Whir of Invention MTG Card


Gains card advantage by fetching critical artifacts directly to the battlefield, crucial in late-game scenarios. Improves resource utilization allowing for faster gameplay and optimization of the mana curve in artifact heavy decks. Offers strategic flexibility with its instant speed, providing surprise elements and complex interaction during matches.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Abilities Improvise

Text of card

Improvise (Your artifacts can help cast this spell. Each artifact you tap after you're done activating mana abilities pays for .) Search your library for an artifact card with mana value X or less, put it onto the battlefield, then shuffle.


Cards like Whir of Invention

Whir of Invention is a unique instant in the world of Magic: The Gathering, inviting players to exploit their untapped artifacts to cast it through improvise. Its closest relative is the acclaimed Fabricate spell, which allows searching for an artifact card and adding it to your hand without the need for tapping resources. While Fabricate offers simplicity in its ability to fetch an artifact, Whir of Invention advances this by placing the artifact directly onto the battlefield.

Another comparison can be drawn to the powerful Reshape, which also tutors and puts an artifact into play. However, Reshape requires a sacrifice in addition to its casting cost, whereas Whir of Invention depends solely on the artifacts you control. Both involve strategic planning, but Whir offers additional flexibility.

When we consider the immediate impact of placing an artifact straight into action, Whir of Invention’s position in the artifact tutor niche becomes evident. Its combination of instant speed, the convenience of the improvise mechanic, and the surprise factor it can provide during a match highlights its distinct edge in the MTG arena.

Fabricate - MTG Card versions
Reshape - MTG Card versions
Fabricate - MTG Card versions
Reshape - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Whir of Invention by color, type and mana cost

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Mana Short - MTG Card versions
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Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Crystal Spray - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UU ModernModern Challenge 32 2024-04-29
Thopter ComboThopter Combo ModernThopter ComboModern Challenge 64 2024-02-18 (1)
Azorius ControlAzorius Control ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer
Esper WhirzaEsper Whirza ModernThopter Combo2024 Hunter Burton Memorial Open
Lantern ControlLantern Control ModernLantern2 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians
EggsEggs ModernEggsModern Challenge 64 2024-03-03
Jeskai MidrangeJeskai Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Azorius ImproviseAzorius Improvise PioneerAzorius Artifact ControlPro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024
Esper ControlEsper Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Whir of Invention shines by fetching any artifact from your deck, effectively acting as on-demand access to your most impactful pieces. This benefit can tilt the scales in your favor, especially in the late game when searching for that game-winning artifact becomes critical.

Resource Acceleration: By allowing you to tap unused artifacts for its improvise mechanic, Whir of Invention can enable you to play artifacts that cost more than your available mana. This optimizes your resources and can significantly accelerate your board presence in the early to mid-game.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Whir of Invention at instant speed is a strategic boon, offering the flexibility to hold back until the last possible moment before making a calculated move. Whether it’s disrupting an opponent’s plan or strengthening your own position on their end step, the instant nature of this spell keeps competitors guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Even though Whir of Invention doesn’t make you discard per se, its improvise mechanic means you often need to tap artifacts you might prefer to keep untapped for other synergies or abilities.

Specific Mana Cost: Central to its casting, Whir of Invention requires three blue mana, which can impose a challenging restriction for multicolored decks not heavily focused on blue.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Whir of Invention also comes with a baseline mana cost which can be steep. While it fetches artifacts directly onto the battlefield, this can be a slower setup compared to lower-cost artifact tutors or draw spells.


Reasons to Include Whir of Invention in Your Collection

Versatility: This card’s power lies in its ability to search your library for any artifact, providing a match for any situation on the board. Whether you need a specific tool for defense or the key piece to complete your combo, Whir of Invention can weave the perfect response directly into action.

Combo Potential: Deck builders treasure Whir of Invention for its ability to fetch critical artifacts at instant speed, seamlessly integrating into existing combos. When the sun sets on your opponent’s turn, cast Whir to bring forth that unexpected piece that could turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: As metagames evolve and decks demand more flexibility, having a card like Whir of Invention at your disposal ensures you’re always one step ahead. It remains a staple in formats where artifact strategies are prevalent, solidifying its status as a linchpin in competitive play.


