Does Proliferate Work on Incubate?
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, the concept of Proliferate and Incubate has been a topic of debate among players and theorists alike. Does Proliferate work on Incubate, or are these two abilities mutually exclusive? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rules and mechanics of these two concepts to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
Direct Answer
Yes, Proliferate can work on Incubate. However, there are certain conditions and limitations to consider.
Understanding Proliferate
Proliferate is an ability that creates one or more +1/+1 counters on each creature without a +1/+1 counter on it. It’s a way to spread +1/+1 counters from one creature to others, effectively growing an entire army of creatures.
Understanding Incubate
Incubate is an ability that creates a token creature with a specified number of +1/+1 counters on it. These tokens can be used as sacrifices, attacking creatures, or even as a form of life gain.
Interaction Between Proliferate and Incubate
When a creature with the Incubate ability is created, it immediately gets a certain number of +1/+1 counters. Proliferate can then target this creature and create more +1/+1 counters on it, just like it would on any other creature. This means that Proliferate can work on Incubate, adding more +1/+1 counters to the token creature.
Key Points
• Proliferate can target Incubate tokens: Proliferate can target the token creature created by the Incubate ability, just like it would on any other creature.
• Proliferate creates more +1/+1 counters: Proliferate creates one or more +1/+1 counters on each creature without a +1/+1 counter on it, including Incubate tokens.
• Incubate tokens can have more +1/+1 counters added: Proliferate can add more +1/+1 counters to the Incubate token, just like it would on any other creature.
Scenarios and Examples
• Scenario 1: A player casts an Incubate spell, creating a 2/2 creature with 2 +1/+1 counters on it. Then, a Proliferate ability is activated, targeting the Incubate token and creating 2 more +1/+1 counters on it. The resulting creature is now a 4/4 creature with 4 +1/+1 counters.
• Scenario 2: A player casts an Incubate spell, creating a 1/1 creature with 1 +1/+1 counter on it. Then, a Proliferate ability is activated, targeting the Incubate token and creating 3 more +1/+1 counters on it. The resulting creature is now a 4/4 creature with 4 +1/+1 counters.
Table: Proliferate on Incubate Scenarios
| Scenario | Starting Creature | Proliferate Addition | Final Creature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2/2 | 2 +1/+1 counters | 4/4 with 4 +1/+1 counters |
| 2 | 1/1 | 3 +1/+1 counters | 4/4 with 4 +1/+1 counters |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Proliferate can work on Incubate, adding more +1/+1 counters to the token creature created by the Incubate ability. This interaction allows players to grow their creatures even more, making for a more complex and strategic game.
Key Takeaways
• Proliferate can target Incubate tokens, just like any other creature.
• Proliferate creates one or more +1/+1 counters on each creature without a +1/+1 counter on it, including Incubate tokens.
• Incubate tokens can have more +1/+1 counters added to them through Proliferate.
By understanding how Proliferate works on Incubate, players can better navigate the complexities of Magic: The Gathering and make more informed decisions during gameplay.