Replication Specialist MTG Card


Increase your artifact presence with Replication Specialist’s unique card advantage through token copying. Replication Specialist’s ability to clone artifacts at instant speed enhances game flexibility. Its requirement to discard for activation could dim its shine in hand-resource management.
Replication Specialist - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Moonfolk Artificer
Abilities Flying
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Power 3
Toughness 4
Number76
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byCristi Balanescu

Text of card

Flying Whenever a nontoken artifact enters the battlefield under your control, you may pay . If you do, create a token that's a copy of that artifact.

"Step one is innovation. Step two is production. Sometimes step one is optional."


Cards like Replication Specialist

Replication Specialist offers players a unique blend of cloning mechanics in MTG. Its similarity with cards like Clone and Stunt Double is apparent—they all copy creatures. But Replication Specialist stands out with the ability to create copies of not just one but potentially multiple creatures over the course of the game. Clone and Stunt Double, while efficient, are one-shot effects; once on the battlefield, they cannot duplicate the copying process.

Another comparable card is the Mirror March enchantment, which allows for the possibility of creating multiple copies of a creature when it enters the battlefield. However, Mirror March’s outcome is left to chance with its coin flip mechanic. In contrast, Replication Specialist provides a steady, predictable source of creature replication, given the proper setup and mana investment. This makes Replication Specialist a potentially more reliable card in decks aiming to exploit creature synergies.

Comparing these alternatives shows that Replication Specialist has a unique position within the MTG cloning arsenal, providing repeated value over time rather than the immediate, but limited, impact of its counterparts.

Clone - MTG Card versions
Stunt Double - MTG Card versions
Mirror March - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Stunt Double - MTG Card versions
Mirror March - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Replication Specialist by color, type and mana cost

Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
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Infiltrator il-Kor - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions
Chasm Drake - MTG Card versions
Mirror-Mad Phantasm - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions
Adarkar Windform - MTG Card versions
Infiltrator il-Kor - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions
Chasm Drake - MTG Card versions
Mirror-Mad Phantasm - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Replication Specialist offers a unique twist on card advantage. It creates a token copy of an artifact you control, which provides virtual card advantage. You can increase your resources on the board without spending additional cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: By duplicating artifacts that produce mana or have cost reduction abilities, the Replication Specialist can significantly speed up your game plan. This can lead to powering out high-impact spells earlier than usual or overwhelming opponents with an army of efficient artifact constructs.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, the Specialist’s mechanic can capitalize on artifacts that have abilities triggering at instant speed. This allows you to remain flexible and reactive, adapting your board state to the flow of the game seamlessly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Replication Specialist necessitates that you discard a card to activate its cloning ability. This can deplete your hand quickly, especially in a game where maintaining card advantage is crucial. It’s a tough trade-off when considering strategy and resource management.

Specific Mana Cost: The Specialist requires a very precise mana combination to cast. This is a two-color card demanding blue and red mana, which can potentially limit its placement to only certain types of decks, predominantly Izzet builds or those that can reliably produce both colors of mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that leans on the higher side, players must evaluate its utility versus its expense. The market boasts various options for creature tokens at lower mana costs, so while the Specialist’s ability is unique, it competes with a suite of other cards that might fulfill similar roles more economically.


Reasons to Include Replication Specialist in Your Collection

Versatility: Replication Specialist is a multifaceted card that can amplify various deck types with its ability to produce tokens, fitting seamlessly not only in token-centric strategies but also in decks that value creature copies for battlefield presence.

Combo Potential: The Specialist’s talent for duplicating tokens opens up numerous combo routes, synergizing with mechanics like populate or doubling effects to create overwhelming board states or fuel synergistic win conditions.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that prizes flexibility and the capacity to generate value over time, Replication Specialist offers continuous threat production that can outpace opponents’ removal resources, making it a strong contender in various formats.


How to beat

Replication Specialist, a new card in Magic: The Gathering, brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield with its ability to create tokens duplicating nonlegendary creatures. Its synergetic potential can quickly turn the tide of a game, making dismantling your opponent’s strategy essential. When facing this card, focus on removal spells that can target multiple creatures at once. Cards like Supreme Verdict and Wrath of God bypass the Specialist’s cloning ability by sweeping the board clean, negating the advantage of amassing creature tokens. Spot removal is less effective here, as the Specialist can simply generate a replacement. Moreover, consider using graveyard disruption such as Scavenging Ooze or Leyline of the Void to prevent recursion tactics that can feed the Replication Specialist’s engine. Control decks can find success by countering key spells with staple cards like Counterspell or Mana Leak, thus preventing the replication chain from starting. Artifact removal, such as Abrade or Shatterstorm, can also directly target and remove Replication Specialist from the game. In essence, prioritize board wipes, graveyard interference, and counter strategies to overcome the challenges posed by this innovative card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the potential and nuances of the Replication Specialist can bring an exciting edge to your MTG matches. Its ability to create token copies offers a delightful twist to the artifact gameplay, allowing for strategic depth and inventive plays. However, its specifics such as mana costs and discard requirements may influence deck construction decisions. Compare its abilities and limitations with other cards and always have a plan for how to handle its presence on the battlefield, whether you’re wielding it or facing it. Dive deeper with us into the MTG world, and discover comprehensive strategies, deck techs, and innovative ways to harness the power of the Replication Specialist in your arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Replication Specialist 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 Replication Specialist and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Replication Specialist has restrictions

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