Instruments of War MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Flash |
| Released | 2022-12-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Jumpstart 2022 |
| Set code | J22 |
| Number | 50 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Drew Tucker |
Text of card
Flash As Instruments of War enters the battlefield, choose a creature type. Creatures you control of the chosen type get +1/+1.
Perfect for keeping time at a battle or a ball.
Cards like Instruments of War
Instruments of War joins a niche set of cards in Magic: The Gathering that focus on equipping creatures to amplify their battle capabilities. When compared to other equipment cards, such as Sword of the Animist, Instruments of War offers a different approach. While Sword of the Animist is designed to ramp up land as a bonus for attacking, Instruments of War may not fetch lands but gives a more immediate boost in power.
Another card that players might draw parallels with is Bonesplitter, a classic option famous for its simplicity and cost-efficiency in boosting creature power. Bonesplitter’s straightforward power increase often appeals to players who prioritize early combat advantage. In contrast, Instruments of War’s utility builds over time, as it enhances a creature’s offensive and defensive capabilities with a potentially game-altering level of versatility.
Instruments of War can be seen as a more strategic tool in a player’s arsenal. While it doesn’t provide the raw acceleration of a card like Sword of the Animist, nor the immediate punch of Bonesplitter, its potential to turn a creature into a considerably more formidable opponent makes it a card worth considering in the right deck.
Cards similar to Instruments of War by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Instruments of War is designed for tactical advantage by offering selective card draw based on creature power, ensuring you pull the high-impact cards your strategical deck revolves around.
Resource Acceleration: This card can significantly ramp up your resources by letting you play additional lands, setting the stage for deploying formidable threats earlier than your opponents can typically handle.
Instant Speed: With instant speed, Instruments of War can be a game-changer by disrupting opponent strategies at unexpected moments or cleverly timing your land drops to optimize your board state without missing a beat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Instruments of War necessitates discarding another card, which might lead to a potential setback, especially when your hand is already dwindling. This mechanic forces the player to weigh the cost against the momentary gain, potentially disrupting strategic plans.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a unique combination of mana types which could complicate its integration into decks that are not tailored to accommodate such requirements. Therefore, decks with a more flexible mana base might struggle to utilize this card effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a more significant mana investment needed to play Instruments of War, it might not align with a deck’s tempo, potentially causing delays in your game plan. The mana cost could overshadow the benefits if not timed precisely within the rhythm of your match.
Reasons to Include Instruments of War in Your Collection
Versatility: Instruments of War is a card that showcases flexibility in various deck builds. It seamlessly integrates into strategies that emphasize aggressive playstyles while also providing utility in more controlling or synergistic decks.
Combo Potential: This card opens up possibilities for combo interactions by powering up creatures, enabling sacrifice mechanics, or by acting as a catalyst for artifact-centric plays in decks that thrive on such dynamics.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the shifting landscapes of the competitive scene, Instruments of War can gain significance as a strategic response to prevalent decks. Its utility in facing a diverse range of opponents makes it a strong contender for inclusion in competitive play.
How to beat Instruments of War
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, confronting a card like Instruments of War involves strategy and understanding its mechanics. Cards with abilities that enhance creatures or have an impact on the game’s battlefield are often pivotal to a player’s victory. To navigate the battlefield against Instruments of War, consider using artifact removal spells that can dismantle your opponent’s equipment-based strategy. Naturalize and Disenchant are classic examples that directly target artifacts and can disrupt the synergistic value that Instruments of War provides.
Adjusting your deck to include versatile responses like Abrade can prove advantageous, offering the flexibility to handle creatures or artifacts depending on the situation. Battlefield sweepers such as Wrath of God or Damnation can also reset the tactical advantage gained by the opponent, nullifying the benefits of Instruments of War. It’s essential in these encounters to prioritize the removal of key artifacts or to weaken the strategic framework that supports an opponent’s victory. Utilize removal spells judiciously, and keep an eye out for opportunities to disrupt your opponent’s strategy to gain the upper hand.
Ultimately, overcoming a card like Instruments of War means always being prepared for the variable MTG landscape, having the right answers at the right time, and making each card play count towards your strategy for dominance.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Instruments of War MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart 2022, 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 Instruments of War 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 Instruments of War has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.