Vodalian War Machine MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 1994-11-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Fallen Empires |
| Set code | FEM |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 32 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Amy Weber |
Key Takeaways
- Card advantage is a plus, allowing continuous draw by tapping an untapped Merfolk.
- Activating abilities at instant speed gives players tactical flexibility in-game.
- Discarding a creature card is necessary to utilize the War Machine’s potential.
Text of card
: Tap target Merfolk you control to allow Vodalian War Machine to attack this turn or to give Vodalian War Machine +2/+1 until end of turn. If Vodalian War Machine is put in the graveyard, all Merfolk tapped in this manner this turn are destroyed.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Vodalian War Machine enables players to generate card advantage by tapping an untapped Merfolk you control, allowing you to draw a card. This continuous card draw mechanism ensures you have a steady flow of resources, providing a substantial benefit over your opponent by maintaining hand superiority.
Resource Acceleration: As part of its deployment to the battlefield, the Vodalian War Machine can create an environment conducive to resource acceleration. You can tap additional Merfolk not only to draw cards but also to boost your board presence, swinging the tide of battle in your favor rapidly.
Instant Speed: Its ability to operate at instant speed gives you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves or to maximize your own strategic plays during the end of their turn. This can be a game changer, allowing for uninterrupted play and the ability to respond to threats or opportunities as they arise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Vodalian War Machine is the requirement to discard a creature card to unleash its abilities, potentially depleting your hand and vital board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands a specific combination of colors, constraining its integration only into decks that can accommodate such requirements, limiting its versatility across various MTG strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a higher mana cost for its set of abilities, you may find that other cards in the MTG universe might provide a more cost-effective solution or a stronger battlefield impact for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Vodalian War Machine effortlessly integrates into various deck builds, particularly those that capitalize on tapping or untapping creatures. As a card that can act as both a creature and a control tool, it provides flexibility in how you develop your battlefield strategy.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique capability to tap or sacrifice creatures to fuel its own strength leads to numerous combo opportunities. Whether you’re amplifying its power or enabling graveyard synergies, Vodalian War Machine can serve as a linchpin in intricate and potent combos that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where board presence and creature-based strategies are prevalent, Vodalian War Machine can play a pivotal role. It becomes particularly useful when you need to outmaneuver creature-heavy decks or maintain control of the field, making it a card worth considering for your collection.
How to beat
Vodalian War Machine packs a punch in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to rapidly muster a formidable force. As a card that thrives in decks flush with Merfolk synergies, one key strategy to dismantle its power is by interrupting these synergies. Utilizing removal spells efficiently can disrupt the flow of creatures feeding into the machine’s ability. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are excellent for picking off key Merfolk that could be tapped to activate the War Machine’s power.
Counterspells also prove to be invaluable in this context. By countering the Vodalian War Machine on its casting, you stop the threat before it even begins. Denying your opponent the opportunity to exploit its tap synergy not only preserves your life total but also keeps their battlefield presence to a minimum. Artifact destruction spells such as Shatter or Naturalize offer another layer of protection, effectively removing the War Machine from play after it lands on the battlefield.
Overall, maintaining control of the board and keeping removal or counterspells at the ready are your best lines of defense against the overwhelming potential of the Vodalian War Machine in a competitive MTG match.
Cards like Vodalian War Machine
Vodalian War Machine is a unique creature card that immerses MTG players into the depths of deck-building strategies. With a similar aquatic theme, we notice Merfolk Looter offering a comparable ability to draw and discard cards. Yet, unlike Vodalian War Machine, Merfolk Looter doesn’t require sacrificing other creatures to trigger its effect, sacrificing itself for a power boost.
Coiling Oracle is another card that dances in the same circle, presenting players with either a card draw or a land drop. Though Coiling Oracle is instant value without additional requirements, it doesn’t match the War Machine’s potential for raw power increase. Additionally, the classic Latchkey Faerie leverages the power of card draw; nonetheless, it demands the presence of another rogue to unlock its potential fully, a constraint that Vodalian War Machine bypasses with its focus on Merfolk and self-reliance.
Assessing the echelons of comparable MTG cards, Vodalian War Machine not only holds its ground but also provides a distinctive play experience. It’s this ability to potentially command overwhelming force that places the War Machine in a special position amongst creature cards with card draw and power boost synergies.
Cards similar to Vodalian War Machine by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vodalian War Machine MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires, 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 Vodalian War Machine 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 Magic products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vodalian War Machine has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vodalian War Machine 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 Merfolk are tapped during announcement and as a cost. The ability can’t be announced if the Merfolk are not in an untapped state. |
