Serpent Generator MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 295
1995-07-01 - Number 108
1997-03-24 - Number 397
2007-09-10 - Number 164
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
o4oc T: Put a Poison Snake token into play. Treat this token as a 1/1 artifact creature. If this creature damages opponent, opponent gets a poison counter. If opponent ever has ten or more poison counters, opponent loses game.
Cards like Serpent Generator
Serpent Generator is a unique artifact from the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering players the ability to create Snake artifact creature tokens. Much like its counterpart Myr Turbine, which produces Myr tokens, Serpent Generator requires a substantial mana investment for activation. Myr Turbine, however, can also tap to search your library for a Myr card, adding a dimension of utility absent in the serpent-themed artifact.
Another related card is Wurmcoil Engine. While it does not create tokens on-demand, it splits into two creature tokens with deathtouch and lifelink upon death, which can be considered a one-time, self-triggering version of Serpent Generator’s effect. Unlike Serpent Generator, Wurmcoil Engine is also a formidable threat on its own, with the ability to directly impact the board state.
Evaluating Serpent Generator in the context of token-generating artifacts, its distinctive feature lies in its potential to consistently produce deathtouch tokens, contributing to both defensive and offensive strategies. Though not as versatile or immediate in impact as some alternatives, it carves out its niche for token enthusiasts and strategists within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Serpent Generator by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Serpent Generator, players can consistently churn out Snake artifact creature tokens. Each token represents not just an additional creature on the field but also potential card advantage, as they can deter attacks or combine with synergy-driven decks to draw cards or execute strategic plays.
Resource Acceleration: Serpent Generator might not directly generate mana or Treasure tokens, yet the steady flow of token creatures can be utilized in various resource-accelerating mechanics. Some decks might use these tokens to ramp up mana or as fodder for sacrificial effects, thereby transforming a defensive asset into a means of propelling your game plan.
Instant Speed: While Serpent Generator itself does not operate at instant speed, the flexibility of creating a deathtouch Snake at the end of an opponent’s turn offers tactical advantages, keeping mana available for other spells and surprises. This allows for efficient use of turns and can lead to advantageous board states with the right timing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of playing Serpent Generator is the necessity to discard for certain effects. This could put you at a disadvantage if your hand size is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Serpent Generator has a specific mana requirement, needing both generic and colored mana to cast. This ties up resources and may restrict its inclusion in more versatile or fast-paced decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the mana cost being significantly higher than other available cards with similar effects, it can be a costly addition to your deck. You may find other cards that can create creatures or provide strategic benefits for less mana.
Reasons to Include Serpent Generator in Your Collection
Versatility: Serpent Generator lends itself to various deck themes, providing both offensive and defensive advantages. Its ability to create creature tokens can be useful in ramping up board presence regardless of the deck’s primary strategy.
Combo Potential: The poison counters it distributes can complement strategies focused on alternative win conditions, synergizing with cards aimed at proliferating or leveraging those counters for victory.
Meta-Relevance: In metagames where longer matches are common, Serpent Generator’s incremental advantage grows more considerable, allowing it to become a persistent threat that can tip the scales in your favor over time.
How to beat
Serpent Generator is an intriguing card in MTG that produces Snake artifact creature tokens with a deathtouch ability. This aspect can pose a significant roadblock for opponents, similar to other creature generating cards that have historically made an impact on the game’s dynamic. However, the key to overcoming Serpent Generator lies in the acknowledgment of its weaknesses, much like how players adapt to other strategy countermeasures within MTG.
Comparatively, sweepers or board clear spells are particularly effective against a strategy relying on Serpent Generator. Cards like Wrath of God or Damnation remove all creatures from the battlefield, rendering the generation of deathtouch tokens moot. Artifact removal spells also play a critical role, with options such as Disenchant and Naturalize allowing players to directly target and eliminate Serpent Generator before it becomes a larger threat. Furthermore, counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak stop this artifact from ever hitting the battlefield in the first place, showcasing the preemptive strategy often favored by control decks.
So, whether it’s through direct removal, mass creature clearing, or preventative measures, players have a variety of tactics at their disposal to address the challenge presented by Serpent Generator and maintain the upper hand in their MTG decks.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Serpent Generator MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Chronicles, 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 Serpent Generator 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
Printings
The Serpent Generator Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 295 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 1995-07-01 | Chronicles | CHR | 108 | 1993 | Normal | White | Mark Tedin | |
| 3 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 397 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Tedin | |
| 4 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 164 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Serpent Generator has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |