Spellweaver Helix MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Imprint |
| Released | 2003-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin |
| Set code | MRD |
| Number | 247 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Luca Zontini |
Text of card
Imprint When Spellweaver Helix comes into play, you may remove two target sorcery cards in a single graveyard from the game. (The removed cards are imprinted on this artifact.) Whenever a card is played, if it has the same name as one of the imprinted sorcery cards, you may copy the other and play the copy without paying its mana cost.
Cards like Spellweaver Helix
Spellweaver Helix holds a unique place in Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of artifact cards. Similar to other artifact cards such as Isochron Scepter and Mimic Vat, Spellweaver Helix uses imprinted cards as a fuel for its ability. Spellweaver Helix stands out by allowing players to cast copies of sorceries from their graveyard, which is reminiscent of the card-doubling feature of Isochron Scepter, yet the Helix specifically targets sorceries.
Isochron Scepter primarily imprints instants, permitting repeated casting that can be strategically crucial during each of your turns. In contrast, Mimic Vat captures creatures that hit the graveyard, offering a recurring army of tokens, albeit a slower pace compared to Spellweaver Helix’s potential instant sorcery onslaught. When comparing these cards, it becomes evident that Spellweaver Helix offers a notable synergy for sorcery-heavy decks looking to cast powerful spells multiple times.
While each of these artifacts brings its twist to the table, Spellweaver Helix distinguishes itself for those aiming to maximize sorcery cards’ impact in their game, creating unprecedented opportunities to turn the tide in their favor.
Cards similar to Spellweaver Helix by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By copying instant or sorcery cards from your graveyard, Spellweaver Helix can provide a substantial boost in card advantage as it enables the performance of previously played strong spells without additional cost from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact has the potential to significantly speed up your deck’s resource capabilities. By synergizing with low-cost spells, Spellweaver Helix can effectively double your output of impactful actions without expending extra cards or mana, leading to quicker and more efficient plays.
Instant Speed: While Spellweaver Helix itself is not an instant, it allows for the instant-speed interaction of previously played sorceries or instants during a later turn. This keeps opponents guessing and offers the strategic benefit of deploying powerful spells at the most opportune moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Spellweaver Helix mandates the removal of two cards from your graveyard to initiate its ability. This prerequisite can hinder your late-game potential, especially when your graveyard resources are sparse or strategically significant for other plays.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement of three specific mana—one blue, one red, and one colorless—integrating Spellweaver Helix smoothly into a multicolored deck demands careful mana base planning to ensure it can be played on time and without disrupting the remainder of your strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana and also requiring a substantial setup to reap its benefits, Spellweaver Helix can feel cumbersome. In scenarios where pace is crucial, you might prefer more immediate impact cards with lower activation thresholds that facilitate a more dynamic board presence.
Reasons to Include Spellweaver Helix in Your Collection
Versatility: Spellweaver Helix is a unique artifact that can adapt to various playstyles and formats. Its ability to copy sorceries means it has a place in decks that leverage spell casting as a primary strategy, enhancing both control and combo builds.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with spells that have powerful effects. By imprinted sorceries, players can set up devastating combos, potentially changing the course of the game with carefully curated spell choices.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where spellslinger decks are common, Spellweaver Helix can provide an edge. It’s especially potent in environments that encourage creative deckbuilding and combo executions, allowing players to harness the full potential of their sorceries.
How to beat
Spellweaver Helix is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering, presenting players with an opportunity to harness powerful sorcery spells from their graveyard. Understanding its mechanics is key to turning the tables against this card. The Helix allows players to exile two sorcery cards and then cast a copy of one whenever a card with the same name as the other exiled card is played.
To counteract Spellweaver Helix, consider using artifact destruction cards that can remove it from the battlefield swiftly, disrupting your opponent’s setup. Enchantment-based removal or universal removal spells also work well. Moreover, graveyard interaction can be a potent strategy; spells that exile cards from the graveyard can render the Helix’s ability useless if the targeted sorceries are removed from the game. Lastly, countering the triggering spell not only prevents your opponent from getting their free cast but also maintains the status quo, keeping you in control of the game.
Ultimately, while Spellweaver Helix can be a formidable asset for your opponent, there are various tactics and cards in Magic: The Gathering that can mitigate its impact, preserving your chances for victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spellweaver Helix MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin, 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 Spellweaver Helix and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spellweaver Helix has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spellweaver Helix card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If the imprinted card leaves the exile zone while the ability to make a copy is on the stack, then no copy will be made. |
| 2004-10-04 | If this card leaves the battlefield while the ability to make a copy is on the stack, the ability will still make a copy using the last-known-information rule. |
| 2004-12-01 | If the two imprinted sorcery cards have the same name and a card with that name is cast, only one copy is created, not two. |
| 2004-12-01 | If there’s only one imprinted sorcery card, nothing happens. |
| 2004-12-01 | If you don’t want to cast the copy, you can choose not to; the copy ceases to exist the next time state-based actions are checked. |
| 2004-12-01 | Spellweaver Helix’s second ability creates a copy of the imprinted card in the Exile zone (that’s where the imprinted sorcery card is), then allows you to cast it without paying its mana cost. |
| 2004-12-01 | You can’t cast the copy if an effect prevents you from casting sorceries or from casting that particular sorcery. |
| 2004-12-01 | You can’t cast the copy unless all of its targets can be chosen. |
| 2004-12-01 | You cast the copy while this ability is resolving, and still on the stack. Normally, you’re not allowed to cast spells or activate abilities at this time. Spellweaver Helix’s ability breaks this rule. (The card that triggered this ability is also still on the stack.) |
| 2004-12-01 | You don’t pay the spell’s mana cost. If a spell has X in its mana cost, X is 0. You do pay any additional costs for that spell. You can’t use any alternative costs. |
| 2005-03-01 | The creation of the copy and then the casting of the copy are both optional. |
| 2017-04-18 | A split card has the same name as a spell if either of its names is that spell’s name. |