Artifact Mutation MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Artifact Mutation offers a twist on card advantage, destroying artifacts and creating Saprolings for strategic board presence.
  2. Instant-play flexibility allows for tactical responses, disrupting opponents’ plans and maximizing your own strategic options.
  3. The card’s utility extends beyond removal, with generated tokens offering resource acceleration and combo potential.

Text of card

Destroy target artifact. It can't be regenerated. Put X 1/1 green Saproling creature tokens into play, where X is its converted mana cost.

"From shards and splinters I call forth my living horde." —Molimo, maro-sorcerer


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Artifact Mutation provides a unique twist on card advantage. Not only does it enable you to deal with an opponent’s threatening artifact, but it also rewards you with Saproling tokens proportional to the artifact’s mana value. This creates potential for board presence and future strategic plays, making it a multifaceted utility in your deck.

Resource Acceleration: The Saproling tokens generated from Artifact Mutation can be a valuable asset for resource acceleration. They can be used as blockers, attackers, or even as sacrifices for various abilities or additional mana if synergies allow, paving the way for more powerful plays ahead.

Instant Speed: The fact that Artifact Mutation can be cast at instant speed offers immense flexibility. You can respond to your opponent’s actions on their turn, effectively disrupting their strategies. Waiting until the last possible moment to use Artifact Mutation maximizes your tactical options and keeps your opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Artifact Mutation demands that you sacrifice one of your artifacts to transform it, which could set you back if you’re already struggling to maintain board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requirement is particularly tricky, needing both green and red mana, making it less flexible for decks that aren’t already tuned to these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring two specific types of mana and an additional generic mana, the overall cost to cast Artifact Mutation may be steep in situations where speed and efficiency are vital for maintaining momentum in the game.


Reasons to Include Artifact Mutation in Your Collection

Versatility: Artifact Mutation isn’t just a spot removal; it’s a tool that adapts to various situations. It helps you handle problematic artifacts while simultaneously creating Saproling tokens, which can be vital blockers or an army in token-focused decks.

Combo Potential: It shines in decks that exploit token generation, boosting strategies that synergize with creature tokens. Whether it’s fueling sacrifice engines or amplifying token buffs, Artifact Mutation adds unexpected utility and surprise factor mid-game.

Meta-Relevance: As artifact-heavy decks continue to play a significant role in the game, having a quick and efficient answer like Artifact Mutation can tilt the scales in your favor, making it a savvy choice for a metagame with a high artifact presence.


How to beat Artifact Mutation

Artifact Mutation is a versatile card known for its dual utility in Magic: The Gathering. This instant not only disrupts an opponent’s strategy by destroying target artifact but also cushions your field with Saproling creature tokens equivalent to the artifact’s cost. When facing Artifact Mutation, prioritize artifacts with lower mana costs to mitigate the number of Saprolings your opponent receives. This reduces the momentum they gain from the card.

Consider running counterspells or instant-speed removals to handle the Saprolings. Efficient spells like Echoing Decay or Electrickery can clear out multiple tokens with a single cast. Moreover, having artifact protection such as Leonin Abunas or Padeem, Consul of Innovation can shield your valuable artifacts from such targeted removals, ensuring your game plan remains uninterrupted.

Ultimately, understanding Artifact Mutation’s potential and preparing your deck with appropriate responses will turn this seemingly disadvantageous situation to your favor. Adequately anticipating and countering this spell means you can maintain control over the board and position yourself for victory in your MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Artifact Mutation is an intriguing card that skillfully balances destruction with creation. Its ability to dismantle artifacts while populating your board with Saproling tokens can be a game-changer. As you refine your MTG arsenal, consider the diverse roles Artifact Mutation can play, from accelerating your resources to providing strategic flexibility at instant speed. For players drawn to the tactical gameplay of simultaneous offense and defense, this card could be a hidden gem in your collection. Dive into the Magic: The Gathering universe with us, and unlock the full potential of Artifact Mutation in your decks for ultimate gaming success.


Cards like Artifact Mutation

The strategic placement of Artifact Mutation in the realm of Magic: The Gathering’s card pool threads along the lines of flexible removal and token creation. Neighboring cards include Naturalize, a steadfast card in green magic capable of neutralizing artifacts or enchantments without the token production perk. While Artifact Mutation excels at dispatching artifacts and simultaneously bolstering your battlefield presence, Naturalize promises a more streamlined and often easier to cast solution.

Turning our attention to the similarities with Shatter, we see a distinct focus on artifact removal. Both cards serve this purpose well, but Artifact Mutation again shines with its added ability to create Saproling tokens proportionate to the artifact’s mana value. On the other hand, Shatter’s straightforward destruction comes at a lower cost, creating an interesting dynamic based on strategic and mana considerations.

Evaluating these cards and their functionalities in Magic: The Gathering, Artifact Mutation emerges as a particularly versatile tool. It not only handles imminent artifact threats but also forwards your board state, setting it apart as a strong option for players seeking dual utility in their spell choices.

Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - Onslaught (ONS)
Shatter - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Cards similar to Artifact Mutation by color, type and mana cost

Surge of Strength - MTG Card versions
Simoon - MTG Card versions
Ancient Grudge - MTG Card versions
Manamorphose - MTG Card versions
Colossal Might - MTG Card versions
Signal the Clans - MTG Card versions
Gruul Charm - MTG Card versions
Pit Fight - MTG Card versions
Destructive Revelry - MTG Card versions
Atarka's Command - MTG Card versions
Colossal Growth - MTG Card versions
Friendly Rivalry - MTG Card versions
Questing Druid // Seek the Beast - MTG Card versions
Surge of Strength - Hobby Japan Promos (PHJ)
Simoon - World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)
Ancient Grudge - Historic Anthology 5 (HA5)
Manamorphose - The List (PLST)
Colossal Might - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Signal the Clans - Gatecrash (GTC)
Gruul Charm - Explorer Anthology 3 (EA3)
Pit Fight - Ravnica: Clue Edition (CLU)
Destructive Revelry - Theros (THS)
Atarka's Command - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Colossal Growth - Dominaria United (DMU)
Friendly Rivalry - The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth (LTR)
Questing Druid // Seek the Beast - Wilds of Eldraine (WOE)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Artifact Mutation MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Commander 2016, 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 Artifact Mutation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Artifact Mutation Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12000-10-02InvasionINV 2311997normalblackGreg Staples
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1792015normalblackGreg Staples
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2692015normalblackDominik Mayer
42020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2032015normalblackGreg Staples
52022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 3262015normalblackJosé Parodi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Artifact Mutation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Artifact Mutation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2004-10-04 This spell is countered and you get no Saprolings if the artifact is an illegal target on resolution.

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