Universal Automaton MTG Card


Universal Automaton fits any deck, offering a steady, color-agnostic creature option, which is great for tribal synergy. Its changeling trait is multifaceted, contributing to combos and filling roles within various creature types needed. To counter Universal Automaton, focus on strategies that undermine its tribal synergies, like broad removals.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Shapeshifter
Abilities Changeling
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Changeling (This card is every creature type.)

"Within minutes, the strange device was indistinguishable from the other upon my workbench." —Tocasia, journal entry


Cards like Universal Automaton

The Universal Automaton has a unique position in the ecosystem of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It shares its chameleon-like characteristic with Mistform Ultimus, which is also considered a creature of all types. However, Universal Automaton stands out with its low mana cost, making it a versatile option for any tribal-themed deck. Unlike Mistform Ultimus, it requires only one mana of any color, ensuring it fits seamlessly into multicolored decks.

Changeling Outcast is another card to consider alongside Universal Automaton. Both boast the changeling trait, allowing them to adapt to any creature type needed. Changeling Outcast, though unblockable, cannot block and comes at a similar low cost. In contrast, Universal Automaton offers more flexibility by being able to both block and attack. Its presence can bolster tribal synergies from elves to zombies without the drawback of being solely offensive.

On balance, Universal Automaton is a staple for players looking to enhance their tribal interactions. Its cost-effective nature paired with the changeling ability makes it a formidable piece in the MTG realm, particularly for those decks that rely heavily on creature types and tribal bonuses.

Mistform Ultimus - MTG Card versions
Changeling Outcast - MTG Card versions
Mistform Ultimus - MTG Card versions
Changeling Outcast - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Universal Automaton by color, type and mana cost

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Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Library of Leng - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Ivory Tower - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Triangle of War - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Crystal Rod - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue MillMono-Blue Mill PauperPauper Jungle
Simic TempoSimic Tempo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 10 2024
UBUB VintageVintage Challenge 32 2024-02-18
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo ModernMagda Combo$20K RCQ (Top 4) - Modern - SCG CON Cincinnati - Saturday - 10:00 am
8-Rack8-Rack ModernMagda Combo$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Cincinnati - Sunday - 9:00 am
Magda ComboMagda Combo ModernMagda ComboModern Challenge 96 2023-12-02 (1)
Five-color EldraziFive-color Eldrazi ModernMagda ComboNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Madison, Wisconsin (Modern)
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange HistoricAbzan MidrangeWeekday Night Magic

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Universal Automaton can easily slot into any deck, regardless of color identity, giving you a reliable creature presence. This versatility ensures that you have a dependable, albeit modest, board presence that contributes to maintaining the flow of your game plan.

Resource Acceleration: As a one-mana artifact creature, Universal Automaton is an inexpensive way to trigger abilities or synergize with cards that benefit from noncreature artifacts entering the battlefield. Its low cost also helps in curving out your plays efficiently, potentially accelerating your strategy.

Instant Speed: While Universal Automaton itself may not be an instant, its mere presence can aid decks that operate at instant speed. As a changeling, it can activate tribal instant-speed abilities for which you might not otherwise have the requisite creature type, enhancing your flexibility and response capability during the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Universal Automaton doesn’t specifically require a discard to be played, decks utilizing it may have other synergistic cards that do require discarding, potentially leading to card disadvantage if not managed properly.

Specific Mana Cost: Despite its flexibility in mana usage, the colorless requirement for Universal Automaton means it cannot help fix mana issues in a multicolor deck that might be struggling to draw the right colors for other spells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Universal Automaton’s cost is typically low, in ultra-aggressive or optimized decks, even a one-mana cost for a 1/1 creature can be considered high compared to other options that might provide greater impact or additional utility on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Universal Automaton is a chameleon in creature form, slipping into numerous deck types with ease. Its changeling ability means it counts as every creature type, making it a natural fit anywhere tribal synergies are at play.

Combo Potential: As a cost-effective creature that carries all creature types, it can be the missing piece in an intricate combo puzzle. Pair it with effects that trigger off certain creature types, and you have a recipe for success.

Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability, Universal Automaton remains relevant in a shifting meta. In formats where tribal decks rise to prominence, it’s a low-cost way to enhance your board presence and capitalize on tribal buffs.


How to beat

Universal Automaton holds a special place in the rich tapestry of Magic: The Gathering, providing deck builders with versatile solutions for tribal synergies. Despite its inherent utility, overcoming this card isn’t a complex maneuver. It comes down to recognizing its strength as a chameleon among creatures, able to slip into any tribe with ease. Thus, the key to conquering Universal Automaton lies in negating these synergistic advantages. Tactics such as applying removals that sidestep its tribal alignments or using board wipes that don’t discriminate against creature types are highly effective. It’s also worth considering cards that limit the benefits of tribal effects, thereby rendering the Automaton a mere vanilla creature on the battlefield.

Moreover, when faced with this adaptable adversary, adapt your strategy to intercept the synergies it aims to enhance. Since Universal Automaton is often used to augment the strengths of other tribal creatures, cutting off those interactions can significantly reduce its impact. Keep an eye out for cards that restrict the casting or activation of abilities of creatures of a certain tribe, or employ strategies that don’t rely heavily on creature-based interactions, and you’ll find that the Universal Automaton becomes far less formidable.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Universal Automaton MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Modern Horizons, 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 Universal Automaton and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Universal Automaton Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Ben Maier.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 913811997NormalBlackBen Maier
22019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 2352015NormalBlackBen Maier
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 16472015NormalBlackBen Maier
42020-09-26The ListPLST MH1-2352015NormalBlackBen Maier
52021-06-18Modern Horizons 1 TimeshiftsH1R 381997NormalBlackBen Maier
62021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 7592015NormalBlackBen Maier
72022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 8032015NormalBlackBen Maier

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Universal Automaton has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal