Precursor Golem MTG Card
2010-10-01 - Number 194
2015-05-22 - Number 225
2019-11-07 - Number 1621
2022-11-18 - Number 42
2022-11-18 - Number 105z
2022-11-18 - Number 105
2020-09-26 - Number MM2-225
2022-11-18 - Number 72
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Golem |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Precursor Golem enters the battlefield, put two 3/3 colorless Golem artifact creature tokens onto the battlefield. Whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that targets only a single Golem, that player copies that spell for each other Golem that spell could target. Each copy targets a different one of those Golems.
Cards like Precursor Golem
Precursor Golem is a unique artifact creature that has the power to multiply its impact on the game board of MTG. It stands out in the realm of creature tokens, similar to cards like Myr Battlesphere which also has the ability to bring forth additional creatures upon entering the battlefield. While Myr Battlesphere creates numerous tokens and boosts its power through them, Precursor Golem takes a slightly different approach, targeting not just the Golem it creates, but all Golems you control with any single spell.
Another card that echoes the token-generating capability is Blade Splicer. Upon entering, it generates a Golem much like Precursor Golem, albeit just one. Where the Splicer grants first strike to its token, Precursor Golem offers a potentially more explosive interaction by affecting multiple Golems if you have a spell that can target them.
Examining the synergy and value these cards provide to a token-focused strategy, Precursor Golem can occasionally outshine alternatives by turning any single-target spell into a mass copy spell. The prospect of such scalable effects holds a strategic edge that can define the outcome of a match in MTG, especially for players capitalizing on such synergies.
Cards similar to Precursor Golem by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Precursor Golem, you effectively get three creatures for the casting cost of one, which can quickly turn the tide by swarming the battlefield and overwhelming opponents.
Resource Acceleration: The two additional Golem tokens provide substantial board presence, potentially opening up opportunities to utilize the tokens for various synergistic effects or sacrifice plays, essentially speeding up your gameplay and resource utilization.
Instant Speed: Though Precursor Golem itself does not have instant speed, it pairs remarkably well with spells of this nature. Casting a single-target instant spell on the Precursor Golem triggers the spell’s effect on each other Golem you control, multiplying the impact at no additional mana cost and thus furthering your battlefield dominance.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Precursor Golem demands a precise blend of mana to cast, which can be challenging in multi-colored decks. It requires three colorless and two generic mana—a composition not always easy to come by swiftly, especially in decks that don’t prioritize artifact play.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, it sits at a point on the mana curve where players hope to field impactful threats or game-changing effects. In comparison, other five-mana slot options could provide a more targeted and immediate influence on the game’s state.
Discard Requirement: While not a direct discard effect, the Precursor Golem’s vulnerability to single-target removal spells means that what looks like a single spell loss can result in a devastating three-for-one against you, effectively causing a significant blow to your board presence and hand advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Precursor Golem is a unique pick for various deck builds, fitting seamlessly into artifact-centric strategies or those that capitalize on creature synergies. Its ability to multiply targeted spells across its golem tokens makes it a flexible asset in your arsenal.
Combo Potential: This card opens the door to an array of explosive combos. Imagine casting a single spell that targets a golem and replicating it for each other golem on your field – the potential for a game-swinging play is enormous.
Meta-Relevance: With constant shifts in competitive play, Precursor Golem holds its ground. Whether your local game scene is heavy on removal spells or you’re up against decks that struggle with multiple threats at once, this card ensures you’ll always have a play to respond to the ever-changing meta.
How to beat
Precursor Golem presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to multiply the effects of any single target spell. This artifact creature from Magic the Gathering becomes a priority target due to its potential to rapidly escalate the power on your opponent’s board. To tackle such a situation, the key is to use spells that either negate its abilities or remove it before it can replicate its effect.
Consider cards that force the opponent to sacrifice a creature; they bypass the Golem’s duplicative nature entirely. Another reliable approach is using board wipes, which don’t target individual creatures, thereby circumventing the golems’ ability and clearing the way for your strategy. Spot removals are a gamble – if used on the Precursor Golem, they’ll trigger the replication of spells, so it’s always better to aim them at the tokens it creates.
Understanding the nature and timing of removals or disruptive spells can give you an upper hand. That way, Precursor Golem, despite its tricky abilities, can be managed effectively in a game, preventing an opponent from leveraging it into a game-winning advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Precursor Golem MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Precursor Golem 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 Precursor Golem Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2022-11-18. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-10-01 | Scars of Mirrodin | SOM | 194 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 225 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1621 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | MM2-225 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chippy | ||
| 5 | The Brothers' War Art Series | ABRO | 72 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | |||
| 6 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 42 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Chippy | |
| 7 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 105z | 1997 | Normal | Black | Lars Grant-West | |
| 8 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 105 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Lars Grant-West |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Precursor Golem has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Precursor Golem card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Any Golem that couldn't be targeted by the original spell (due to shroud, protection abilities, targeting restrictions, or any other reason) is just ignored by Precursor Golem's second ability. |
| 2011-01-01 | If an instant or sorcery spell has multiple targets, but it's targeting the same Golem with all of them (such as Agony Warp targeting the same Golem twice), Precursor Golem's last ability will trigger. |
| 2011-01-01 | If the spell that's copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Fireball does), the copies have the same value of X. |
| 2011-01-01 | If the spell that's copied is modal (that is, it says "Choose one —" or the like), the copies will have the same mode. Their controller can't choose a different one. |
| 2011-01-01 | The controller of a copy can't choose to pay any additional costs for the copy. However, effects based on any additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy too. |
| 2011-01-01 | The controller of the spell that caused Precursor Golem's second ability to trigger also controls all the copies. That player chooses the order the copies are put onto the stack. The original spell will be on the stack beneath those copies and will resolve last. |
| 2011-01-01 | The copies that Precursor Golem's second ability creates are created on the stack, so they're not "cast." Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell (like Precursor Golem's second ability itself) won't trigger. |
| 2011-01-01 | The second ability triggers whenever a player casts an instant or sorcery spell that targets only one Golem and no other object or player. That Golem can be Precursor Golem itself, one of the Golem tokens it created, or any other Golem. It doesn't matter who controls the Golem. |