Mystic Genesis MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Mystic Genesis provides dual functionality as a counter and creature generator, elevating strategy options.
  2. Its lack of discard requirement and specific mana cost can limit flexibility in non-Simic decks.
  3. Use strategic play to overcome Mystic Genesis by managing timing and utilizing uncounterable spells.

Text of card

Counter target spell. Put an X/X green Ooze creature token onto the battlefield, where X is that spell's converted mana cost.

"The Simic can grow anything out of a puddle of sludge. I just hope they never join forces with the Golgari." —Teysa Karlov, Grand Envoy of Orzhov


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mystic Genesis not only acts as a countermeasure against your opponent’s threats but also grants you a creature token whose power and toughness are equal to the countered spell’s mana cost, effectively replacing the card you’ve used with a new board presence.

Resource Acceleration: While it does not directly produce additional mana or Treasure tokens, by converting an opponent’s high-cost spell into a creature for your side, Mystic Genesis can potentially accelerate your offensive resources without additional mana expenditure.

Instant Speed: Being an instant, Mystic Genesis offers the strategic advantage of flexibility. You can keep mana available and adapt to the situation on the battlefield, countering crucial threats during your opponent’s turn and gaining a surprise defender or attacker for your next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mystic Genesis lacks a discard requirement, which means it avoids potential downsides of losing resources. However, this also means it doesn’t help when trying to enable graveyard strategies or interactions where discarding could be beneficial.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost demands both green and blue mana, which could be a hurdle in decks that are not dedicated Simic color combinations, thus limiting its flexibility for various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of one green, two blue, and two other mana, Mystic Genesis can be too costly compared to other counter spells or creature-based strategies, which might offer similar or better utility at a lower resource commitment.


Reasons to Include Mystic Genesis in Your Collection

Versatility: Mystic Genesis offers a dual purpose, functioning as both a counter spell and a creature generator. Its flexibility allows it to not only interrupt opponents’ plays but also develop your board presence in the process.

Combo Potential: The card can synergize with decks that capitalize on token generation or those that benefit from having creatures with variable power and toughness based on the mana cost of the countered spell.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where high-impact spells are commonplace, Mystic Genesis gains significant traction. Its capability to neutralize key threats while simultaneously creating a creature can shift the game in your favor.


How to beat

Mystic Genesis is an intriguing counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, offering more than just the ability to thwart an opponent’s spell. It also leaves you with a token creature whose power and toughness are equal to the countered spell’s mana cost. Yet, despite its dual utility, defeating this card centers on strategic play. Timing is essential. Casting spells when your opponent lacks the mana to activate Mystic Genesis can nullify its potential. It’s also wise to bait out this counter with less critical spells, safeguarding your game-changers.

Furthermore, utilizing spells or abilities that can’t be countered can directly challenge Mystic Genesis’ effectiveness. When faced with such spells, this card loses its threatening edge. Delving into card types that slip through counterspells, such as creatures with the ability “can’t be countered,” ensures your pivotal plays make it onto the battlefield.

Adapting to your opponent’s mana pool and choosing the right moment to play your cards can be the key to overcoming Mystic Genesis. By carefully considering your plays and maintaining awareness of your opponent’s capabilities, you can diminish the impact of Mystic Genesis on your strategy.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is a complex journey filled with numerous decisions, from deck building to in-game tactics. Mystic Genesis can be a powerful addition to your arsenal, offering the unique capability to disrupt enemy plays while organically enhancing your board state. Understand when and where to wield such cards carefully to maximize their potential. For enthusiasts eager to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of intricate card interactions like those presented by Mystic Genesis, we’re here to assist. Dive deeper into strategic insights and become a more formidable player by visiting BurnMana, where wisdom and wizardry await your discovery.


Cards like Mystic Genesis

Mystic Genesis finds its place among the multi-functional counter spells within Magic: The Gathering. Comparable to Rewind, Mystic Genesis offers not only a spell counter but also adds to the board state by creating an X/X creature token where X is the countered spell’s mana cost. Rewind doesn’t produce a creature, but it does have the upside of untapping four lands, potentially leaving mana available for other plays.

Analogous in functionality is Plasm Capture. Like Mystic Genesis, it provides a bonus upon countering a spell; however, instead of a creature token, it grants the controller additional mana of any color in their next pre-combat main phase, equal to the countered spell’s mana cost. This allows for a significant tempo swing but lacks the immediate board presence provided by Mystic Genesis.

Drawing a conclusion, Mystic Genesis is an intriguing card that balances the instant gratification of thwarting an opponent’s spell with the tangible benefit of adding a creature to the battlefield. Each card carries its strategic weight in Magic: The Gathering, but Mystic Genesis might appeal to those who favor having an immediate impact over potential future advantages.

Rewind - MTG Card versions
Plasm Capture - MTG Card versions
Rewind - Urza's Saga (USG)
Plasm Capture - Dragon's Maze (DGM)

Cards similar to Mystic Genesis by color, type and mana cost

Vigean Intuition - MTG Card versions
Ethereal Ambush - MTG Card versions
Repudiate // Replicate - MTG Card versions
Oko's Hospitality - MTG Card versions
Vigean Intuition - Dissension (DIS)
Ethereal Ambush - The List (PLST)
Repudiate // Replicate - Ravnica Allegiance (RNA)
Oko's Hospitality - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mystic Genesis MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Mystic Genesis and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mystic Genesis Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2017-03-17. Illustrated by Mike Bierek.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 1802003normalblackMike Bierek
22017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1742015normalblackMike Bierek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mystic Genesis has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mystic Genesis card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2017-03-14 If the target spell is an illegal target when Mystic Genesis tries to resolve, Mystic Genesis won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t get an Ooze token.
2017-03-14 You may target a spell that can’t be countered. When Mystic Genesis resolves, the target spell will be unaffected, but you’ll still get an Ooze token.

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