Paradox Engine MTG Card


Paradox Engine excels at creating card advantage and manipulating resource acceleration within a game. Its versatility and combo potential make it a must-have for crafting powerful, game-winning strategies. Strategic removal and control are essential for overcoming the robust combos that Paradox Engine enables.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
Rarity
TypeLegendary Artifact

Text of card

Whenever you cast a spell, untap all nonland permanents you control.

"This device was submitted to the Fair anonymously. It is imperative that its maker be found. We must understand it." —Confiscation directive


Cards like Paradox Engine

Paradox Engine injects a unique dynamic in Magic: The Gathering, with capabilities closely resembling those of other cards designed to untap permanents. Intriguingly, Isochron Scepter stands out as a comparable card, primarily due to its ability to repeatedly cast the imprinted instant card with each spell you play, thus sharing the theme of reusing resources. However, Paradox Engine amplifies this by untapping all nonland permanents, not just the Scepter itself, leading to potentially game-altering combos.

Another relative is Dramatic Reversal. This instant offers a one-time mass untap effect at a far lower cost, which can still set up a significant advantage. Although not a direct engine for continuous untapping like Paradox Engine, it’s often combined with Isochron Scepter for a similar, recurring effect. Unwinding Clock is a card that somewhat mimics Paradox Engine’s untap ability as well, albeit with a restriction to only untap during your untap step, thus lacking the explosive play potential Paradox Engine carries.

In the context of flexibility and potential for creating overwhelming board states, Paradox Engine certainly stands as a powerhouse among cards that untap permanents. Its ability to transform nearly any spell into a catalyst for untapping makes it a card that, while similar to others, presents a unique and powerful option for players crafting intricate MTG combos.

Isochron Scepter - MTG Card versions
Dramatic Reversal - MTG Card versions
Unwinding Clock - MTG Card versions
Isochron Scepter - MTG Card versions
Dramatic Reversal - MTG Card versions
Unwinding Clock - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Paradox Engine by color, type and mana cost

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Razormane Masticore - MTG Card versions
Thran Golem - MTG Card versions
Gauntlets of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Ring of Renewal - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Avian - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Steam Beast - MTG Card versions
Sand Golem - MTG Card versions
Pandora's Box - MTG Card versions
Belbe's Portal - MTG Card versions
Crumbling Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Mind's Eye - MTG Card versions
Horizon Stone - MTG Card versions
The Deck of Many Things - MTG Card versions
Coat of Arms - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Vorrac - MTG Card versions
Timesifter - MTG Card versions
Leveler - MTG Card versions
Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Myr Matrix - MTG Card versions
Dross Golem - MTG Card versions
Razormane Masticore - MTG Card versions
Thran Golem - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
BRBR LegacyLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-29 (1)
UBRUBR LegacyLegacy League 2024-04-17
Grixis ArtifactsGrixis Artifacts LegacyBlue ArtifactsLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-27 (1)
UU LegacyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Dice FactoryDice Factory ModernDice FactoryModern Preliminary 2024-04-26 (1)
Mystic Forge ComboMystic Forge Combo LegacyMystic Forge ComboLegacy League 2024-04-14
Izzet ArtifactsIzzet Artifacts LegacyBlue ArtifactsLegacy Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Dice Factory TronDice Factory Tron ModernDice Factory TronModern Challenge 64 2024-04-20 (1)
4c Tinker4c Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-20
Mono-Blue Paradoxical OutcomeMono-Blue Paradoxical Outcome LegacyBlue Artifacts$1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Sunday - 9:30 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Paradox Engine is a powerhouse of synergy that maximizes your card usefulness by untapping nonland permanents whenever you cast a spell. This cyclical untapping can lead to drawing multiple cards per turn if combined with the right artifacts or creatures that draw cards upon tapping.

Resource Acceleration: In the domain of mana generation, Paradox Engine works wonders by allowing players to untap mana-producing artifacts or creatures each time they sling a spell. This creates a potent loop for accelerating resources and enabling the casting of even more spells in the same turn.

Instant Speed: While Paradox Engine itself does not operate at instant speed, it empowers plays that can. It enables mana rocks and dorks to be used repeatedly, providing the necessary mana to react swiftly with instant spells any time within the game cycle, thus ensuring you’re always ready to respond or further your board state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite its unique untapping ability, Paradox Engine necessitates the player to have a steady flow of castable spells to maintain momentum. This pressure can lead to discarding valuable cards due to a hand clogged with expensive or situational spells not suitable for the current board state.

Specific Mana Cost: With a generic mana cost of five, Paradox Engine can be slotted into any deck. However, the need to harness its power effectively means it often requires a strategic build with mana-generating or low-cost spells, potentially restricting deck diversity and creativity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At five mana, Paradox Engine is an investment, especially in formats where speed is critical. Players might find it challenging to balance the high cost of getting the engine online with maintaining a presence on the board, as other strategies could reach their peak much quicker, leaving lesser room for engine-based build-ups.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Paradox Engine is adaptable across various deck archetypes, particularly those harnessing spells that untap nonland permanents. Its ability to untap all nonland permanents anytime you cast a spell makes it an asset in strategies aiming for continuous mana generation or repeated activation of abilities.

Combo Potential: This artifact is infamous for its combo-enabling properties, allowing players to create powerful synergies with cards like mana dorks or rocks for an almost unlimited mana loop. Incorporating Paradox Engine into your deck opens the door to explosive plays that can turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where longer, more involved games are typical, Paradox Engine shines by maintaining board presence and resource availability. Its potential to significantly impact the game state by perpetuating combo plays ensures it remains a pertinent choice for competitive play.


How to beat

The Paradox Engine is a powerful artifact in the world of MTG, infamous for its ability to untap all nonland permanents whenever its controller casts a spell. Often used in combination with mana-producing artifacts, it can generate massive amounts of mana in a single turn, creating opportunities for a player to cast numerous spells or even win the game on the spot. Overcoming this card requires a strategic approach.

Interrupting the synergy that Paradox Engine relies on is key. Artifact removal spells like Naturalize or Abrade can directly target and eliminate the Engine from play. Disruption tactics are also effective; cards such as Duress can help preemptively remove it from your opponent’s hand. Additionally, countering the spells that would trigger the Engine’s ability, using spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak, can hinder your opponent’s strategy. Control decks that can manage the board and keep pressure on the opponent’s resources also stand a better chance at disrupting the combo-ridden game plan enabled by Paradox Engine.

Ultimately, recognizing the pivotal role that Paradox Engine plays in your opponent’s strategy and aiming to interrupt their plays through removal, hand disruption, counterspells, or efficient board control will increase your odds of overcoming this formidable card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Paradox Engine MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh Inventions and Aether Revolt, 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 Paradox Engine and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Paradox Engine Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 432015NormalBlackVincent Proce
22017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 1692015NormalBlackChristine Choi
32017-01-20Aether Revolt PromosPAER 169s2015NormalBlackChristine Choi
42020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 2592015NormalBlackChristine Choi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Paradox Engine has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderBanned
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Paradox Engine card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2017-02-09 Paradox Engine’s triggered ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger. The ability will resolve even if that spell is countered.