Steel Exemplar MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Wizard |
| Abilities | Trample |
| Released | 2022-11-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Brothers' War |
| Set code | BRO |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 246 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kekai Kotaki |
Text of card
Trample Steel Exemplar enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it unless two or more colors of mana were spent to cast it.
Reports differed on whether the figure was an automaton or a mage, mostly because few who saw it survived.
Cards like Steel Exemplar
Steel Exemplar stands out in the MTG universe as a potent creature card that reinforces artifact-centric decks. Comparable to renowned artifact creatures such as Etched Champion, which gains protection from all colors as long as you control three or more artifacts, Steel Exemplar shines in offering both aggressive stats and valuable flexibility. Unlike Etched Champion, Steel Exemplar doesn’t rely on a critical mass of artifacts to become a threat.
Looking at another parallel, we have Metalworker, a card revered for its ability to generate a surge of mana based on the number of artifacts in your hand. However, Steel Exemplar is a creature with no such mana ability but excels in combat through its condition-related power and toughness boosts. Finally, we have the classic Master of Etherium, which not only empowers other artifacts you control but also carries a variable size like Steel Exemplar. However, Master of Etherium’s size and impact on the board expands with the number of artifacts you wield, whereas Steel Exemplar tailors to those looking for a swift and reliable early to mid-game force.
Steel Exemplar, with its blend of agility and adaptability, comfortably fits into decks where striking a balance between artifact synergy and combat prowess is key, thereby holding its own among its contemporaries in the artifact creature repertoire of MTG.
Cards similar to Steel Exemplar by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Steel Exemplar’s unique capabilities offer prime opportunities to outpace the competition in obtaining card advantage. Its synergy with artifact-centric decks can translate into drawing additional cards or effectively reducing the cost of future card draws, making it a formidable asset to maintain a full hand.
Resource Acceleration: Steel Exemplar excels in resource acceleration by potentially reducing the cost of artifact spells. This can significantly enhance a player’s board presence by allowing them to deploy more threats or apply more pressure much earlier than usual, effectively ramping up the power of their deck with each turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to interact with the game at instant speed, Steel Exemplar doesn’t directly offer this but its presence can still capitalize on instant-speed interactions. Players can exploit this by pairing it with other cards that function at instant speed, creating surprise blockers or unexpected plays that catch opponents off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Steel Exemplar necessitates a discard as part of its activation, which might not always be optimal, especially when you’re trying to maintain card advantage or have a scant hand size.
Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a precise mana cost that includes color specificity discourages its inclusion in decks that run a diverse palette of mana, potentially restricting deck-building flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Along with its strict mana needs, Steel Exemplar’s casting cost is sizeable when juxtaposed with other cards in its category, causing players to weigh the cost-benefit ratio critically amidst their game strategy.
Reasons to Include Steel Exemplar in Your Collection
Versatility: Steel Exemplar is a dynamic choice for decks that leverage artifact synergies or require resilient creatures. It meshes seamlessly with artifact-themed strategies and can strengthen both aggressive and defensive postures on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: With its inherent compatibility with other artifacts, Steel Exemplar can act as a linchpin in combo-centric decks, enabling a wide array of powerful interactions and plays that can turn the tide of a game.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the fluctuating metagame, Steel Exemplar holds its ground by offering utility against various deck archetypes, making it a judicious inclusion for players aiming to stay competitive and adaptable.
How to beat
Steel Exemplar poses an imposing presence on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, offering players formidable power and defensive capabilities with its artifact synergy. To effectively combat this mechanized menace, it’s crucial to disrupt its engine through targeted removal spells or strategies that inhibit artifact interaction. Employing spells that can exile or destroy artifacts, such as Disenchant or Abrade, can prove instrumental in dismantling the Exemplar’s advantage.
Another viable tactic is to employ countermeasures that stifle an opponent’s ability to cast artifacts in the first place, ensuring the Exemplar never gains the enhancements it needs to become a significant threat. Engaging a control archetype with ample artifact hate cards is also recommended. Moreover, making use of efficient creature removal can neutralize the Exemplar before it snowballs out of control, keeping the playing field even. It’s imperative to remain proactive and prevent the Exemplar from exploiting its full potential during the match.
Despite Steel Exemplar’s robust nature, understanding its mechanics and adopting a strategic plan that targets its core vulnerabilities can lead to successfully overpowering this advanced artifact ally. Being prepared and versatile with your deck’s answers will dictate the pace against such a steadfast adversary in the world of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Steel Exemplar MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Steel Exemplar 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 Steel Exemplar has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |