Are the Transformer Cards Legal in MTG? Everything You Need to Know
Yes, Transformer cards are legal in certain formats of Magic: The Gathering. Specifically, they are legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. However, it’s crucial to remember that only the black-bordered Transformer cards are permitted. The silver-bordered ones, often released in joke sets, are not legal in these established formats.
Let’s dive deeper into the world of Transformers in Magic: The Gathering, exploring where you can find them, how they work, and answering some frequently asked questions that might be buzzing in your circuits.
Transformers in Magic: Universes Beyond
The Transformers entered the MTG universe through the Universes Beyond initiative. This exciting project brings beloved franchises from other intellectual properties into the Magic: The Gathering fold. These cards are considered non-canon within the overall MTG storyline. That means they don’t affect the established narratives, character arcs, or planes that make up the core of Magic. Instead, they offer a unique, self-contained gameplay experience, adding a flavorful twist to your matches.
Where to Find Them?
You can find your favorite Autobots and Decepticons primarily in The Brothers’ War set. More precisely, they appear as special inserts within:
- Collector Boosters
- Bundles
- Gift Bundles
- Some Set Boosters
Important Note: They are not available in Draft Boosters. This is a critical detail to keep in mind when you’re hunting for these iconic characters. This selective distribution makes the Transformer cards somewhat rarer and more sought-after.
How Do They Work? “More Than Meets the Eye”
Transformer cards function similarly to other double-sided cards in MTG but with some unique twists. Each Transformer card boasts two sides, representing its robot and vehicle forms. They also come with the following keywords:
- More Than Meets the Eye: This refers to their ability to transform between their robot and vehicle modes. This mechanic ties in perfectly with the original Transformers lore.
- Convert: The act of changing from one form to the other. Converting can be triggered by various abilities or game conditions.
The “Convert” keyword itself is a conscious choice by Hasbro to protect their trademark. This distinguishes the Transformers conversion from simply using the generic term “transform” and helps maintain their brand identity.
Living Metal
Adding another layer of complexity is the Living Metal ability. When a Transformer is in its vehicle mode, Living Metal effectively makes it a creature as well. This eliminates the need to “crew” the vehicle, a common mechanic in MTG for vehicles that requires tapping creatures to pilot them. With Living Metal, Optimus Prime doesn’t need a driver; he is the vehicle!
FAQs: Your Burning Transformer Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the legality, mechanics, and nuances of using Transformer cards in your Magic: The Gathering games:
1. Are all Universes Beyond cards legal in Commander?
Generally, yes. Universes Beyond cards are typically legal in Commander, Legacy, and Vintage unless specifically banned. The silver-bordered or acorn-stamped cards are the exception.
2. What MTG set introduced Transformers?
The Transformers were introduced as part of the Universes Beyond series in conjunction with The Brothers’ War set, released on November 18, 2022.
3. Can you use Transformer cards in a Draft?
No, you cannot directly use Transformer cards in a draft unless the format allows for it, like a Cube draft specifically designed to include them. As they are not included in Draft Boosters.
4. What are the odds of pulling a Transformer card from a booster pack?
The probability of pulling a Transformer card from a relevant booster pack (Collector or Set Booster) is roughly 12%. This makes them relatively rare and highly desirable.
5. How does Megatron work in MTG?
Megatron’s abilities typically involve sacrificing artifacts to deal damage to target creatures. This reflects his destructive nature in the Transformers universe. Often, converting him is tied to how much damage is dealt. Check the specific card for exact wording.
6. What does “Living Metal” mean on a Transformer card?
“Living Metal” means that the Transformer in its vehicle mode also counts as a creature. This means they don’t need to be crewed.
7. Why do Transformers “Convert” instead of “Transform” in MTG?
This is to protect Hasbro’s trademark. Hasbro uses the term “Convert” in their official Transformers materials to avoid genericizing the term “transform” and potentially weakening their trademark protection.
8. Are Brothers’ War Retro Artifacts legal in Commander?
Yes. The Retro Artifacts from The Brothers’ War are legal in Commander, as they are regular black-bordered cards.
9. Where can I find more information about the history of gaming and its impact on learning?
You can learn more about the fascinating intersections between gaming and education on the website of the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/). The Games Learning Society promotes research and collaboration in this exciting field.
10. What happens if a Transformer takes damage in vehicle mode?
If a Transformer takes damage in its vehicle mode, it’s treated like any other creature or permanent in MTG. The damage is marked on the card. This damage remains even when the card is converted, until the card is healed or leaves the battlefield.
11. How does the mana value of a Transformer card work?
The mana value of a double-sided card, including Transformers, is generally determined by the mana cost of its front face. Even when the card is converted, the mana value remains consistent.
12. Can you have multiple copies of the same Transformer card in your Commander deck?
No. The standard Commander rules still apply. You can only have one copy of any card with a unique name (except for basic lands) in your Commander deck.
13. If a Transformer is exiled, does it come back as its front or back face?
Unless specified otherwise, a double-faced card that is exiled typically returns to the battlefield as its front face. Read the specific card to determine which face it returns as.
14. How many Transformer cards are there in The Brothers’ War set?
The total number of Transformer cards in The Brothers’ War set varies depending on the specific printing and variations, but there are typically around 15 different cards. These all feature different variations and rarities.
15. What is the best way to protect my valuable Transformer cards?
Use appropriate sleeves and storage solutions. High-quality card sleeves protect your cards from handling damage, while binders or boxes keep them safe during storage and transportation.
In Conclusion
The Transformers integration into Magic: The Gathering through the Universes Beyond initiative has been a resounding success. These cards add an enjoyable layer of gameplay, allowing fans to engage with their beloved Autobots and Decepticons in a fresh, strategic way.
By understanding the legalities, mechanics, and nuances of these cards, you can confidently add them to your decks and roll out with Optimus Prime or plot world domination with Megatron. Just remember to stick to the black-bordered versions for sanctioned play and enjoy the “More Than Meets the Eye” excitement!