Sanitation Automaton MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Construct |
| Abilities | Surveil |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 256 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Mike Burns |
Text of card
When Sanitation Automaton enters the battlefield, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.)
"I am once again bursting with discarded theories. Disposal imminent."
Cards like Sanitation Automaton
Sanitation Automaton carves a unique niche in the realm of artifact creatures in MTG. This card draws parallels with cards like Filigree Familiar, another artifact creature that offers life gain. However, Sanitation Automaton has a distinct ability that allows it to manage creatures in the graveyard, setting it aside from the mere life gain of Filigree Familiar.
When pitted against Scrabbling Claws, they share the graveyard manipulation trait, yet Sanitation Automaton stands out as it also provides a body on the battlefield. While Scrabbling Claws is limited to targeting individual cards, the Automaton affects each opponent’s creatures that were put in graveyards from anywhere. Additionally, Moriok Replica comes to mind as a similar artifact creature that provides card draw upon its departure from the battlefield. Despite this, the Replica lacks the continuous graveyard interference that Sanitation Automaton maintains throughout the game.
Assessing these alternatives, Sanitation Automaton proves its worth with the dual functionality of creature control and consistent graveyard disruption. Its presence as an artifact creature often means it slips neatly into multiple deck strategies, proving its flexibility and utility in the dynamic battlefield of MTG.
Cards similar to Sanitation Automaton by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Sanitation Automaton. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | UOL MKM Sealed League | |
 | Lilypadms MKM Sealed | Free form | UOL MKM Sealed League | |
| Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Sanitation Automaton provides an edge as it enables the looting effect, allowing a player to draw a card and then discard a card. This action maintains hand equilibrium while filtering for better options and increasing the chances of drawing into key spells or lands.
Resource Acceleration: This versatile automaton can tap for mana, which is quintessential for swiftly deploying larger threats or activating abilities sooner than your adversaries expect. The ability to ramp up one’s mana resources can be a game-changer in any duel.
Instant Speed: One of the hidden gems of Sanitation Automaton is its ability to operate at instant speed, providing flexibility in gameplay. This characteristic enables players to adapt to the unfolding match, using the automaton’s ability to loot or accelerate resources reactively, giving them the upper hand in the heat of battle.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Sanitation Automaton necessitates the player to discard a card as part of the activation process. This could potentially set back players if they’re managing a scant hand and are forced to relinquish a pivotal piece of their strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a particular blend of mana to cast, this automaton may not seamlessly fit into every deck, particularly those functioning outside of its color identity or those with a more stringent mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The resource investment for Sanitation Automaton can be steep considering its abilities. Players might find that the mana could be better allocated to alternative cards that yield a higher impact or offer a more immediate advantage on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Sanitation Automaton in Your Collection
Versatility: Sanitation Automaton is a flexible addition to your MTG arsenal, seamlessly integrating into numerous deck archetypes that prioritize artifact synergies or incremental advantage through board control.
Combo Potential: This card is capable of enabling various combinations thanks to its artifact nature and associated abilities, which can be harnessed to unlock powerful plays and strategies within your game plan.
Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of certain strategies within the ever-shifting MTG meta, the unique functions of Sanitation Automaton could provide a strategic edge against common deck designs, making it a timely inclusion in your collection.
How to Beat Sanitation Automaton
Sanitation Automaton presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, with its increasing strength tied to the number of noncreature artifacts in play. To turn the tide against this formidable automaton, deploying artifact removal spells can significantly diminish its power. Cards like Disenchant or Abrade offer efficient paths to eliminate key artifacts, weakening the automaton’s board presence.
Another potent strategy is to limit the opportunity for your opponent to establish a noncreature artifact base. Using counter spells like Negate or Mana Leak on artifact spells can stifle the automaton’s growth potential. In addition, creatures with artifact destruction abilities, such as Reclamation Sage, provide double-duty by offering a presence on the board while hindering the automaton’s capacity to escalate in strength.
The effectiveness of this approach becomes clear when viewing the duel as a resource contest. By directly addressing the source of the automaton’s power—noncreature artifacts—you defuse its threat and can focus on gaining the upper hand in the match. Thus, smart removal and disruption stand as key maneuvers in your strategic repertoire when facing the Sanitation Automaton in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sanitation Automaton MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Sanitation Automaton 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sanitation Automaton has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |