Containment Construct MTG Card


Card utility maximized by retaining cards during your turn that would otherwise be discarded. Instant speed interaction enhances flexibility and strategic depth in gameplay. Demands strategic play to manage potential resource deficits due to its discard reliance.
Containment Construct - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Released2022-02-18
Set symbol
Set nameKamigawa: Neon Dynasty
Set codeNEO
Power 2
Toughness 1
Number243
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJulian Kok Joon Wen

Text of card

Whenever you discard a card, you may exile that card from your graveyard. If you do, you may play that card this turn.

Automated units are deployed to stabilize merge sites deemed too dangerous even for trained intercessors.


Cards like Containment Construct

Containment Construct opens up new dimensions for players who appreciate synergies around casting spells and utilizing the graveyard. This card bears some resemblance to Robber of the Rich in MTG, which also interacts with card exile but in a different context. While Robber targets the opponent’s deck, Containment Construct focuses on optimizing the player’s own exile pile by affording the ability to play that extra exiled card within the same turn.

We can also draw parallels with Lurrus of the Dream-Den, which allows you to cast one permanent spell of cost two or less from your graveyard each turn. Though Lurrus doesn’t interact with exile, it promotes a similar strategy of resource recovery. Then there’s Karn, Scion of Urza, famous for his ability to exile and later deploy artifacts and silver-counter cards. Containment Construct, however, is unique in its flexibility, accommodating any exiled card, not just artifacts, and doing so with immediate playability.

Each of these comparisons highlights different aspects of MTG’s exile and graveyard dynamics. Still, Containment Construct distinguishes itself as a versatile tool, offering paths to valuable card advantage for savvy deck builders keen to leverage spells and permanents beyond the traditional hand and battlefield zones.

Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Lurrus of the Dream-Den - MTG Card versions
Karn, Scion of Urza - MTG Card versions
Robber of the Rich - MTG Card versions
Lurrus of the Dream-Den - MTG Card versions
Karn, Scion of Urza - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Containment Construct by color, type and mana cost

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Liquimetal Coating - MTG Card versions
Perilous Myr - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Steel Overseer - MTG Card versions
Wurm's Tooth - MTG Card versions
Liquimetal Coating - MTG Card versions
Perilous Myr - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Containment Construct. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue ArtifactsMono-Blue Artifacts StandardMono-Blue ArtifactsTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024
StormStorm LegacyRiddlesmith ComboCharlotte Legacy League Season 4 Week 9
Riddlesmith ComboRiddlesmith Combo LegacyRiddlesmith ComboLegacy League 2023-11-25
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangePioneer Challenge 96 2023-12-10 (1)
Izzet ComboIzzet Combo LegacyRiddlesmith Combo2023 NA Legacy Champs

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Containment Construct shines when it comes to card utility during your turn. It enables you to stash cards that you otherwise would have discarded, effectively turning potential losses into future plays. This feature is particularly beneficial when your hand is brimming with potential, but you’re limited by the constraints of mana or timing.

Resource Acceleration: This card has a pivotal role in accelerating resource availability. By interacting seamlessly with various card types, it can potentially enhance your resource management, ensuring that you have the right assets at the right time. Its unique ability to transcend card types means you can adapt quickly to the dynamics of the game.

Instant Speed: One of the most tactical aspects of Containment Construct is its synergy with instant speed spells. This capability allows for a flexible defense and a responsive playstyle, keeping opponents on their toes. The inherent advantage of reacting in real-time to threats makes this card a strategic asset in any deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Containment Construct’s ability hinges on discarding a card, which could lead to a resource deficit if you’re running short on hand cards. It demands careful play to ensure that the discard will indeed translate into a strategic advantage, rather than an unforeseen setback.

Specific Mana Cost: This artifact demands a precise mana cost for its activation, which requires two colorless mana. While it may appear generic, the cost can be restrictive in decks that capitalize on using their mana pool very efficiently for colored spells and abilities.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost to get Containment Construct on the field is relatively steep when compared to other artifacts in the game. While it offers an intriguing ability, evaluating its four mana cost against other artifacts or spells in the same mana range may reveal that there are alternatives that provide more immediate value or versatility to your strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Containment Construct shines due to its flexibility. It is easily slotted into a vast array of deck archetypes. Whether you’re running a synergistic artifact build or just need extra value from your spells, this card has a place.

Combo Potential: The Construct enables you to capitalize on discarded or sacrificed cards, offering a well of opportunities to combo with effects that require discarding as a cost. This means every card you discard, intentional or not, can potentially further your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: With a shift towards decks that exploit the graveyard or lean on discard strategies, Containment Construct holds significant value. Its presence on the board can deter opponents from targeting your hand while offering you a sustained advantage through card resourcefulness.


How to beat

Containment Construct represents a unique piece within the Magic: The Gathering meta, known for its prowess in safeguarding your hand’s strategy against forced discard. This card stands out due to its ability to provide you with an alternative: whenever you discard a card, you have the liberty to play that card for the rest of the turn, elevating the dynamics of your gameplay. This characteristic makes it tricky for opponents who rely on making you discard to gain an edge.

To outplay an opponent with Containment Construct on the field, one must consider using removal spells that can bypass the Construct’s ability, such as board wipes or exile effects. Targeted removal cards, like Path to Exile or Wrath of God, can efficiently handle the Construct without allowing your opponent to utilize their potential discarded cards. Additionally, strategies involving graveyard hate, like Rest in Peace, nullify the Construct’s advantage by preventing any interaction with discarded cards once they hit the graveyard. By incorporating these cards into your deck, you significantly enhance your chances against builds that feature the Containment Construct.

Overall, smart deck building and strategic planning with removals and graveyard management are key to triumphing over the Containment Construct in Magic: The Gathering, ensuring your opponent’s discard-protection mechanisms fall short.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Containment Construct can greatly enhance your gameplay in MTG. With its ability to turn discards into tactical opportunities, this card serves as a fascinating addition to various deck strategies. Enhancing your resource management and maintaining momentum during your turn is critical, and Containment Construct offers a creative way to achieve that. We encourage players to think outside the box and recognize the potential in every discarded card. Keen to discover how Containment Construct might unlock new combos and synergies in your deck? Extend your strategic horizon with us and explore the multitude of ways this card can boost your MTG arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Containment Construct MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Containment Construct and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Containment Construct has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal