Unveiling the Mysteries of Incubator Tokens: A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Incubator tokens do indeed enter the battlefield. They arrive with their designated number of +1/+1 counters already in place. These tokens are a unique type of predefined token introduced in March of the Machine, possessing the ability to transform into Phyrexian creatures. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of these fascinating game pieces!
Understanding Incubator Tokens
What are Incubator Tokens?
Incubator tokens are double-faced tokens representing Phyrexian growth pods. The front face is a colorless Incubator artifact with the activated ability “{2}: Transform this artifact.” The back face transforms into a 0/0 colorless Phyrexian artifact creature aptly named “Phyrexian Token.” Their primary function is to provide a delayed creature deployment mechanism, allowing players to invest mana and then later unleash Phyrexian forces.
Key Characteristics of Incubator Tokens
- Predefined: They are predefined tokens, meaning they have a built-in ability (“{2}: Transform this artifact”).
- Transforming: They are double-faced, allowing them to transform from an Incubator artifact into a Phyrexian creature.
- Artifacts: Both faces are artifacts, opening them up to artifact synergies.
- Colorless: Both faces are colorless.
- Enter the Battlefield with Counters: They enter the battlefield with +1/+1 counters, as specified by the Incubate ability that created them.
- Phyrexian (Eventually): After transformation, they become Phyrexian creatures, benefiting from Phyrexian tribal effects.
How to Use Incubator Tokens
Incubator tokens are created using the Incubate mechanic. The spell or ability that uses the Incubate mechanic will specify the number of +1/+1 counters the Incubator token enters the battlefield with. Then, at any time you could pay the mana cost {2} (two generic mana) to transform the artifact into a Phyrexian token with 0/0 power and toughness and enter the battlefield with all the plus one, plus one counters. It is a simple yet versatile mechanic that adds a layer of strategic depth to Magic: The Gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Incubator Tokens
1. Do Incubate tokens enter the battlefield?
Yes, as we established earlier, Incubator tokens enter the battlefield with their assigned +1/+1 counters.
2. If I control my opponent’s turn, can I transform their Incubator tokens before the counters are on them?
No. Incubator tokens enter the battlefield with the +1/+1 counters already on them. There is no window to transform them before the counters are placed.
3. Can you proliferate Incubator tokens?
Absolutely! Incubator tokens benefit greatly from Proliferate effects. You can add extra counters to them, making their eventual Phyrexian form even more formidable.
4. How do Incubator tokens interact with Parallel Lives and Doubling Season?
Incubator tokens play exceptionally well with effects like Parallel Lives and Doubling Season. These cards will either double the number of tokens created or double the amount of counters put on those tokens. This allows for exponential token generation or substantially larger Phyrexian creatures.
5. Is an Incubator token an artifact?
Yes, an Incubator token is indeed an artifact. Specifically, it’s a predefined token and artifact type debuting in March of the Machine.
6. Does an Incubate token have summoning sickness?
The Incubator token itself does not have summoning sickness. However, if you transform it into a Phyrexian creature the same turn it enters the battlefield, the transformed Phyrexian creature will have summoning sickness. If the Incubator token entered on a previous turn, you can transform and attack on the same turn.
7. Does transforming an Incubator token count as entering the battlefield?
Generally, when a card transforms, it doesn’t count as entering the battlefield. However, cards that specifically exile the card and return it to the battlefield transformed (like Jace, Vryn’s Prodigy) do trigger “enter the battlefield” effects upon their return. This distinction is crucial for timing and triggered abilities.
8. What happens when you copy an Incubator token?
A token created as a copy of an Incubator token functions identically to the original. It will enter the battlefield with the same face up (the Incubator artifact side) and the same number of +1/+1 counters.
9. Are Incubator tokens Phyrexians?
Not initially. The front face of an Incubator token is a colorless Incubator artifact. It is only after transforming that it becomes a 0/0 colorless Phyrexian artifact creature.
10. Does Hexproof stop Proliferate from adding counters to an Incubator token?
No, Hexproof does not stop Proliferate. Proliferate does not target; it lets you choose permanents to add counters to. Since you’re not targeting anything, Hexproof, Shroud, or Ward are ineffective against it.
11. Do Incubator tokens trigger abilities when a creature enters the battlefield after being transformed?
Yes, the transformed Phyrexian creature will trigger “when a creature enters the battlefield” abilities, including those of other tokens that entered the battlefield at the same time.
12. Can you sacrifice a Phyrexian creature transformed from an Incubator token when it enters the battlefield using Exploit?
Yes, if you have a creature with Exploit enter the battlefield, you can sacrifice the Phyrexian creature that was just transformed from an Incubator token. The Exploit ability triggers when the creature with Exploit enters, giving you the opportunity to sacrifice another creature, even one that just entered.
13. If I transform an Incubator token into a Phyrexian creature, can Botanical Brawler trigger?
Yes! The Incubator token enters with the counters already on it, but a permanent entering with counters also triggers abilities that trigger when counters are put on a permanent, such as the ability of Botanical Brawler.
14. If an opponent casts removal on my incubator, can I respond by transforming it?
Yes. You can activate the ability to transform your incubator in response to removal and the Phyrexian creature will still be created if the transforming ability resolves.
15. Does proliferate work on an incubator that has negative counters?
Proliferate works on permanents and players with counters on them and can affect any kind of counter on the permanent. If a permanent has a negative counter, proliferate can still add additional counters of that kind.
Delving Deeper into Magic Lore
The Phyrexians are a fascinating faction within the Magic: The Gathering universe, often compared to the Borg from Star Trek due to their hive mind and assimilation tendencies. The Phyrexians reproduce through various methods, including flesh-vats, birthing pods, and infecting other beings with glistening oil. The glistening oil serves as a mutagen, twisting the minds of the infected and leading to their Phyrexianization. The Games Learning Society may have many resources about the lore within these games, and you may be able to find them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Incubator tokens are a compelling addition to Magic: The Gathering, introducing a strategic layer of delayed creature deployment and Phyrexian synergy. By understanding their mechanics and interactions, you can effectively utilize these tokens to bolster your strategies and overwhelm your opponents. Embrace the Incubate mechanic and unleash the Phyrexian horde!