Voltaic Construct MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Golem Construct |
| Released | 2004-02-06 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Darksteel |
| Set code | DST |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 156 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jeff Easley |
Text of card
: Untap target artifact creature.
The undead may outlast the living, but those who have never lived outlast them both.
Cards like Voltaic Construct
Voltaic Construct is a unique artifact creature that has made its mark on the MTG world, especially for enthusiasts of artifact-based strategies. It bears a resemblance to the card Karn, Silver Golem when it comes to animating other noncreature artifacts. Yet, Voltaic Construct offers an even more nuanced ability, enabling the untapping of a target artifact creature for a modest fee of two mana. This feature facilitates infinite combos with any artifact creature capable of producing three or more mana, reminiscent of the combo potential Karn presents with certain mana-heavy artifacts.
However, another comparison arises when looking at Unwinding Clock, which untaps all artifacts you control during each other player’s untap step. While Unwinding Clock provides a broader untapping scope, it doesn’t offer the strategic precision that Voltaic Construct allows during your own turn, which can be critical during combo execution. Myr Turbine shares a thematic link, generating artifact creature tokens and can synergize with Voltaic Construct, but it’s the Construct’s untapping ability that really sets it apart, granting it a strategic edge in decks designed to exploit artifact dynamics.
Whether seeking to create unstoppable synergy or pull off a game-winning combo, Voltaic Construct can be an essential piece, solidifying its status among artifact-centric cards in MTG. Its ability to precisely manipulate gameplay provides players with a powerful toolkit component that rewards creative and tactical deckbuilding.
Cards similar to Voltaic Construct by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When coupled with creatures that have tap abilities producing cards or mana, Voltaic Construct can help you get ahead in the game by unleashing these abilities multiple times within a single turn.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact is vital for accelerating your resources when used in conjunction with mana-producing creatures or artifacts. By untapping a mana dork or a Gilded Lotus, for example, Voltaic Construct sets you up to cast high-cost spells much earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: The ability to untap a creature at instant speed gives you significant flexibility, especially during complex board states. With this, you can surprise your opponent by either generating more mana or activating another key creature ability when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Voltaic Construct is its reliance on other cards to be fully effective. Although it doesn’t require discarding as a basic cost, to get any utility from it, you must have a suitable artifact creature to target. This demand could strain your hand if you’re short on compatible creatures.
Specific Mana Cost: Voltaic Construct necessitates a precise mana investment, which is two colorless mana. This requirement can be challenging in decks that are mana-hungry or have a base color other than colorless. Ensuring the availability of two colorless mana could limit the deck’s flexibility or slow down your tempo.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Construct requires an upfront four mana to be placed on the battlefield. For some decks, especially those that operate on a tight mana curve, this cost is significant. When you compare it with other cards that could either advance your board presence or provide immediate value, it’s evident that Voltaic Construct might lag in terms of efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Voltaic Construct offers a wide array of applications in artifact-centric decks, providing the ability to untap not just itself but other key artifacts you may control, amplifying their capabilities within the game.
Combo Potential: This card is well-known for its synergy with cards that have tap abilities. By pairing it with creatures that produce mana, such as Metalworker or Basalt Monolith, players can generate infinite mana, leading to game-ending combos.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating dynamics of the competitive scene, Voltaic Construct remains a relevant inclusion in decks that leverage artifact synergies. This card thrives in metas where artifacts play a significant role, adapting to various strategies and potentially turning the tide of a match.
How to beat
Voltaic Construct is a unique artifact creature to face off against in the world of MTG. This card is particularly known for its ability to untap other artifact creatures at a minimal mana cost. The strategy to counteract the Construct’s impact lies in disabling its ability to untap. Control-focused players might consider cards that prevent activated abilities from being used or spells that restrict the tapping of creatures. Removal of artifacts also becomes critical, which can be achieved through targeted spells or abilities that disrupt artifact synergies.
Disabling artifact-friendly strategies can diminish Voltaic Construct’s effectiveness. Utilizing cards that force artifact sacrifice or conversion of artifacts into creatures without powerful abilities can level the playing field. Being well-versed in strategies that suppress artifacts is key when preparing for an encounter with Voltaic Construct. This approach helps maintain a stable board and makes it challenging for opponents to leverage the Construct’s full potential.
In a game where momentum can shift with each card play, addressing and countering Voltaic Construct’s untapping capacity is central to overcoming this potent MTG card’s strategy, leading to successful gameplay outcomes against decks that harness its power.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Voltaic Construct MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, 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 Voltaic Construct 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 Voltaic Construct has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |