Can You Name Artifact as a Creature Type?

The straightforward answer is no, you cannot name “artifact” as a creature type. While it might seem intuitive given the existence of artifact creatures, the distinction is crucial within the rules of the game. To understand why, we need to delve into how card types and subtypes function, particularly within the context of Magic: The Gathering (MTG).

Card Types vs. Subtypes: The Core Distinction

In MTG, every card has a type line that defines its fundamental nature. This line is divided into two sections: the type(s) and the subtype(s). The words before the dash (—) represent the card type, such as Artifact, Creature, Enchantment, Land, or Planeswalker. The words after the dash, if present, indicate the subtype(s), for example Wizard, Goblin, or Equipment.

Artifact is a card type, not a creature subtype. This means that whenever an effect requires you to choose a creature subtype— for example, if a spell says “choose a creature type” — you cannot choose Artifact, as it is not a creature subtype. Similarly, effects that specifically target or interact with particular creature subtypes will also not affect artifacts as they are not a creature subtype. This is because creature types are what define what sort of creature the card is, while artifact is a description of what kind of card.

Why This Matters: Game Mechanics and Interactions

The separation between artifact as a type and creature as another type, with subtypes defining particular kinds of creatures, is not arbitrary. It underpins numerous game mechanics and card interactions.

• Targeting Effects: Spells and abilities often specify card types or subtypes they can target. For instance, a spell that says “Destroy target artifact” will destroy an artifact creature, because it is an artifact, but not a non-artifact creature, or a spell that says “Destroy target human” will destroy a human creature, but not a non-human creature such as a goblin.

• Keyword Abilities: Certain keyword abilities, like “crew” on vehicles, are tied to specific card types. A vehicle becomes an artifact creature after it’s been crewed, highlighting that artifact and creature are distinct aspects of the permanent that can be active separately or simultaneously.

• “Choosing a Type” Effects: When an effect requires choosing a creature type (like “choose a creature type and all creatures of that type get +1/+1”), the choice must be one of the designated creature subtypes; Artifact isn’t a valid option.

• Counting Card Types: Cards that count the number of card types in your graveyard, like Emrakul, will count an artifact creature as two separate types.

• Permanent Types: There are five permanent types: Artifact, Creature, Enchantment, Land, and Planeswalker. Artifacts and creatures, along with the other types, can all be permanent types, but each type is distinct from the other.

Understanding Artifact Creatures

An artifact creature is a permanent that possesses both the Artifact and Creature card types. This means anything that affects either artifacts or creatures will affect them. An artifact creature is still affected by summoning sickness, as all creatures are. They are considered to be both types for the purposes of game mechanics and card interactions. For example, an artifact creature can be targeted by either a spell that says “destroy target artifact” or a spell that says “destroy target creature”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the concept and help you better understand the nuances of card types in MTG:

1. What is a creature type?

A creature type is a single word used to describe a specific kind of creature, like Goblin, Elf, or Wizard. These are subtypes found on the type line after the dash of a card that has the type creature. They are distinct from card types like Artifact or Enchantment.

2. Is “Shrine” a creature type?

No, Shrine is an enchantment type, not a creature type. Even if some creatures have “Shrine” in their name, it does not make it a creature type. It cannot be chosen for any effect that instructs you to choose a creature type.

3. Is “God” a creature type?

Yes, God is a valid creature type. While the name refers to a higher entity, within MTG, it functions as a creature type like any other.

4. Is an artifact creature a non-creature?

No, an artifact creature is not a non-creature. While they are also artifacts, they are primarily creatures on the battlefield. A non-creature is a permanent that does not have the creature card type.

5. Does an artifact creature count as two card types?

Yes, an artifact creature counts as two distinct card types: Artifact and Creature. This becomes relevant when dealing with effects that check for the number of card types.

6. What is the difference between an artifact and an artifact creature?

An artifact is a card type, generally composed of generic mana, while an artifact creature has both the card types of artifact and creature, with potentially colored or generic mana costs. Also, an artifact creature can attack after they hit the battlefield unless they have haste, while an artifact cannot attack and does not have summoning sickness.

7. What counts as an artifact?

An artifact is a permanent card type made by someone or something. These can include all sorts of things, from weapons to machines to tools.

8. Does an artifact land count as a spell?

No, an artifact land is played as a land and not cast as a spell. They are still considered an artifact card, so it is a permanent card that is an artifact and a land.

9. Are artifact creatures permanent?

Yes, artifact creatures are considered permanent cards. Artifacts and Creatures are two of the five types of permanent cards.

10. Do artifacts have summoning sickness?

Artifacts do not have summoning sickness, but only creatures do, including artifact creatures. Summoning sickness only affects creatures and stops them from attacking or using abilities with the tap or untap symbols.

11. Is a Changeling an artifact creature?

No, Changelings are not automatically artifact creatures. They have all creature types, but this does not include the artifact card type.

12. Can an artifact creature be equipped?

Yes, if the artifact is also an equipment, it can be attached to a creature which includes artifact creatures.

13. Can you destroy an artifact creature with a “destroy artifact” card?

Yes, a “destroy artifact” card can destroy an artifact creature because an artifact creature is also an artifact, just as a “destroy creature” card could destroy it because it is also a creature.

14. Is a vehicle an artifact creature?

A vehicle is primarily an artifact type, but when “crewed” it becomes an artifact creature. Until it is crewed it is not a creature. It will have the type Artifact Creature – Vehicle.

15. Is an artifact a non-creature spell?

If an artifact card is also a creature, it is not a non-creature spell. A spell with the card type of “creature” is not a non-creature spell.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between card types and subtypes is essential to properly navigating the complexities of MTG. While artifact creatures are powerful and versatile cards, “artifact” itself is not a creature subtype. This fundamental distinction governs how cards interact within the game, ensuring consistency and strategic depth. By grasping these core rules, you’ll be better equipped to build more effective decks and make informed decisions during gameplay.