Phyrexian Ironfoot MTG Card
2006-07-21 - Number 139
2022-12-02 - Number 789
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Snow Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Construct |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Phyrexian Ironfoot doesn't untap during your untap step. {S}: Untap Phyrexian Ironfoot. ({S} can be paid with one mana from a snow permanent.)
It took the Rimewind cultists days to realize they had successfully activated the creature—it just wasn't interested in moving.
Cards like Phyrexian Ironfoot
Phyrexian Ironfoot stands as a compelling card in MTG, nestled within the space of coldsnap creatures that carry an air of resilience. When we glance at cards like Brass Squire, there’s a shared theme of adaptability. Brass Squire assists in equipment strategies without the snow land requirement that Phyrexian Ironfoot dictates. However, Phyrexian Ironfoot brings its own merit table with the ability to become untapped using snow mana that can be a strategic asset under specific deck constructions.
Similarly, Grim Lavamancer offers utility in a distinct vein. It requires exile of two cards from your graveyard to deal damage, whereas Phyrexian Ironfoot’s snow mana requirement leads to a different kind of resource management. Then there’s Perilous Myr, which may not require any mana to perform its function upon death, a feature unrelated to Phyrexian Ironfoot’s operational setup but still noteworthy when considering creature utility and impact.
While evaluating these cards side by side, Phyrexian Ironfoot showcases a unique balance between mana management and defensive persistence. Its place in MTG is solidified by these attributes, creating niche roles where it shines in comparison to equivalent creatures.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Ironfoot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: This snow creature allows for repeated reuse every turn if the snow mana cost is paid, keeping your hand full without expending additional cards from it.
Resource Acceleration: Given its synergy with snow mana, Phyrexian Ironfoot can efficiently hasten your mana production, especially when combined with other snow permanents or effects that leverage the snow mana type.
Instant Speed: While the card itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its untap ability can be activated at the end of an opponent’s turn, mimicking instant speed utility, which can be crucial for maintaining tempo and managing resources effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Ironfoot demands snow mana to sustain its untapped state. In metas where snow lands are scarce, maintaining an adequate supply for this requirement could become challenging, inadvertently leading to resource strain.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact creature needs a snow mana for its upkeep cost. For decks not dedicated to snow themes, incorporating the necessary snow lands can disrupt the mana base, potentially limiting deck versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Phyrexian Ironfoot carries a three-mana cost, which could be considered steep for a 3/4 creature. This cost evaluation becomes more pronounced when weighed against other creatures in the same mana range that offer additional abilities or have lower upkeep costs.
Reasons to Include Phyrexian Ironfoot in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Ironfoot can slip into various deck archetypes, offering a solid body that can operate under conditions where other creatures may not. Its ability to be untapped with snow mana means it can work well in decks capitalizing on the snow mechanic.
Combo Potential: Given its synergies with snow mana, this card opens up interesting combo possibilities in decks that aim to exploit snow permanents. The Ironfoot becomes not only a reliable creature on the field but also a strategic piece in more complex plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where snow strategies gain traction or artifacts are leveraged, Phyrexian Ironfoot becomes an even more critical asset. Its resilience in face of sorcery-speed removal and its capacity to benefit from the chilly synergy of snow covered lands make it a noteworthy consideration for collectors and deck builders alike.
How to Beat Phyrexian Ironfoot
Phyrexian Ironfoot emerges from the cold climes of the Coldsnap set, bringing with it a unique blend of threat and limitation. Unlike typical creatures in its mana range, Phyrexian Ironfoot is not easily locked down, thanks to its snow mana upkeep ability which allows it to avoid being frozen at the beginning of your upkeep. As a result, it requires a strategic approach to overcome.
To gain the upper hand against this snowy artifact creature, consider employing removal spells that can bypass its pseudo-vigilance trait. Efficient direct removal spells like Path to Exile or Drift of Phantasms, which often see play in both casual and competitive formats, can effectively dispatch Ironfoot before it begins tapping for its own upkeep. Alternatively, enchantment-based removal like Oblivion Ring captures Phyrexian Ironfoot regardless of its untapped state. Furthermore, playing aggressively can overwhelm Phyrexian Ironfoot’s defenses before it can establish dominance on the board. In essence, staying one step ahead with instant speed interaction or applying strong battlefield pressure can neutralize the threat posed by Phyrexian Ironfoot, maintaining your edge in the game.
Understanding and anticipating the tactics centered around Phyrexian Ironfoot can inform your strategy to ensure you maintain the advantage on the battlefield, making your path to victory clearer against this particular mechanical nemesis.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Ironfoot MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Ironfoot 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 Phyrexian Ironfoot Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Stephan Martiniere.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap | CSP | 139 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 789 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Stephan Martiniere |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Ironfoot has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |