Reclusive Artificer MTG Card
2015-07-17 - Number 216
2019-11-07 - Number 1472
2020-09-26 - Number DDU-51
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Artificer |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Haste (This creature can attack and as soon as it comes under your control.) When Reclusive Artificer enters the battlefield, you may have it deal damage to target creature equal to the number of artifacts you control.
Cards like Reclusive Artificer
Reclusive Artificer harnesses the synergy between artifacts and spellcasting in Magic: The Gathering. Its affinity with cards like Goblin Electromancer becomes evident as both foster spell-slinging strategies. However, the Artificer adds a unique twist by bringing artifact counting into play. Unlike the Electromancer, which reduces the cost of spells, the Artificer deals damage to a target creature based on the number of artifacts you control when it enters the battlefield.
Looking at Izzet Guildmage, the connection is clear; both cards capitalize on spells and artifacts. But Izzet Guildmage emphasizes recurring instant and sorcery spells directly from the graveyard, while our Artificer operates more autonomously, effecting immediate board impact as it lands. Foundry Inspector is another cousin in the artifacts realm. It discounts the cost of artifact spells, streamlining your plays, yet it lacks the direct damage capability that Reclusive Artificer brings to the table.
All things considered, Reclusive Artificer holds its own as a dynamic role-player in spell-heavy and artifact-centric decks. It simultaneously advances board presence and opens potential for direct removal, making it a notable pick among its peers in the realm of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Reclusive Artificer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Reclusive Artificer offers the ability to potentially deal damage upon casting, which in the right deck, can eliminate key threats and swing the board state in your favor, essentially counting as card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: By synergizing with other artifacts you control, Reclusive Artificer can benefit your overall mana curve, as it allows you to make impactful plays earlier than expected, effectively accelerating your resource management.
Instant Speed: While Reclusive Artificer itself doesn’t have instant speed, it pairs well with cards that do. This can lead to powerful surprise interactions during your opponent’s turn, as you can flash in artifacts that will beef up the Artificer’s damage potential when it comes time for her to act.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside is the necessity to discard a card to activate certain abilities. This can deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage, particularly if your strategy relies on having multiple options available. Reclusive Artificer demands careful hand management to ensure you don’t run out of critical resources too soon.
Specific Mana Cost: Reclusive Artificer’s mana cost necessitates both red and blue mana, which can restrict its inclusion to specific decks that can reliably produce both colors. Players running a deck that isn’t focused on these colors may find it challenging to cast the card when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be considered steep for its effects, the Reclusive Artificer could be seen as a less than optimal choice. Its cost efficiency is not always on par with other options in the game. Competing cards may offer similar or greater impacts on the game at a lower mana investment, making them preferable in tightly constructed decks.
Reasons to Include Reclusive Artificer in Your Collection
Versatility: Reclusive Artificer can seamlessly integrate into a variety of deck types. Its ability to deal damage based on the number of artifacts you control makes it a solid choice for decks that capitalize on artifact themes.
Combo Potential: This card gains value in setups that proliferate artifact tokens or benefit from casting multiple artifacts. Its potential for direct damage can significantly turn the tides of a game when played alongside synergistic pieces.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where artifacts play a significant role, Reclusive Artificer stands out for its ability to serve as both an offensive threat and a versatile tool for controlling the board.
How to beat
Reclusive Artificer is a compelling card in MTG, known for its ability to deliver direct damage upon entering the battlefield. Its strength is tied to the number of artifacts you control, prompting a unique challenge when facing it. A key strategy to outmaneuver this card lies in artifact control. Minimizing the number of artifacts you have in play can drastically reduce the impact of Reclusive Artificer’s enter-the-battlefield ability. Consider using removal spells or abilities targeted at artifacts to keep your opponent’s artifact count low.
Additionally, creature removal spells can be particularly effective against the Reclusive Artificer itself. As a creature with moderate toughness, it can be dealt with using common removal spells in the game. It’s also noteworthy that counter spells are a practical approach when your opponent attempts to cast it, preventing the Artificer from hitting the board in the first place.
In essence, success against the Reclusive Artificer hinges on preemptive and responsive control of the battlefield. Keep your opponent’s artifacts in check, remove the Artificer swiftly, or counter it before it can exert influence. Staying one step ahead will mitigate the damage potential of this cunning card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Reclusive Artificer MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Mystery Booster, 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 Reclusive Artificer 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 Reclusive Artificer Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Cynthia Sheppard.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 216 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Cynthia Sheppard | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1472 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Cynthia Sheppard | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DDU-51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Cynthia Sheppard |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Reclusive Artificer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Reclusive Artificer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-06-22 | Count the number of artifacts you control as Reclusive Artificer’s triggered ability resolves to determine how much damage it deals. |
| 2015-06-22 | If you are the only player who controls a creature when Reclusive Artificer’s second ability triggers, you must choose one of those creatures as the target, although you can choose to not deal it damage. |