Volrath's Laboratory MTG Card
1998-03-02 - Number 142
2015-05-06 - Number 234
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
When you play Volrath's Laboratory, choose a color and a creature type. o5, oc T: Put a token creature into play. Treat this token as a 2/2 creature of the chosen color and creature type.
Cards like Volrath's Laboratory
Volrath’s Laboratory is an intriguing card for creature-focused decks in Magic: The Gathering. It shares some attributes with other cards that allow players to create creature tokens, like Llanowar Mentor, which creates Elf Druid token creatures. However, Volrath’s Laboratory grants flexibility in token creation as players can choose the creature type, which is instrumental for tribal synergy within a deck.
Comparatively, there’s Heliod, God of the Sun, offering another token-generation mechanism by creating Cleric tokens. Although Heliod’s tokens have static attributes, Volrath’s Laboratory edges out with customizable power and toughness. Mimic Vat is another relative that imprints a creature card and creates a token copy but lacks the enduring and selectable aspect of Volrath’s Laboratory.
To sum it up, while there are plenty of options for token generation in Magic: The Gathering, Volrath’s Laboratory stands out with its unique twist on player choice and adaptability, making it a versatile addition, especially for decks emphasizing on tribal interactions and strategies.
Cards similar to Volrath's Laboratory by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By giving you the ability to consistently create creature tokens that share the chosen creature type with Volrath’s Laboratory, this card helps in maintaining an upper hand on the battlefield. Having a steady stream of creatures at your disposal can be an undeniable benefit during longer games.
Resource Acceleration: Although Volrath’s Laboratory does not directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, it does provide a valuable form of resource acceleration by allowing you to use your mana each turn to develop a creature presence on the board. Consistent token generation is a form of investment that can pay off with a powerful army over time.
Instant Speed: While Volrath’s Laboratory itself is not an instant, the creature tokens it creates can be made at the end of your opponent’s turn, effectively mimicking instant speed action. This strategic play keeps your mana open during your turn for other spells or abilities, making your game plan more flexible and responsive to your opponent’s moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Volrath’s Laboratory demands that you add a creature card to your hand as part of its activation, which may force you to relinquish valuable creatures that could be crucial in the later stages of the game. Discarding can undermine your hand, leaving you vulnerable to opponent strategies that capitalize on card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s activation requires a significant commitment of one colorless and four specific mana, which can be challenging in multicolored decks that might not always have the right type of mana readily available. This could disrupt your curve and the strategic deployment of other spells in a timely manner.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The five total mana cost to activate Volrath’s Laboratory is substantial, especially since it only creates a 2/2 creature token. Given the fast pace of contemporary gameplay, other cards could potentially provide more impactful results for less mana, offering both immediate board presence and additional effects that could sway the game in your favor.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Volrath’s Laboratory stands out with its ability to produce creature tokens that can fit any tribe, giving it an edge in tribal decks looking for consistency and adaptability.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies relying on creature tokens or needing specific creature types for combos, enabling versatile and unexpected play sequences.
Meta-Relevance: In a game setting that is heavy on creature-based tactics, Volrath’s Laboratory can become a key asset by aligning with the most prevalent tribes, ensuring your deck remains competitive.
How to beat
Volrath’s Laboratory is an intriguing card that allows players to tailor creature tokens to fit their current game strategy. This customization can give an edge in MTG matches, making the Laboratory a unique challenge on the battlefield. To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to take control of the game by using removal spells that can efficiently deal with the tokens created—cards like Wrath of God or Supreme Verdict that can sweep the board clear of creatures, taking down the Laboratory’s creations at once.
Another approach is to aim for the Laboratory itself. Direct destruction spells like Disenchant or Nature’s Claim can dismantle the Laboratory before it becomes too problematic, reducing the chances of your opponent establishing a legion of tailor-made tokens. Alternatively, instead of facing the tokens head-on, enhancing your strategy to outpace Volrath’s Laboratory with aggressive creatures or an unyielding tempo might also tilt the game in your favor, making the tokens less relevant as you take the lead.
Ultimately, dealing with Volrath’s Laboratory requires a blend of preemptive board control and strategic use of spell-based removal or alternative winning strategies. Keeping cool and dismantling your opponent’s plans piece by piece will often lead to victory over the crafty designs that stem from Volrath’s devious workplace.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Volrath's Laboratory MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold and Tempest Remastered, 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 Volrath's Laboratory 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
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Printings
The Volrath's Laboratory Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-03-02 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by Brom.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-03-02 | Stronghold | STH | 142 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Brom | |
| 2 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 234 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Brom |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Volrath's Laboratory has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Volrath's Laboratory 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 | The token does not have any built-in abilities. For example, choosing creature type Bird does not give the token Flying. |
| 2004-10-04 | The token has the same name as the creature type. |