Can You Crew Transformers in MTG? The Definitive Guide
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No, you cannot crew a Transformer card in Magic: The Gathering using the standard “Crew” mechanic, and this is a crucial point to understand when playing with these iconic double-sided cards. While Transformers cards are mechanically vehicles, they uniquely sidestep the need for creature-based crews. This is due to the special ability Living Metal printed on every single Transformer card in MTG.
Understanding Living Metal
What is Living Metal?
Living Metal is a static ability that functions only when it’s your turn. In its simplest form, it says: “As long as it’s your turn, this Vehicle is also a creature.” This means that the Transformer card, while representing a vehicle like Optimus Prime’s truck mode or Starscream’s jet form, is also considered a creature on your turn.
How Living Metal Affects Crewing
Because of Living Metal, Transformers are already considered creatures on your turn, negating the need to tap other creatures to “crew” them. They essentially crew themselves. This neatly solves the thematic issue of crew; nobody needs to hop into Optimus Prime to drive him – he is the vehicle and the driving force himself. This is key to understanding why these cards work as they do.
Interaction with Other Crewed Vehicles
It’s essential to note that while Transformers don’t need to be crewed, they still interact with other “crewed” vehicles as usual. If you have another normal Vehicle, say a “Smuggler’s Copter”, you will still need to tap creatures to crew it. Conversely, other “crewed” vehicles cannot crew a Transformer in any way.
Transformers Cards: More Than Meets The Eye
The Unique Nature of Transformers Cards
Transformers cards represent a unique collaboration between Magic: The Gathering and the world of Transformers. They fall under the Universes Beyond umbrella, bringing non-Magic intellectual properties into the game. They are all double-sided cards that work like other double-sided cards in MTG, however, they also come with their own special mechanics, namely: Living Metal and Convert.
Convert: The Transform Mechanic
The Convert mechanic is the equivalent of a “transform” mechanic, but instead of transforming, the Transformers cards convert. This action allows you to flip them from one side to the other. Typically, this is triggered by game conditions or abilities written on the card itself, for example, receiving combat damage.
Why the Term “Convert”?
Hasbro uses “convert” specifically to avoid genericizing the term “transform” and to protect their trademark. It’s a subtle but important distinction that helps ensure the unique brand identity of Transformers.
Are Transformers Legal in MTG?
Formats Where Transformers Are Legal
Transformers cards are legal in “eternal” formats, specifically Commander, Legacy, and Vintage. This means they are available for use in these formats right away.
Formats Where Transformers Are NOT Legal
The Transformers cards are not legal in Standard or other rotating formats. This is important to keep in mind when planning your decks and collecting these unique cards. The silver-bordered Transformers cards, if they are released, are never legal in sanctioned formats, including those mentioned before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “Living Metal” ability exactly?
Living Metal allows a Transformer vehicle card to also be considered a creature on your turn, removing the need for manual crew.
2. Do I need to crew a Transformer card?
No. Thanks to Living Metal, Transformers cards do not require being crewed.
3. Can I crew another vehicle with a Transformer?
Yes, you can crew another vehicle with other creatures normally, but not with the Transformer itself.
4. What set are the Transformers cards in?
Transformers cards are part of the The Brothers’ War set and can appear in both regular and collector boosters.
5. What is the rarity of the Transformers cards?
Transformers cards appear in both regular and foil versions, with the Shattered Glass versions only in collector boosters. They have a roughly 12% chance of appearing in any given booster pack from the respective set.
6. Are Transformers cards legal in Commander?
Yes, Transformers cards are perfectly legal in the Commander format.
7. What other formats are they legal in?
They are also legal in Legacy and Vintage.
8. What does the “Convert” mechanic do?
Convert allows you to flip the card between its robot and vehicle form as specified on the card.
9. Are Transformers cards considered Vehicles and Creatures?
When it is your turn, yes. Due to Living Metal, they are both a vehicle and a creature on your turn. Otherwise, they are only considered a vehicle.
10. What is the difference between ‘transform’ and ‘convert’?
“Convert” is specifically used for Transformers cards for trademark purposes, while “transform” is the broader mechanic on other double-sided MTG cards.
11. Are Transformers MTG cards considered “real”?
Yes, they are official cards created as part of the Universes Beyond series by Wizards of the Coast. However, their legality is limited to specific formats.
12. Will Transformers cards be in MTG Arena?
Yes, the complete card list from Transformers in The Brothers’ War set will be available on MTG Arena.
13. Is Megatron legal in Commander?
Yes, Megatron, and all Transformers cards, are legal in Commander because they are an expansion set (BOT) in an eternal format.
14. What happens if I play a Transformer on my opponent’s turn?
It will enter as a Vehicle (the back side) without the Living Metal ability. However it will trigger when your turn starts and turn into a creature until your turn is over, after which it will turn back into a vehicle.
15. Why do the Transformers have a special mechanic?
Transformers cards have special mechanics like Living Metal and Convert to accurately reflect the nature of Transformers in their lore.