Phyrexian Awakening MTG Card


Allows instant creature retrieval for a strong battlefield presence and resource acceleration. Discarding a card and specific mana requirements could hinder some strategic plays. Despite its higher mana cost, Phyrexian Awakening can significantly impact gameplay.
Phyrexian Awakening - March of the Machine
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Abilities Incubate,Transform
Released2023-04-21
Set symbol
Set nameMarch of the Machine
Set codeMOM
Number30
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byArtur Nakhodkin

Text of card

When Phyrexian Awakening enters the battlefield, incubate 4. (Create an Incubator token with four +1/+1 counters on it and ": Transform this artifact." It transforms into a 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature.) Phyrexians you control have vigilance.


Cards like Phyrexian Awakening

Phyrexian Awakening is an intriguing card that stands out in the Magic: The Gathering landscape. When looking for cards with corresponding effects, one can draw parallels to the likes of Reanimate or Animate Dead. Though Reanimate allows a player to bring any creature back from the graveyard to the battlefield, it comes with the price of life points equal to that creature’s power. Animate Dead is another classic reanimation spell that not only returns a creature to play but also grants it a minor power boost at the cost of a slight power reduction.

Phyrexian Awakening diverges by potentially offering a more powerful resurrection effect without the immediate life point cost. Unlike its counterparts, it comes with a broader impact, providing a global effect under the right conditions. This could be a game changer in decks that are designed to manipulate and benefit from numerous creatures leaving the battlefield.

Choosing the appropriate reanimation tool is critical for any player’s strategy. Phyrexian Awakening may not always be the first choice for single-target revival, but its potential for a sweeping effect gives it a distinct position in the hierarchy of reanimation spells in Magic: The Gathering, especially for those who favor a grander-scale tactic.

Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Animate Dead - MTG Card versions
Reanimate - MTG Card versions
Animate Dead - MTG Card versions

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Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Fortified Area - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Phyrexian Awakening provides a unique opportunity to retrieve a key creature from your graveyard, effectively ensuring you never lose access to your most impactful cards. This ability to recur formidable forces can significantly tilt the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Beyond the immediate benefit of returning a creature to the battlefield, Phyrexian Awakening can bolster your long-term strategy by seamlessly integrating with decks that thrive on creature-based synergies, thereby accelerating your resource utilization and deployment.

Instant Speed: The true strength of this card lies in its instant speed, allowing for strategic depth and surprise tactics. You can respond to threats or end-of-turn scenarios, making Phyrexian Awakening a versatile and unpredictable tool capable of turning the tide of any match when least expected.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Awakening necessitates discarding a card as part of the casting cost. This can hinder your game if you’re already struggling to maintain an advantageous hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Phyrexian Awakening requires specific mana alignment, typically geared towards decks that can produce or filter the required mana efficiently; otherwise, it may prove cumbersome for some strategies to incorporate smoothly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its consumption of mana resources is weighty when measured against other options available within the same mana range. Players must assess if the return on investment aligns with their deck’s tempo and strategic goals, especially considering alternative cards that may achieve similar outcomes for less investment.


Reasons to Include Phyrexian Awakening in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Awakening offers a unique flexibility in deck building, seamlessly integrating into strategies that require graveyard manipulation or desire to benefit from creature sacrifices.

Combo Potential: The card’s ability to recur creatures from the graveyard paves the way for powerful combos, particularly in decks that capitalize on enter the battlefield effects or death triggers.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where control and recursion are key, Phyrexian Awakening secures a spot for its capacity to thwart removal spells and maintain board presence, making it a formidable addition against various archetypes.


How to Beat Phyrexian Awakening

Phyrexian Awakening emerges as a powerful force in MTG matches, often tipping the scales with its profound board impact. Facing this card requires a strategic approach to mitigate its overwhelming presence. Countermagic like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can shut down Phyrexian Awakening before it takes effect, essential for preserving your battlefield state. Similarly, cards such as Krosan Grip, offering split second, circumvent counter play by preventing opponents from responding.

Graveyard hate tools like Relic of Progenitus or Rest in Peace are effective at hindering Phyrexian Awakening’s potency. Removing potential creature targets from the graveyard limits the card’s utility, diminishing its impact. Alternatively, instant speed removal such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can address the creatures brought back by Phyrexian Awakening, quickly neutralizing the immediate threat.

In essence, preparation and swift responses are key in overcoming Phyrexian Awakening’s formidable advantage. Post-board games should consider incorporating these tactics, ensuring that you have answers ready to deploy against this powerful resurgence enabler, thus maintaining control over the game’s progression.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the dynamics of MTG is a balancing act of strategy, deck building, and anticipating your opponent’s moves. Phyrexian Awakening brings an intriguing twist to this complex dance, with its ability to reanimate key creatures at instant speed. As you refine your strategy, consider the depth Phyrexian Awakening adds to your deck, especially in metas where control and endurance play pivotal roles. Curious about integrating this card into your lineup or finding ways to counteract its power? Dive deeper with us and unlock the secrets to leveraging Phyrexian Awakening’s full potential in your MTG arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Awakening MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Phyrexian Awakening and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Awakening has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 Once a Phyrexian you control has legally attacked, causing it to lose vigilance by removing Phyrexian Awakening from the battlefield won’t cause that Phyrexian to become tapped.
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.