depth that attract players to this iconic MTG faction.

Glistener Elf - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Metamorph - MTG Card versions
Glistener Elf - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Metamorph - MTG Card versions

Printings

The Incubator // Phyrexian Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Johann Bodin.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 162015Double Faced TokenBlackJohann Bodin
22023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 172015Double Faced TokenBlackJohann Bodin
32023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 182015Double Faced TokenBlackJohann Bodin