Metamorphosis MTG Card
1993-12-17 - Number 51
1995-07-01 - Number 66
1995-08-01 - Number 130
2016-11-16 - Number 65839
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Sacrifice a creature of yours in play for an amount of mana equal to its casting cost plus 1. This mana can be of any one color, and can only be used to summon creatures.
Cards like Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is an intriguing card in MTG with its unique spin on mana generation and conversion. It is somewhat akin to Mana Cylix, which also allows a player to filter mana, but Metamorphosis does more by actually producing additional green mana. This surplus can give players a temporary boost much like Dark Ritual, which provides a burst of black mana. However, Metamorphosis is distinct in that it requires the sacrifice of a creature to activate this benefit.
Looking at other comparisons, we have Culling the Weak. This is another card that generates a mana advantage through creature sacrifice, a dynamic touch compared to the straightforward Dark Ritual. But unlike Metamorphosis, which provides green mana, Culling the Weak generates black mana. Burnt Offering is another relative, which generates both red and black mana upon a creature’s sacrifice – a straightforward trade compared to the layered exchange of Metamorphosis.
When it comes to strategic deck building in MTG, Metamorphosis presents a unique set of options for mana generation, sacrificing a creature for a greater cause. It stands out with its specific color generation and strategic timing, offering nuances that can be pivotal during gameplay.
Cards similar to Metamorphosis by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Metamorphosis enables a smooth transition from one creature to another, potentially netting you a more valuable creature on the battlefield. This can lead to significant card advantage by upgrading your assets in play.
Resource Acceleration: By converting one creature into another, you’re effectively bypassing normal mana costs associated with casting. This acceleration can be key in outpacing your opponent by deploying more potent threats earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: The ability to activate Metamorphosis at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions. This can result in strategic advantages, from dodging removal spells to surprising your opponent with an unexpected blocker or attacker.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Metamorphosis often necessitates discarding another card to initiate its transformative effect. This can sometimes backfire, especially when your hand is already depleted or if the relinquished card is vital to your game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Metamorphosis calls for a particular combination of mana to cast. This stringent requirement can sometimes hinder players who operate multicolor decks, potentially stalling their momentum if the needed mana isn’t accessible at the crucial moment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying Metamorphosis requires a significant mana investment. In situations where game pace is essential, its mana cost might be seen as a liability, putting players behind as they could be casting multiple lower-cost spells or developing their board presence instead.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Metamorphosis offers flexibility across various deck archetypes as it allows you to trade in a creature for a potentially game-changing play. Its ability to fit seamlessly into strategies that capitalize on sacrificing creatures or mana ramp makes it an asset to many builds.
Combo Potential: This card shines when used in conjunction with decks that thrive on creature-based combos or need specific mana setups. It can facilitate powerful interactions by transforming a less useful creature into a critical combo piece at a crucial time.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the evolving gameplay environment, Metamorphosis can adapt and offer solutions to the prevailing deck themes. Whether it’s enabling big creature plays or simply morphing the board state in your favor, its relevance in a dynamic meta cannot be overstated.
How to beat
Metamorphosis is a unique card that keeps opponents on their toes, allowing players to convert a creature into raw mana. This can create sudden game-shifting dynamics that are tough to counter. Despite its potential, there are reliable strategies to nullify its effect. Keeping a steady stream of creature removal spells is the key. Ensuring your opponent has a minimal board presence will make Metamorphosis less impactful.
Another tactic is to employ counterspells or hand disruption to prevent Metamorphosis from ever hitting the board. This proactive approach can stifle your opponent’s plans early on. In addition, artifacts or enchantments that restrict spell casting or increase its cost can effectively sideline Metamorphosis. Always be mindful of the mana your opponent has access to and be ready to respond.
It’s about staying one step ahead and disrupting the synergies that Metamorphosis relies on to be effective. Strategic play and a careful selection of responses will tip the scales in your favor, neutralizing the otherwise transformative power of the Metamorphosis card in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Metamorphosis MTG card by a specific set like Arabian Nights and Chronicles, 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 Metamorphosis 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 Metamorphosis Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1993-12-17 and 2016-11-16. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-12-17 | Arabian Nights | ARN | 51 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 66 | 1993 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 1995-08-01 | Rinascimento | RIN | 130 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 4 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65839 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael Sutfin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Metamorphosis has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Metamorphosis card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | This mana may be used on additional costs to cast the spell, such as Kicker. |
| 2013-04-15 | Players can only respond once this spell has been cast and all its costs have been paid. No one can try to destroy the creature you sacrificed to prevent you from casting this spell. |
| 2013-04-15 | You must sacrifice exactly one creature to cast this spell; you cannot cast it without sacrificing a creature, and you cannot sacrifice additional creatures. |