Galvanic Alchemist MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Abilities	Soulbond
Released	2012-05-04
Set symbol
Set name	Avacyn Restored
Set code	AVR
Power	1
Toughness	4
Number	54
Frame	2003
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Svetlin Velinov

Key Takeaways

Galvanic Alchemist is exceptional at generating card advantage through repeated untapping.
The card accelerates resources by untapping mana-producing creatures for further plays.
Instant speed soulbond allows for tactical responses during varying game states.

Text of card

Soulbond (You may pair this creature with another unpaired creature when either enters the battlefield. They remain paired for as long as you control both of them.) As long as Galvanic Alchemist is paired with another creature, each of those creatures has ": Untap this creature."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Galvanic Alchemist enables repetitive untapping of creatures with valuable tap abilities, potentially leading to drawing additional cards or deploying other strategies that create a favorable hand state.

Resource Acceleration: With the ability to untap mana-producing creatures, this card facilitates resource acceleration by offering extra mana in a turn, allowing for casting more spells or activating costly abilities that could tilt the game in your favor.

Instant Speed: Galvanic Alchemist’s soulbond ability can be leveraged at instant speed, providing flexibility to respond to changing game states by untapping creatures either defensively or aggressively to exploit new opportunities as they arise during the course of play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Galvanic Alchemist doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, it often pairs with cards that do. This synergy can be a double-edged sword, as you may have to part with valuable hand assets to kickstart the combo engine.

Specific Mana Cost: Galvanic Alchemist’s casting cost includes one blue mana, which may not fit seamlessly into all deck types. This specificity means it finds a home predominantly in blue or blue-inclusive multicolor strategies, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With three mana for a creature that’s primarily used for its untap ability, Galvanic Alchemist’s cost efficiency comes into question when compared to other options. Considering its 1/4 stat line, in some situations, players might find it a bit too slow, especially in fast-paced game environments where lower-cost creatures with impactful abilities might prevail.

Reasons to Include Galvanic Alchemist in Your Collection

Versatility: Galvanic Alchemist serves a multifunctional role in decks that can manipulate or require untapping mechanics. Its synergy with cards that have powerful tap abilities means it can be a flexible addition to multiple archetypes, especially ones that lean on utility creatures.

Combo Potential: Known for its combo potential with permanents like Illusionist’s Bracers or cards with inspired mechanics, this card can unexpectedly turn the tides of a game. In the right deck, it can enable infinite combos, making it an unsuspected yet formidable threat.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where decks aim to establish dominance through infinite combos or uninterrupted synergy, Galvanic Alchemist stands as a subtle yet potent enabler. Its relevance grows in environments where players value intricate interactions and engines that accrue value over time.

How to beat

Galvanic Alchemist is a card known for its synergy with creatures that have potent tap abilities in Magic: The Gathering. Its primary asset is the soultether — the ability to untap another target creature for the cost of three mana. When assessing strategies to outplay Galvanic Alchemist, consider disruption. Target removals, like Murder or Doom Blade, can swiftly eliminate the creature before it begins an untapping loop. Also, explore counterspells to prevent it from hitting the battlefield in the first place.

An alternative strategy involves limiting the number of creatures the opponent controls. Board wipes such as Wrath of God can level the playing field and leave the Alchemist without a partner to untap. Another powerful approach is to use cards like Pithing Needle, naming Galvanic Alchemist to nullify its untapping capability. Possessing these tools will give you an edge against decks exploiting this particular creature’s abilities.

In essence, sustaining board control and holding removal or counter measures in your hand are key tactics when facing Galvanic Alchemist. By disrupting your opponent’s plans, this can pave your path to victory and neutralize the threat posed by this otherwise tricky card.

Cards like Galvanic Alchemist

Galvanic Alchemist is a niche card in Magic: The Gathering, recognized for its ability to untap another target creature for a cost of three mana. When examining comparable cards, we encounter Pemmin’s Aura, offering far more flexibility. Both cards allow a creature to untap, but Pemmin’s Aura also provides shroud, the ability to change a creature’s color, and it can increase its power and toughness. The sheer versatility of Pemmin’s Aura overshadows the singular focus of Galvanic Alchemist.

Another analog is Freed from the Real, which, akin to Galvanic Alchemist, untaps creatures. The difference lies in the mana cost for activation, where Freed from the Real only requires a single blue mana, enabling more frequent use within a turn. Considering mana efficiency and deck strategy, Freed from the Real often gets the upper hand for decks aiming for infinite combos or those that involve lots of activations.

When compared against its peers, Galvanic Alchemist has its place in specific deck builds, especially when paired with creatures bearing potent tap abilities. However, when versatility and efficiency are key, cards like Pemmin’s Aura and Freed from the Real typically outperform the Alchemist in Magic: The Gathering decks aimed at competitive play.

Freed from the Real - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)

Cards similar to Galvanic Alchemist by color, type and mana cost

Volrath's Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions

Stronghold Biologist - MTG Card versions

Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions

Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions

Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - MTG Card versions

Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions

Svyelun of Sea and Sky - MTG Card versions

Wall of Water - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)

Prodigal Sorcerer - Unlimited Edition (2ED)

Volrath's Shapeshifter - Stronghold (STH)

Phantom Warrior - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)

Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)

Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - Commander Legends (CMR)

Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Svyelun of Sea and Sky - Magic Online Promos (PRM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Galvanic Alchemist MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored, 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 Galvanic Alchemist and other MTG cards: