Thopter Assembly MTG Card


Generates a steady stream of Thopter tokens, potentially swarming opponents and creating substantial board presence. Demands strategic play due to its return-to-hand mechanism, enabling recurrent token deployment. Presents a high mana cost which requires careful deck-building consideration for optimal play.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeArtifact Creature — Thopter
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying At the beginning of your upkeep, if you control no Thopters other than Thopter Assembly, return Thopter Assembly to its owner's hand and put five 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens with flying onto the battlefield.


Cards like Thopter Assembly

Thopter Assembly is an intriguing artifact creature in Magic the Gathering with a unique presence on the battlefield. It bears some similarity to other token-generating cards like Myr Battlesphere, which also creates a swath of artifact creature tokens upon entry. However, Thopter Assembly offers a renewable source of tokens, returning to your hand and redeploying each turn if you control no other Thopters, setting a rhythm of token generation.

Breya’s Apprentice is another card that dips into the world of artifact synergy. While it doesn’t churn out a fleet of tokens, it provides utility by creating a Thopter and offering an outlet for manipulating your artifacts. Thopter Spy Network is a subtle yet powerful engine that generates Thopter tokens while rewarding you for attacking with artifacts, enhancing both offense and board presence. Unlike the constant stream from Thopter Assembly, these alternatives highlight incremental advantages and resource manipulation.

Within Magic the Gathering’s vast array of cards, Thopter Assembly holds its own, offering a consistent threat and potential for combos, especially in decks that capitalize on artifacts. Its ability to fly under the radar and amass an army over multiple turns can be a formidable strategy for any player.

Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Breya's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Thopter Spy Network - MTG Card versions
Myr Battlesphere - MTG Card versions
Breya's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Thopter Spy Network - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thopter Assembly by color, type and mana cost

Clockwork Beast - MTG Card versions
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Armageddon Clock - MTG Card versions
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Joven's Tools - MTG Card versions
Serpent Generator - MTG Card versions
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Phyrexian Hulk - MTG Card versions
Wurmcoil Engine - MTG Card versions
Brass Herald - MTG Card versions
Mirror Golem - MTG Card versions
Razor Golem - MTG Card versions
Mycosynth Lattice - MTG Card versions
Leashling - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Beast - MTG Card versions
Triskelion - MTG Card versions
Armageddon Clock - MTG Card versions
Mirror Universe - MTG Card versions
Sword of the Ages - MTG Card versions
Planar Gate - MTG Card versions
Urza's Avenger - MTG Card versions
Bronze Tablet - MTG Card versions
Joven's Tools - MTG Card versions
Serpent Generator - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Sculpture - MTG Card versions
Workhorse - MTG Card versions
Well of Discovery - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Hulk - MTG Card versions
Wurmcoil Engine - MTG Card versions
Brass Herald - MTG Card versions
Mirror Golem - MTG Card versions
Razor Golem - MTG Card versions
Mycosynth Lattice - MTG Card versions
Leashling - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thopter Assembly facilitates significant card advantage once returned to your hand by offering a fresh swarm of Thopter tokens each turn. This repetitive process can overwhelm opponents with a steady influx of flying creatures without depleting your hand.

Resource Acceleration: The tokens generated by Thopter Assembly can be utilized for various synergistic strategies, including resource acceleration. These tokens might interact with other cards that tap creatures for mana or sacrifice creatures for some sort of benefit, thereby propelling you ahead in terms of available resources.

Instant Speed: Though Thopter Assembly itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it potentially synergizes with other instant speed cards. For example, the assembly of Thopters can be at the ready to be utilized or sacrificed during the instant phase for strategic plays, taking advantage of the unsuspecting state of an opponent’s battlefield.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Thopter Assembly doesn’t directly ask you to discard cards, it does require a board-state without other Thopters to trigger its ability. This can be counterproductive as it conflicts with the inherent desire to build a wide Thopter fleet, necessitating strategic discards or sacrificing your tokens.

Specific Mana Cost: Thopter Assembly demands a precise mana investment of six, including five generic and one blue. This can be restrictive for decks that aim for a diverse mana base or those that focus heavily on spells with lower mana values.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cast cost of six mana, Thopter Assembly is on the higher end of the mana curve. In a game where tempo is crucial, investing such a substantial amount of mana into a single card that does not have an immediate impact on the game can be seen as a downside, especially considering other lower-cost cards that may achieve similar or greater immediate board presence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thopter Assembly can effortlessly slide into diverse deck types, standing out in artifact-centric builds or as a late-game flyer generator in control strategies.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with effects that capitalize on the numerous artifacts or Thopters it generates, making it a linchpin in intricate combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: Given its unique ability to flood the board with fliers, Thopter Assembly holds its ground in meta games where overwhelming opponents or defending against airborne threats is key.


How to beat

Thopter Assembly is a unique card that can be a game-changer, particularly in decks designed to capitalize on its token-generating ability. This artifact creature not only presents a respectable threat on its own but also has the potential to flood the battlefield with Thopter tokens, challenging opponents to find an answer swiftly.

Dealing with Thopter Assembly begins with timing. Countering this card as it’s played is an effective method, utilizing spells that target artifacts or creatures such as Negate or Disenchant. Removals are key and tapping into the sideboard to include artifact destruction cards can make or break a match against a Thopter-centric deck. Should the Assembly successfully deploy, the next best strategy is to limit its token-producing capability. Board wipes like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can reset the situation, while spot removal can keep potential token swarms at bay. Delaying tactics to stall long enough until you can implement one of these strategies can also work.

Ultimately, consistent pressure and maintaining a response to the Assembly’s presence are crucial. By understanding the mechanics surrounding Thopter Assembly and preparing your deck with precise answers, you will enhance your chances of dismantling the aerial threat this card represents.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re intrigued by the versatility and combo potential of Thopter Assembly, take this moment to broaden your strategy and deck-building skills. Its unique token-generation can pivot the course of a match, inviting dynamics that challenge both seasoned and novice MTG players. Consider integrating this card into your arsenal for that surprise element that keeps your adversaries on their toes. Thopter Assembly’s mechanic requires precision and understanding of the tempo of the game, making it a valuable addition to your collection. Dive deeper into the world of MTG with us, and discover how Thopter Assembly can turn the tides in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thopter Assembly MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Thopter Assembly and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thopter Assembly Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 396382003NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
22011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 1402003NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
32018-08-09Commander 2018C18 2262015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
42023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3862015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thopter Assembly has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-06-01 The triggered ability looks for any permanent you control with the creature type Thopter, not just the Thopter tokens previously created by a Thopter Assembly.