Artifact Possession MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1994-03-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Antiquities |
| Set code | ATQ |
| Number | 15 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Christopher Rush |
Key Takeaways
- Artifact Possession empowers players with card draw, bolstering hand options and strategic depth.
- Instant speed play allows disrupting opponents unexpectedly, enhancing its tactical value.
- Control over opponents’ artifacts via Artifact Possession can significantly shift game dynamics.
Text of card
Artifact Possession does 2 damage to target artifact's controller each time target artifact is tapped or its activation cost is paid. Has no effect if cast on a continuous artifact.
Any black mage could coax a Thraxodemon to inhabit a magical device.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Artifact Possession excels in providing MTG players with ongoing card draw possibilities. Each artifact you control that triggers its ability offers the potential to translate into drawing additional cards, keeping your hand filled with options and strategies to outmaneuver your opponents.
Resource Acceleration: This card also contributes to resource acceleration. By allowing you to gain control of your opponent’s artifacts, you effectively boost your own arsenal of resources. This can lead to accelerated mana production or access to artifact abilities that can be pivotal in turning the tides of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The capacity to play Artifact Possession at instant speed gives MTG players a significant tactical edge. By utilizing the card during an opponent’s turn, you can disrupt their plans at a critical moment, or perhaps in response to them deploying a high-value artifact, making it a versatile and strategically deep component of your deck’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Artifact Possession necessitates discarding another card to activate certain abilities or effects. Players who might already be struggling to maintain card advantage can find this requirement particularly taxing, potentially leading to difficult decisions about resource management during critical moments in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Tapping into specific mana types, Artifact Possession requires players to commit to a particular color or colors of mana. This demand can complicate deck construction and limit the card’s inclusion to decks that can accommodate the mana requirement, making it less versatile across different strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to efficiently managing your mana pool, Artifact Possession’s relatively steep mana requirement can be cumbersome. This cost can set back a player’s tempo, especially if they are trying to establish board presence or respond to an opponent’s threats. Alternative cards with lower mana investments may provide similar benefits without the significant mana expenditure.
Reasons to Include Artifact Possession in Your Collection
Versatility: Artifact Possession offers a flexible approach to gameplay, easily slotting into various decks that interact with artifacts. Its nature allows for defensive and offensive strategies, making it a smart pick for any player who values adaptability.
Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with other artifact-centric cards or effects that trigger upon artifacts being targeted or destroyed. The synergy can amplify Artifact Possession’s impact, unlocking powerful combinations that can sway the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In an evolving MTG landscape where artifacts often play a key role, Artifact Possession remains relevant by providing an answer to your opponents’ strategies or by safeguarding your pivotal pieces. Its utility in the current meta can give you an essential edge in both casual and competitive play.
How to Beat
Artifact Possession is a unique spell woven into the tapestry of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to breathe life into otherwise inanimate objects can turn the tide of a game by hijacking your opponent’s tools. Yet every spell has its counter, and knowing how to dismantle its power can be as satisfying as wielding it yourself.
One effective approach is introducing targeted removal into your deck to directly address the controlled artifacts. Spells such as Disenchant or Abrade allow you to destroy the artifacts before your opponent reaps the benefits. Another strategy is to utilize counterspells when Artifact Possession is cast, preventing it from ever latching onto its target. Negate or Counterspell stand as stalwart guardians in this regard.
Lastly, keep in mind the significance of threat assessment. Focus on interrupting vital plays and negating high-value artifacts your opponent is most likely to seize control of. By understanding Artifact Possession’s mechanics and preparing your deck accordingly, you not only neutralize the immediate threat but also amplify your strategic depth in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards like Artifact Possession
Artifact Possession stands out in the realm of disruption spells in MTG, offering players a strategic advantage by damaging the opponent for every artifact activation. This characteristic echoes the functionality of cards like Karmic Justice, which punishes opponents for targeting one’s artifacts or enchantments. Unlike Karmic Justice, Artifact Possession focuses solely on artifacts and necessitates an enchant artifact clause, marking its unique stance in this segment.
Another card sharing similar disruptive elements is Phyrexian Gremlins, which permits players to directly disable an opponent’s artifact. However, Artifact Possession allows all artifacts to remain active while imposing a damage penalty for each use. Then there’s Reprisal, which destroys a creature with power four or greater, offering a different kind of control, based not on usage but on creature power. This creates various strategic pathways for MTG enthusiasts.
Ultimately, Artifact Possession holds its ground amongst its counterparts by merging continuous artifact control with a passive damage-dealing ability, ensuring opponents think twice before tapping their potentially painful assets.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Artifact Possession MTG card by a specific set like Antiquities, 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 Artifact Possession and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Artifact Possession has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
