Darksteel Mutation MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Key Takeaways

  1. Provides advantage by neutralizing threats without expending multiple resources, creating board control.
  2. Featuring indestructibility, it offers a lasting solution to manage powerful creatures in gameplay.
  3. Despite mana specificity and potential tempo loss, it’s a strategic inclusion in diverse MTG decks.

Text of card

Enchant creature Enchanted creature is a 0/1 Insect artifact creature with indestructible and loses all other abilities.

Infinitely powerless.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Darksteel Mutation doesn’t draw cards directly, it effectively removes a critical threat from your opponent’s board without having to expend multiple resources. This can lead to a card advantage by neutralizing a key creature that might have required several cards to deal with otherwise.

Resource Acceleration: While Darksteel Mutation itself doesn’t accelerate resources in terms of mana, it aids in resource acceleration indirectly by locking down a potential mana dork or a creature with an ability that generates an advantage for your opponent. This way, it helps maintain the pace of your own game plan by disrupting theirs.

Instant Speed: Darksteel Mutation is not an instant, but as an aura with enchant creature, its lasting effect on the battlefield can be more beneficial in the long term. The ability to use it during your main phase when your opponent least expects it can be pivotal, especially when they are relying on a single creature to carry out their strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Darksteel Mutation does not explicitly ask you to discard as a cost, it does lose some versatility in fast-paced games where card advantage is crucial. Deploying mutations means one less card in hand, which can be a critical drawback in matches where every resource counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Darksteel Mutation commands a specific mana investment of one white mana and one of any type. This requirement can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may not always have the right mana immediately available, thus delaying the casting of this pivotal aura.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana, Darksteel Mutation might appear reasonably priced. However, considering its niche application of neutralizing a single threat without removing it, players may find other removal spells that offer more flexibility or immediate board impact for a similar, if not lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include Darksteel Mutation in Your Collection

Versatility: Darksteel Mutation is a card that can seamlessly fit into a variety of Commander and Casual decks as an effective control piece. Its ability to turn any powerhouse creature into a harmless indestructible insect with no abilities makes it a universal answer to many threats on the board.

Combo Potential: This enchantment pairs well with strategies that capitalize on locking down opponents’ key creatures. Its persistent board presence due to indestructibility also complements decks that benefit from enchantment synergies or those that manipulate or recycle their enchantments.

Meta-Relevance: With the value of creature-based strategies in the current MTG meta, Darksteel Mutation offers a relevant, potent solution. It’s particularly useful in environments heavy with commander-reliant decks or those that lean on powerful creature abilities to win the game.


How to beat

Darksteel Mutation is a formidable enchantment in Magic: The Gathering, turning even the most powerful creatures into harmless insects. This transformation not only neutralizes the creature’s abilities but also its capacity to deal damage. Understanding how to tackle this enchantment can be pivotal in maintaining control of the game.

One strategy to counter Darksteel Mutation is through enchantment removal spells, which can directly target and destroy it, freeing your creature from its bind. Interaction with your own permanents is also key; cards that allow you to bounce enchantments back to the owner’s hand, or even sacrifice the affected creature for a benefit, can circumvent the downside of such a transformation. Counterspells, while they must be timely, provide another line of defense to prevent Darksteel Mutation from ever hitting the battlefield. These methods of response, when skillfully executed, can help preserve your board state and keep your strategic options open.

To sum it up, overcoming Darksteel Mutation involves a combination of preemptive action, versatile removal, and tactical use of creature abilities. By investing in these aspects, you not only prepare for this card but against a range of threats that may hit the table during an intense game of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Wrapping up, Darksteel Mutation stands out in Magic The Gathering as a hallmark of clever control, perfect for shifting the tide of battle. Its unique enchantment properties and strategic dominance make it a must-have for players who enjoy outmaneuvering opponents with finesse. If you’re eager to harness the full potential of this card, expand your knowledge and discover how to integrate Darksteel Mutation into your arsenal. Dive into deck-building strategies, explore counter tactics, and refine your gameplay with us. Enhance your collection and expertise in MTG with essential insights and tips—embrace your journey to become a formidable player with Darksteel Mutation as your secret weapon.


Cards like Darksteel Mutation

Darksteel Mutation is a unique enchantment in the MTG realm, often likened to other cards that neutralize threats on the battlefield. One similar card is Lignify, which similarly transforms a creature by setting its power and toughness to a fixed amount. However, Darksteel Mutation adds indestructibility, ensuring the target creature cannot be destroyed by conventional means.

Another card worth comparing is Imprisoned in the Moon, which also changes the fundamental nature of a permanent. Unlike Darksteel Mutation, it can target lands or planeswalkers, but it doesn’t make the permanent indestructible. This means that while the card’s abilities are suppressed, it remains susceptible to removal.

Finally, there’s Frogify, which transforms a creature into a minimal threat, much like Darksteel Mutation. The distinction lies in Frogify’s lack of the indestructibility trait, offering a slight advantage in durability to the Mutation. Each of these enchantments offers creative control options, with Darksteel Mutation standing out for its ability to render a creature harmlessly permanent on the field.

Lignify - MTG Card versions
Imprisoned in the Moon - MTG Card versions
Frogify - MTG Card versions
Lignify - Lorwyn (LRW)
Imprisoned in the Moon - Eldritch Moon Promos (PEMN)
Frogify - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)

Cards similar to Darksteel Mutation by color, type and mana cost

Circle of Protection: Blue - MTG Card versions
Blessing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Red - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Black - MTG Card versions
Crusade - MTG Card versions
Island Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: White - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Ground - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - MTG Card versions
Serra Bestiary - MTG Card versions
Energy Storm - MTG Card versions
Ward of Lights - MTG Card versions
Pacifism - MTG Card versions
Gossamer Chains - MTG Card versions
Angelic Renewal - MTG Card versions
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - MTG Card versions
Absolute Grace - MTG Card versions
Serenity - MTG Card versions
Mageta's Boon - MTG Card versions
Seal of Cleansing - MTG Card versions
Circle of Protection: Blue - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Blessing - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Circle of Protection: Red - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Circle of Protection: Black - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Crusade - Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Tezzeret (DDF)
Island Sanctuary - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Circle of Protection: White - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Hallowed Ground - Ice Age (ICE)
Circle of Protection: Artifacts - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Serra Bestiary - Homelands (HML)
Energy Storm - Pro Tour Collector Set (PTC)
Ward of Lights - Mirage (MIR)
Pacifism - Duel Decks: Divine vs. Demonic (DDC)
Gossamer Chains - Visions (VIS)
Angelic Renewal - Weatherlight (WTH)
I'm Rubber, You're Glue - Unglued (UGL)
Absolute Grace - Urza's Saga (USG)
Serenity - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Mageta's Boon - Prophecy (PCY)
Seal of Cleansing - World Championship Decks 2000 (WC00)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Darksteel Mutation MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2013 and Commander Anthology, 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 Darksteel Mutation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Darksteel Mutation Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2013-11-01 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-11-01Commander 2013C13 92003normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
22017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 92015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 682015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
42020-09-26The ListPLST CMA-92015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
52021-04-23Commander 2021C21 872015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
62021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 842015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
72023-08-04Commander Masters Art SeriesACMM 312015art_seriesborderless
82023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 212015normalblackDaniel Ljunggren
92023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6232015normalborderlessRichard Kane Ferguson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Darksteel Mutation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2013-10-17 Darksteel Mutation causes the enchanted creature to lose all abilities except indestructible at the time it becomes enchanted. Any abilities the creature gains after that point will work normally.
2013-10-17 Darksteel Mutation doesn't affect the enchanted creature's colors, if any. It will continue to be whatever color or colors it was before Darksteel Mutation entered the battlefield.
2013-10-17 Darksteel Mutation overwrites any previous effects that set the enchanted creature's power or toughness to a specific value. Any such effects that start to apply after Darksteel Mutation entered the battlefield will work normally.
2013-10-17 Darksteel Mutation overwrites the printed power and toughness of the enchanted creature, as well as any characteristic-defining abilities that define power and/or toughness.
2013-10-17 However, Darksteel Mutation does not overwrite effects that change the enchanted creature's power or toughness without setting it to a specific value (such as the ones created by Giant Growth or Glorious Anthem). It also won't overwrite the effect of counters.
2013-10-17 In some rare cases, the creature may have subtypes other than creature types before becoming enchanted with Darksteel Mutation. If it had any other artifact subtypes (such as Equipment), it will retain those. If it had any subtypes other than artifact types and creature types (such as Shrine), it won't retain those.
2013-10-17 The creature will keep any supertypes it previously had. Notably, if Darksteel Mutation is enchanting a legendary creature, that creature will continue to be legendary. Also, if it's enchanting a commander, that creature will continue to be a commander.
2013-10-17 The enchanted creature will be only an artifact and a creature, not any other card types. It will be only an Insect, not any other creature types.

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