Parallel Evolution MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Flashback

Key Takeaways

  1. Parallel Evolution excels at creating a sudden army, making it a key card for token strategies.
  2. Its instant speed allows for dynamic play and unexpected tactical twists during games.
  3. A high mana cost and specific requirements can limit its inclusion in diverse decks.

Text of card

For each creature token in play, its controller puts a creature token into play that's a copy of that creature. Flashback o4o Go Go G (You may play this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then remove it from the game.)


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Parallel Evolution offers a significant advantage by potentially doubling the number of creatures you have on the battlefield, surpassing simple draw effects and creating immediate board presence.

Resource Acceleration: By cloning your creatures that have mana abilities or those that can fetch lands from your library, this spell accelerates your resource pool, pushing you ahead in the race for mana dominance.

Instant Speed: The ability to use this spell at instant speed during the end step of your opponent’s turn or in response to actions not only provides tactical flexibility but also can create surprise blockers or additional power for a decisive attack.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Parallel Evolution requires the player to discard a card in addition to its other costs. This could be a setback, particularly in situations where your hand is already depleted or the quality of cards in hand is too valuable to lose.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost is specific to green mana, which makes it less versatile and harder to include in multi-colored decks that might not have a steady green mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is on the higher end of the spectrum, Parallel Evolution might lag behind when competing for a slot in a deck against other utility cards with lower costs or cards with more immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Parallel Evolution in Your Collection

Versatility: Parallel Evolution offers unique flexibility to adapt to a wide array of strategies. Whether you’re amplifying a token-based army or just seeking to maximize the impact of a few key creatures, this card has the ability to transform an unassuming board state into a dominating presence.

Combo Potential: For those who love intricate plays and surprising their opponents with game-changing combos, Parallel Evolution is a gem. This card can work wonders in concert with effects that trigger upon creature entry, multiplying the opportunities for your combos to take off.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting meta, a card like Parallel Evolution can be a powerful tool. Its ability to suddenly swarm the board with tokens can outpace control decks, while also overwhelming your opponent’s resources in more aggressive matchups.


How to beat

Parallel Evolution in Magic: The Gathering presents a formidable challenge when it hits the table. This enchantment amplifies not just one, but numerous creatures, catalyst for explosive turns that can overwhelm unprepared opponents. To disrupt this synergy, efficient removal spells are your best weapon. Cards like Naturalize offer a direct approach to dismantle Parallel Evolution, as they target enchantments specifically. Additionally, counter-magic should not be disregarded; countering Parallel Evolution upon cast can nip potential problems in the bud, thus preventing your opponent from ever gaining that massive board presence.

Moreover, board wipes like Wrath of God or Doomskar play a crucial role, particularly after the Evolution has resolved. Resetting the battlefield levels the playing field, regardless of how many token copies were generated. Lastly, timing can play a crucial role; by strategically planning your turns and patiently waiting for the most opportune moment to strike, you can effectively manage the threat of Parallel Evolution and gain the upper hand in your game.

While intimidating on paper, Parallel Evolution’s potential can be mitigated with the right strategy and card selection. A deck equipped with responsive disruption can navigate around the challenges it poses and prevail through resilient play.


Cards like Parallel Evolution

Parallel Evolution has carved its niche within the realm of creature-tokens strategies in Magic: The Gathering. This enchantment echoes the functionality of cards like Doubling Season, which is renowned for doubling tokens and counters. Yet, Parallel Evolution differentiates itself with a twist – it only doubles the number of creature tokens and does this at instant speed. This allows for unexpected game plays, unlike Doubling Season which operates passively.

Another kin in the token-doubling community is Primal Vigor. It shares the doubling effect, albeit unilaterally impacting both the player and opponents. Primal Vigor lacks the surprise element of Parallel Evolution, being a static enchantment. Then there’s Anointed Procession, a white-aligned parallel that exclusively magnifies your own token creation. While it offers consistency in token production, it does not boast the versatile timing of Parallel Evolution.

Assessing these alternatives showcases Parallel Evolution’s unique position in token manipulation strategies. Its capacity to be a game-changer at instant speed presents MTG players with both a powerful and tactical option for building overwhelming presence on the battlefield.

Doubling Season - MTG Card versions
Primal Vigor - MTG Card versions
Anointed Procession - MTG Card versions
Doubling Season - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)
Primal Vigor - Commander 2013 (C13)
Anointed Procession - Amonkhet Promos (PAKH)

Cards similar to Parallel Evolution by color, type and mana cost

Stunted Growth - MTG Card versions
Double Play - MTG Card versions
Overrun - MTG Card versions
Spring of Eternal Peace - MTG Card versions
Plow Under - MTG Card versions
Restock - MTG Card versions
Tranquil Path - MTG Card versions
Shamanic Revelation - MTG Card versions
Primal Command - MTG Card versions
Animal Magnetism - MTG Card versions
Rebuking Ceremony - MTG Card versions
All Suns' Dawn - MTG Card versions
Rude Awakening - MTG Card versions
Feast of Worms - MTG Card versions
Natural Spring - MTG Card versions
Predatory Focus - MTG Card versions
Cyclical Evolution - MTG Card versions
Incremental Growth - MTG Card versions
Savage Conception - MTG Card versions
Soul's Majesty - MTG Card versions
Stunted Growth - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Double Play - Unglued (UGL)
Overrun - Starter Commander Decks (SCD)
Spring of Eternal Peace - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Plow Under - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)
Restock - Invasion (INV)
Tranquil Path - Apocalypse (APC)
Shamanic Revelation - Starter Commander Decks (SCD)
Primal Command - Strixhaven Mystical Archive (STA)
Animal Magnetism - Commander Masters (CMM)
Rebuking Ceremony - Darksteel (DST)
All Suns' Dawn - The List (PLST)
Rude Awakening - Duel Decks Anthology: Garruk vs. Liliana (GVL)
Feast of Worms - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Natural Spring - Salvat 2011 (PS11)
Predatory Focus - Guildpact (GPT)
Cyclical Evolution - Future Sight (FUT)
Incremental Growth - Modern Masters (MMA)
Savage Conception - Eventide (EVE)
Soul's Majesty - Commander 2017 (C17)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Parallel Evolution MTG card by a specific set like Torment and The List, 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 Parallel Evolution and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Parallel Evolution Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-02-04 and 2002-02-04. Illustrated by Matt Cavotta.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-02-04TormentTOR 1361997normalblackMatt Cavotta
22020-09-26The ListPLST TOR-1361997normalblackMatt Cavotta

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Parallel Evolution has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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