Lithoform Engine MTG Card

Lithoform Engine offers card advantage by duplicating spells or permanents, which intensifies your game strategy. Its specific four-colorless mana cost can limit deck flexibility, potentially impacting early game momentum. Versatility, combo potential, and meta-relevance make it a valuable inclusion in any MTG collection.

Lithoform Engine - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)

Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
2020-09-25 - Number 375

Lithoform Engine - Zendikar Rising Promos (PZNR)

Zendikar Rising Promos (PZNR)
2020-09-25 - Number 245p

Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
2020-09-25 - Number 245

Zendikar Rising Promos (PZNR)
2020-09-25 - Number 245s

Lithoform Engine - The Brothers' War Commander (BRC)

The Brothers' War Commander (BRC)
2022-11-18 - Number 146

Lithoform Engine - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Magic Online Promos (PRM)
2002-06-24 - Number 83722

Card sets	Released in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Legendary Artifact

Text of card

, : Copy target activated or triggered ability you control. You may choose new targets for the copy. , : Copy target instant or sorcery spell you control. You may choose new targets for the copy. , : Copy target permanent spell you control. (The copy becomes a token.)

Cards like Lithoform Engine

Lithoform Engine is a distinctive artifact in Magic: The Gathering that enables unparalleled versatility on the battlefield. Similar in nature to Strionic Resonator, both cards allow players to copy spells or abilities, however, Lithoform Engine offers additional modes of copying that its counterpart does not. Unlike Strionic Resonator, which is limited to copying triggered abilities, Lithoform Engine can also copy activated or triggered abilities, instant, and sorcery spells, demonstrating a broader utility spectrum.

Mirroring the adaptability of Lithoform Engine, Rings of Brighthearth provides a comparable ability to double the impact of activated abilities. While Rings of Brighthearth is less costly in terms of mana, it lacks the expansive copying options of Lithoform Engine. As a result, Lithoform Engine stands out as a more feature-rich selection for players seeking to maximize their in-game strategies via copying mechanics.

Overall, while there are several cards in Magic: The Gathering that share a copying theme, Lithoform Engine distinguishes itself with its comprehensive copy abilities, establishing its place as a versatile and potent choice for players looking to enhance their decks with intricate copy strategies.

Rings of Brighthearth - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lithoform Engine by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Lithoform Engine helps to maintain and potentially multiply your key spells or permanents, acting as a multipurpose tool that can lead to a decisive card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: With the ability to copy your own permanent-creating or mana-producing spells, this artifact can significantly enhance your resource acceleration, playing a critical role in ramping up your board presence.

Instant Speed: The flexibility to activate Lithoform Engine’s copying abilities at instant speed gives players the reactive capabilities necessary to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the game, boosting both its strategic value and threat level.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Lithoform Engine requires no discard, so we will focus on other aspects that may be seen as disadvantages to some players.

Specific Mana Cost: One of the limiting factors of Lithoform Engine is its specific mana cost, demanding a payment of four colorless mana. This makes the card less flexible when it comes to fitting into decks that might have a strained mana base or rely heavily on colored mana resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though Lithoform Engine is a powerful artifact, its initial investment of four mana can be quite high, especially in the earlier stages of the game. This might delay your gameplay or give your opponents a chance to advance their board state while you set up your artifact’s potential.

Reasons to Include Lithoform Engine in Your Collection

Versatility: Lithoform Engine is a swiss-army tool for any Magic the Gathering player. Its ability to copy permanent spells, instant or sorcery spells, or triggered or activated abilities means it slots into almost any deck with ease, enhancing whatever strategy you have in play.

Combo Potential: For decks built around synergies and combos, this artifact ramps up the potential to go infinite or to dramatically magnify the effects of your game-changing cards. From duplicating the most critical spells to re-triggering powerful abilities, Lithoform Engine can be the linchpin for a stunning victory.

Meta-Relevance: As the Magic metagame evolves, having flexible cards that can adjust to new decks and strategies is vital. With its adaptable nature, Lithoform Engine maintains relevance, offering solutions and opportunities to enhance your play, regardless of the prevailing meta.

How to beat

Lithoform Engine has emerged as a versatile powerhouse in MTG, capable of copying spells or abilities, making it a formidable opponent. To effectively counter this artifact, consider strategies that minimize the value generated by its copying ability. Cards that destroy or neutralize artifacts, such as Abrade or Disenchant, are straightforward solutions to remove Lithoform Engine from the battlefield.

Additionally, counterplay can involve pressure strategies that overwhelm the opponent before they can maximize the Engine’s potential. Aggressive decks aiming to win quickly leave little room for the opponent to invest the required mana and setup. Moreover, instant speed interaction can disrupt the timing of copying, with countermagic like Negate being particularly useful to prevent key spells from being duplicated in the first place.

The key is to recognize the momentum swing Lithoform Engine can create and to proactively manage the threat it represents. A combination of artifact removal, early pressure, and strategic countermagic are your best tools to ensure this artifact doesn’t take control of the game.

BurnMana Recommendations

Harnessing the transformative power of Lithoform Engine can be a game-changer in MTG. This artifact’s versatility in copying spells and abilities elevates tactical gameplay to new heights. Whether you’re constructing a deck around synergies, or need to adapt to shifting metas, incorporating Lithoform Engine could pave your path to victory. To optimize your strategy and explore the plethora of avenues this card opens up, delve deeper into its potential. Enhance your collection and gameplay by embracing Lithoform Engine’s dynamic capabilities. Dive into more MTG tips, strategies, and card analyses with us to refine your deck and conquer the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lithoform Engine MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar Rising, 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 Lithoform Engine and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Lithoform Engine Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2020-09-25 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by Colin Boyer.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	~~2002-06-24~~	Magic Online Promos	PRM	83722	2015	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer
2	2020-09-25	Zendikar Rising	ZNR	375	2015	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer
3	2020-09-25	Zendikar Rising Promos	PZNR	245p	2015	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer
4	2020-09-25	Zendikar Rising	ZNR	245	2015	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer
5	2020-09-25	Zendikar Rising Promos	PZNR	245s	2015	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer
6	2022-11-18	The Brothers' War Commander	BRC	146	1997	Normal	Black	Colin Boyer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lithoform Engine has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Commander	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lithoform Engine card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2020-09-25	Activated abilities contain a colon. They're generally written “ -ost: -ffect].” Some keyword abilities (such as equip) are activated abilities and will have a colon in their reminder text.
2020-09-25	Any choices made when the spell or ability resolves won't have been made yet when it's copied. Any such choices will be made separately when the copy resolves. Most notably, if a triggered ability asks you to pay a cost (such as that of Leyline Tyrant), you pay that cost for the copy if you wish to have it paid.
2020-09-25	If a permanent spell is copied, it's put onto the battlefield as a token as the spell resolves rather than putting the copy of the spell onto the battlefield. The rules that apply to a permanent spell becoming a permanent apply to a copy of a spell becoming a token.
2020-09-25	If an ability is linked to a second ability, copies of that first ability are also linked to that second ability. If the second ability refers to “the exiled card,” it refers to all cards exiled by the first ability and the copy. For example, if Fiend Hunter's enters-the-battlefield ability is copied and two creatures are exiled, they both return when Fiend Hunter leaves the battlefield.
2020-09-25	If the spell or ability has damage divided as it was put onto the stack, the division can't be changed, although the targets receiving that damage still can. The same is true of spells and abilities that distribute counters.
2020-09-25	If the spell or ability that's copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast or activated, the copy will have the same value of X.
2020-09-25	If the spell or ability that's copied is modal (that is, it says “Choose one —” or the like), the copy will have the same mode. A different mode can't be chosen. This doesn't apply to copying a permanent spell with a modal enters-the-battlefield triggered ability, but it does apply to copying that ability.
2020-09-25	Lithoform Engine can copy any spell or ability on the stack, not just one with targets. If a permanent spell is copied, new targets can't be chosen for it, if it has any (perhaps because it's an Aura or a mutating creature spell).
2020-09-25	Lithoform Engine's first ability targets an activated or triggered ability that is on the stack and creates another instance of that ability on the stack. It doesn't cause any object to gain an ability.
2020-09-25	The copy is created on the stack, so it's not “cast” or “activated.” Creating the copy won't cause abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell or activates an ability to trigger. Abilities that say that a triggered ability triggers additional times won't apply to copying a triggered ability.
2020-09-25	The copy will have the same targets as the spell or ability it's copying unless you choose new ones. You may change any number of the targets, including all of them or none of them. If, for one of the targets, you can't choose a new legal target, then it remains unchanged (even if the current target is illegal).
2020-09-25	The copy will resolve before the original spell or ability does.
2020-09-25	The source of the copy from Lithoform Engine's first ability is the same as the source of the original ability.
2020-09-25	The token that a resolving copy of a spell becomes isn't said to have been “created.”
2020-09-25	Triggered abilities use the word “when,” “whenever,” or “at.” They're often written as “ -rigger condition], -ffect].” Some keywords (such as prowess) are triggered abilities and will use “when,” “whenever,” or “at” in their reminder text.
2020-09-25	You can't choose to pay any alternative or additional costs for the copy. However, effects based on any alternative or additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy. Most notably, if the original spell was kicked, the copy is kicked.