How to beat

Whir of Invention is an influential card in MTG, known for its ability to fetch any artifact from the deck, paving the way for game-changing plays. To effectively counteract this card, it is essential to disrupt the player’s strategy before the card is even cast. Attack the player’s resource base by limiting their access to blue mana or utilize spells that restrict artifact activation. Discard strategies can also be effective, forcing the opponent to part with Whir of Invention before they have the opportunity to use it.

Moreover, countermagic is particularly potent against Whir of Invention due to its improvise mechanic, which often sees it cast during the opponent’s turn. Plan your moves to keep mana available for spells like Counterspell or Negate when you suspect the Whir is coming. If the artifact is already on the battlefield, direct removal spells or those that can neutralize its abilities can mitigate the impact. Focus on building a versatile deck that can adapt to and preempt your opponent’s strategies, reducing the risk posed by powerful tutor cards like Whir of Invention.

Understanding the intricacies of the artifacts your opponent is likely to search with Whir of Invention can greatly inform your strategy to beat it. By staying one step ahead and using disruption effectively, you can turn the tide of the game in your favor and overcome the challenges posed by this powerful card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deck optimization in MTG is an art, and understanding each card’s role can significantly enhance your gameplay. With Whir of Invention, you have a tool that offers unparalleled access to the artifacts within your deck, transforming your strategy with instant precision. Although potent, it requires skillful play and a focused deck build to capitalize on its advantages. If you’re aiming to weave Whir of Invention into your game plan, or looking for ways to counter it effectively, our insights are crafted to up your game. Dive deeper with us, explore strategic nuances, and forge a path to victory in your next MTG encounter.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Whir of Invention MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt Promos 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 Whir of Invention and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Whir of Invention Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-01-20Aether Revolt PromosPAER 49p2015NormalBlackChristine Choi
22017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 492015NormalBlackChristine Choi
32017-01-20Aether Revolt PromosPAER 49s2015NormalBlackChristine Choi
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 5472015NormalBlackChristine Choi
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 3112015NormalBorderlessTyler Walpole
62020-09-26The ListPLST AER-492015NormalBlackChristine Choi
72020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 732015NormalBlackChristine Choi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Whir of Invention has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Whir of Invention 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 Because improvise isn’t an alternative cost, it can be used in conjunction with alternative costs.
2017-02-09 Equipment attached to a creature doesn’t become tapped when that creature becomes tapped, and tapping that Equipment doesn’t cause the creature to become tapped.
2017-02-09 If an artifact you control has a mana ability with in the cost, activating that ability while casting a spell with improvise will result in the artifact being tapped when you pay the spell’s costs. You won’t be able to tap it again for improvise. Similarly, if you sacrifice an artifact to activate a mana ability while casting a spell with improvise, that artifact won’t be on the battlefield when you pay the spell’s costs, so you won’t be able to tap it for improvise.
2017-02-09 Improvise can’t be used to pay for anything other than the cost of casting the spell. For example, it can’t be used during the resolution of an ability that says “Counter target spell unless its controller pays .”
2017-02-09 Improvise can’t pay for , , , , , or mana symbols in a spell’s total cost.
2017-02-09 Improvise doesn’t change a spell’s mana cost or converted mana cost.
2017-02-09 Tapping an artifact won’t cause its abilities to stop applying unless those abilities say so.
2017-02-09 When calculating a spell’s total cost, include any alternative costs, additional costs, or anything else that increases or reduces the cost to cast the spell. Improvise applies after the total cost is calculated.
2017-02-09 When using improvise to cast a spell with in its mana cost, first choose the value for X. That choice, plus any cost increases or decreases, will determine the spell’s total cost. Then you can tap artifacts you control to help pay that cost. For example, if you cast Whir of Invention (a spell with improvise and mana cost ) and choose X to be 3, the total cost is . If you tap two artifacts, you’ll have to pay .