Patchwork Automaton MTG Card


Grows in power with each artifact or multicolored spell, becoming a substantial threat over time. Its instant-speed interaction provides a competitive edge in both offense and defense sectors. Demands tactical deck building with artifact discard and specific mana requirements for optimal use.
Patchwork Automaton - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Ward
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number254
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDonato Giancola

Text of card

Ward (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .) Whenever you cast an artifact spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Patchwork Automaton.

It dwells happily near the ever-burning forges of Sokenzan City, crafting small things of beauty from discarded scraps.


Cards like Patchwork Automaton

In the diverse world of artifact creatures within Magic: The Gathering, Patchwork Automaton stands out with a unique flavor. If we delve into comparisons, Steel Overseer emerges as a kindred spirit, buffing up fellow artifacts each turn. However, unlike our Automaton, it lacks the modular aspect which allows it to grow with each artifact spell cast.

Comparably, Adaptive Automaton holds a place in the echelon of artifact creatures. It brings versatility in supporting various creature types but doesn’t offer the incremental power build that Patchwork Automaton promises. Another similar card, the Foundry Inspector, offers a reduction in cost for artifact spells rather than a direct power increase, representing a different value proposition for the player.

Overall, Patchwork Automaton has a distinctive edge in MTG’s rich tapestry of automatons. It rewards players for casting multiple artifacts, synergizing well with artifact-heavy decks, and grows menacingly with every spell. This unique blend of traits ensures its appeal among players looking to harness the power of evolving machinery.

Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Adaptive Automaton - MTG Card versions
Foundry Inspector - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Adaptive Automaton - MTG Card versions
Foundry Inspector - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Patchwork Automaton by color, type and mana cost

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Perilous Myr - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Wurm's Tooth - MTG Card versions
Liquimetal Coating - MTG Card versions
Perilous Myr - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Patchwork Automaton. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Green Hardened ScalesMono-Green Hardened Scales ModernHardened ScalesModern Challenge 32 2024-05-18
Prison ShopsPrison Shops VintagePrison ShopsVintage League 2024-05-21
Patchwork StompyPatchwork Stompy LegacyPatchwork StompyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-18 (1)
Other ShopsOther Shops VintageOther ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-18

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Patchwork Automaton is adept at growing its power without further card investment. Each artifact or multicolored spell you play gives it a +1/+1 counter, continually increasing its threat level on the board.

Resource Acceleration: For decks heavy with artifacts, Patchwork Automaton serves as an accelerator. You can play more artifacts in a single turn to boost its size promptly, leading to a more robust board presence in fewer moves.

Instant Speed: The ability of Patchwork Automaton to be affected by artifacts and multicolored spells at instant speed creates opportunities for surprise combat advantages. You can alter its power and toughness during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions, ensuring it’s not just a threat on your turn but also a potential defender when needed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Patchwork Automaton requires a strategic approach to the battlefield, especially when the need arises to discard artifacts to amplify its prowess. This can be a tangible setback for players when their hand is scarce in artifacts or when each piece in their possession is essential for maintaining board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Committing to Patchwork Automaton’s activation cost demands a precise mana setup. With its affinity on those Arcane and Artificer’s spells, a deck must be tailored to produce the necessary mana, which potentially limits the Automaton’s inclusion in a diversified mana base deck or one that does not predominantly feature artifacts.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing its initial expense against its potential benefits, Patchwork Automaton arrives at a point where the investment might be too high. There are a plethora of creatures that offer immediate impact for a similar or lower mana cost, making the decision to run Patchwork Automaton a matter of careful deck composition and strategy rather than an obvious choice for any artifact-friendly build.


Reasons to Include Patchwork Automaton in Your Collection

Versatility: Patchwork Automaton is a dynamic addition to any MTG arsenal due to its synergy with artifact-centric decks and its adaptability across multiple formats. Its power grows with every artifact played, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This card thrives on the combo potential innate to artifacts. Every spell cast that’s an artifact not only strengthens Patchwork Automaton but can also be the catalyst for a variety of powerful interactions and chain reactions within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: Considering its compatibility with popular artifacts in the current meta, Patchwork Automaton can become an unexpectedly robust threat. It’s particularly effective when the prevailing deck types may not be prepared to deal with an escalating artifact creature.


How to beat Patchwork Automaton

Patchwork Automaton is a unique creature card that can be a formidable presence on the battlefield, given its ability to scale up in power and toughness with the number of artifacts in play. To effectively tackle this card, players need to disrupt the synergy it relies on. This can be accomplished by removing artifacts from the game, thereby reducing the Automaton’s power boost. Cards like Shatterstorm or By Force can be especially effective, as they clear out multiple artifacts at once, minimizing the Automaton’s threat.

Additionally, direct removal spells that can bypass the potential for indestructibility or hexproof can be invaluable. Cards such as Path to Exile or Terminate allow players to handle the Automaton no matter how large it’s grown. It’s crucial to keep the board clear of artifacts or have a removal in hand to prevent the Patchwork Automaton from getting out of control. Board wipes like Wrath of God can also reset the playing field, negating the advantage brought by this and other creature cards.

In essence, controlling the number of artifacts in play is key when facing a Patchwork Automaton. With careful planning and the right card choices, players can effectively negate the advantages that this card brings to the artifact-centered decks it so often complements.


BurnMana Recommendations

The journey through the MTG landscape is endless, offering a stream of strategic decisions and potential for deck enhancement. Patchwork Automaton presents itself as a unique piece in the puzzle, growing in might with each artifact or multicolored spell that graces the field. Introduce it to your collection and witness the transformation of your artifacts into a well-oiled engine of victory. Adapt your deck to the Automaton’s capabilities and exploit its full combo potential against unprepared adversaries. Swing by to further refine your deck-building skills, uncover game-changing strategies, and reinforce your lineup with cards that can evolve alongside your tactics.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Patchwork Automaton MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Patchwork Automaton and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Patchwork Automaton has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-02-18 If a player casts a spell that targets multiple permanents their opponent controls with ward, each of those ward abilities will trigger. If that player doesn't pay for all of them, the spell will be countered.