When an Artifact Becomes a Creature: Summoning Sickness Explained
In the world of Magic: The Gathering, artifacts are a crucial part of any deck. They provide a unique set of abilities and effects that can greatly impact the game. However, there is a specific scenario where an artifact can become a creature, and it’s essential to understand the implications of this transformation. In this article, we’ll delve into the topic of When an artifact becomes a creature summoning sickness? and explore the rules and implications surrounding this phenomenon.
Direct Answer:
Yes, an artifact that becomes a creature still experiences summoning sickness. According to the official Magic: The Gathering rules, only creatures, artifact creatures, land creatures, planeswalker creatures, and enchantment creatures are affected by summoning sickness. This means that if an artifact is transformed into a creature, it will still be subject to the rules of summoning sickness.
What is Summoning Sickness?
Summoning sickness is a game state that occurs when a creature is played or becomes a creature. During this time, the creature is unable to attack or use activated abilities that include the tap or untap symbols in their cost. This restriction is in place to prevent players from abusing the rules and creating an unfair advantage.
When Does Summoning Sickness Apply?
Summoning sickness applies to the following creatures:
• Creatures: Any creature that is played or becomes a creature is subject to summoning sickness.
• Artifact Creatures: Artifact creatures, such as those created by cards like Myr Battlesphere, are also affected by summoning sickness.
• Land Creatures: Land creatures, like those created by cards like Forest, are subject to summoning sickness.
• Planeswalker Creatures: Planeswalker creatures, such as those created by cards like Chandra, Torch of Defiance, are also affected by summoning sickness.
• Enchantment Creatures: Enchantment creatures, like those created by cards like Serra Avatar, are subject to summoning sickness.
What Happens When an Artifact Becomes a Creature?
When an artifact becomes a creature, it is considered a new creature and is subject to the rules of summoning sickness. This means that the artifact will be unable to attack or use activated abilities that include the tap or untap symbols in their cost until the summoning sickness is resolved.
Implications of Summoning Sickness
Summoning sickness has several implications for gameplay:
• Limited Attack Options: Creatures affected by summoning sickness are unable to attack, which can limit their potential for damage.
• Limited Ability Use: Creatures affected by summoning sickness are unable to use activated abilities that include the tap or untap symbols in their cost, which can limit their potential for additional effects.
• Increased Vulnerability: Creatures affected by summoning sickness are more vulnerable to removal, as they are unable to attack or defend themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when an artifact becomes a creature, it is subject to summoning sickness. This means that the artifact will be unable to attack or use activated abilities that include the tap or untap symbols in their cost until the summoning sickness is resolved. Understanding the implications of summoning sickness is crucial for building a competitive deck and making informed decisions during gameplay.
Additional Tips and Tricks
• Use Creatures with No Summoning Sickness: Cards like Frogify and Vines of Vastwood allow creatures to avoid summoning sickness, making them valuable additions to any deck.
• Use Abilities That Don’t Trigger Summoning Sickness: Cards like Swords to Plowshares and Path to Exile allow you to remove creatures from the game without triggering summoning sickness.
• Play Around Summoning Sickness: Anticipate when your opponent’s creatures will be affected by summoning sickness and plan your moves accordingly.
By understanding the rules and implications of summoning sickness, you can improve your gameplay and make more informed decisions during matches. Remember to always keep an eye out for creatures that are affected by summoning sickness and plan your moves accordingly. Happy gaming!