Welder Automaton MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 183
2018-11-16 - Number 58
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Construct |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
: Welder Automaton deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Most of the constructs the renegades used against the Consulate weren't originally intended for combat. But some didn't require much modification.
Cards like Welder Automaton
Welder Automaton is a unique artifact creature that carves its niche in the vast landscape of Magic: The Gathering. It bears a resemblance to other utility artifact creatures, such as Iron Myr, for it offers an additional ability beyond its role as a creature. While Iron Myr can only tap for mana, Welder Automaton can also deal direct damage to your opponent, adding a layer of versatility to your gameplay strategy.
Looking at Walking Atlas, another artifact creature, the differences are clear. Walking Atlas allows players to put land from their hand onto the battlefield, which is useful for ramping up mana capabilities. Welder Automaton, however, trades in land influence for the unique capability to chip down an opponent’s life total. Lastly, we must consider Perilous Myr, which delivers damage upon its death—a different mechanism compared to Welder Automaton’s active ability to deal damage.
In evaluating options for artifact creature slots in a deck, Welder Automaton emerges as an intriguing choice. It provides players with both offensive and board-presence aspects, highlighting its dual utility both early and later in the game. Its ability to impact the board immediately and potentially alter the pace of the match makes it a worthy consideration for MTG enthusiasts valuing flexibility and direct player interaction.
Cards similar to Welder Automaton by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Welder Automaton offers a strategic edge by having the ability to deal direct damage to opponents. This can often tip the scales in your favor during a match, providing not just board presence but also a reliable damage source that can add up over time.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly contributing to mana acceleration, Welder Automaton fits well in decks that synergize with artifact strategies. Its low casting cost makes it a quick play, allowing players to establish early board presence and potentially capitalize on artifact-related buffs or abilities that further enhance gameplay.
Instant Speed: Welder Automaton’s ability may not be at instant speed, but it is an activated ability that can be used at any time you could cast an instant. This grants you the flexibility to utilize your mana efficiently during your opponent’s turn if better opportunities for interaction do not present themselves, keeping them guessing about your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Welder Automaton does not require a card to be discarded. This section of the example does not apply to this MTG card.
Specific Mana Cost: Welder Automaton necessitates a precise mana commitment of one red mana, which could restrict its integration solely to red-centric or multi-color decks capable of producing red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite being a 2/1 creature for two mana, which is reasonable, the additional ability cost of three mana (one red, two generic) to deal one damage to each opponent is quite steep, especially considering other cards can offer similar damage output for less mana or provide additional benefits.
Reasons to Include Welder Automaton in Your Collection
Versatility: Welder Automaton is a flexible addition to a variety of decks. Its colorless nature allows it to fit into almost any deck, and it can be a reliable two-drop creature for early board presence.
Combo Potential: With its ability to deal direct damage to a player, it has synergy with strategies that amplify damage or utilize artifacts. This makes it a potential combo piece in the right deck.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where games often come down to tight races, the Automaton’s activated ability to chip in for extra damage can be surprisingly relevant, especially in formats like Pauper where efficient damage sources are crucial.
How to beat
Confronting a Welder Automaton on the battlefield requires a tactical approach for MTG players. This artifact creature may not be the most formidable opponent, but its ability to deal direct damage to a player provides consistent pressure. To mitigate this threat, one should focus on removing it swiftly from the field. Naturalize and Shatter are exemplary solutions, offering quick and efficient destruction of artifacts. In decks that control the game, counterspells also prove invaluable in preventing the Automaton from landing on the table at all.
Moreover, MTG matches often favor players adept at managing resources. Having access to instant-speed interaction can turn the tides when facing down creatures with activated abilities. By waiting for the opponent to commit mana to the Automaton’s ability, you can respond receptively, thus utilizing the mana and turn more effectively. Additionally, incorporating creatures or spells that gain life can counteract the chip damage from an unchecked Automaton and provide you with the necessary buffer to establish control.
In summary, when facing a Welder Automaton, ensure that your strategy includes artifact disruption, efficient response plays, and means to offset the incremental damage it can inflict to maintain dominance over the course of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Welder Automaton MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt and Game Night, 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 Welder Automaton 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
Printings
The Welder Automaton Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2018-11-16. Illustrated by Victor Adame Minguez.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 183 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Victor Adame Minguez | |
| 2 | 2018-11-16 | Game Night | GNT | 58 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Victor Adame Minguez |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Welder Automaton has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Welder Automaton card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | In a Two-Headed Giant game, Welder Automaton’s ability causes 2 damage total to be dealt to the opposing team. |