Pacification Array MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 168
2020-11-12 - Number 257
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
, : Tap target artifact or creature.
The Consulate had access to thousands of innovative devices displayed at the Inventors' Fair. A few small changes transformed some of them from marvels of ingenuity to instruments of oppression.
Cards like Pacification Array
Pacification Array presents a unique form of control within Magic: The Gathering, giving players the ability to lock down potentially threatening creatures or artifacts. Delving into this space of control artifacts, we can draw parallels to cards such as Icy Manipulator, which similarly exhausts any target creature or artifact. Where Pacification Array shines is in its low casting cost, allowing for a swift play and control from early in the game.
Examining further, we encounter the card Opposition, a blue enchantment that requires the tapping of a creature to freeze a target. Although more flexible in its targeting ability, Opposition demands a more complex setup and synergy with creature-based strategies. Meanwhile, for those looking for a steadfast defensive setup, Static Orb limits untapping to just two per turn, impacting the tempo of both players, unlike Pacification Array’s more targeted approach.
When exploring the landscape of control options in Magic: The Gathering, Pacification Array fits nicely for players craving quick and pinpoint disturbance to opponents’ plans, all at an affordable cost and with a modest activation requirement.
Cards similar to Pacification Array by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Pacification Array doesn’t directly draw you cards, it helps maintain card advantage by deterring opponents from attacking or using their creatures’ abilities. This can often lead to situations where your opponent is unwilling to play their best cards, giving you the upper hand in resources over time.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact is more about resource management than acceleration. However, its ability to tap can indirectly accelerate your game plan by keeping potential blockers or attackers at bay, allowing your other strategies to develop without hindrance.
Instant Speed: The strength of Pacification Array is in its ability to be activated at instant speed. This offers great flexibility, allowing you to respond to threats or opportunities during your opponent’s turn, which can disrupt their plans and give you a tactical edge on the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Pacification Array does not require discarding directly, having it on the battlefield without relevant artifacts to synergize can feel like a resource wasted, especially in tight situations where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Pacification Array’s activation cost necessitates one generic mana, which, while flexible, demands constant availability of mana each turn to utilize its tapping ability, potentially hindering development of your own board state.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The initial investment of two mana for the Pacification Array might be seen as steep for an artifact that doesn’t immediately impact the board. As matches progress, this can lead to a notable opportunity cost, where deploying other cards could have a more immediate or impactful presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pacification Array offers a flexible control option across various decks, demonstrating its capacity to tap down potential threats. This makes it a useful tool regardless of the opponent’s strategy.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergy with other artifacts, empowering strategies that reward tapping and untapping mechanics or artifact-based combos, adding layers of depth to gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: Given the array of aggressive decks in the game, Pacification Array serves as a critical piece to slow opponents down, potentially tipping the scales in control and midrange decks battling to maintain tempo against quicker opponents.
How to beat
Pacification Array can be a controlling force on the battlefield, restricting opponent’s creature’s ability to attack or block. This devious artifact offers a strategic advantage to those wielding it in Magic: The Gathering. But even the most daunting cards have their countermeasures for the discerning player.
One effective strategy is direct artifact removal. Cards such as Naturalize or Disenchant make short work of the Array, eliminating its presence and freeing your forces. Another tactic is to outpace the Array’s controller by flooding the field with more creatures than the Array can handle, overloading its ability to lock down your threats.
Moreover, utilizing instants that grant hexproof or protection, like Blossoming Defense or Gods Willing, can preserve your critical creatures from being targeted by Pacification Array’s ability. The key lies in anticipating the timing and being ready to disrupt the opponent’s plays, ensuring the Array doesn’t dictate the flow of the game. By understanding these strategies, you can neutralize Pacification Array, manifesting your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pacification Array MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Kaladesh Remastered, 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 Pacification Array 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
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Printings
The Pacification Array Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Joseph Meehan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 168 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joseph Meehan | |
| 2 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 257 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joseph Meehan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pacification Array 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 Pacification Array card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | If you want to stop someone from attacking with a creature by using Pacification Array’s ability, you must do so before attackers are declared. You can’t wait until after attackers are declared and then try to use it to make a creature stop attacking. Note that your opponent can’t start declaring attackers without letting you use your Pacification Array. |
| 2017-02-09 | Once a player has activated an ability with in its cost, Pacification Array can’t be used to undo or counter that ability. |
| 2017-02-09 | Players may respond to Pacification Array’s ability by activating an ability of the target permanent if that ability’s timing permissions allow it. Players may also respond by activating abilities or casting spells whose costs include tapping the target permanent. |