Artificial EvolutionHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Text Change Works

When you cast Artificial Evolution, you target a spell on the stack or a permanent on the battlefield. Upon resolution, you choose one creature type currently printed on that card and one new creature type to replace it with. This effect changes every instance of that word in the card's name-independent text box and its type line. Note that you cannot choose 'Wall' as the replacement creature type, and you cannot change proper nouns that happen to contain creature types, such as the names of the cards themselves.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you cast the spell and choose your target. Second, players have a chance to respond. Third, as Artificial Evolution resolves, you choose the creature types; this is the moment the text is physically 'overwritten' in the game's memory. If you targeted a spell, that spell will enter the battlefield with the modified text. This change is indefinite, meaning it does not wear off at the end of the turn and persists as long as the permanent remains on the battlefield.

Important Limitations

Artificial Evolution only affects the printed text, including the type line and the text box. It does not change effects already applied to a creature by other spells or abilities. For example, if a creature was turned into a Frog by another spell, changing 'Warrior' to 'Elf' on the card won't make it an Elf; it stays a Frog until that other effect expires. Additionally, changing the text of a spell already on the stack won't let you re-select targets, which can sometimes lead to the spell failing if its original targets are no longer valid under the new text.

Strategic Use

This card is most effective when used to break specific tribal requirements. You can use it to make an opponent's 'Lord' creature buff a type they don't control, or change a protection ability to something useless. Because it targets spells, you can even use it on a creature spell while it is being cast to ensure it enters the battlefield as the 'wrong' type, potentially shutting down enter-the-battlefield triggers or static buffs immediately.

Interaction examples

Modifying a Spell on the Stack

Counterspell

If your opponent casts a spell that relies on creature types, you can cast Artificial Evolution targeting that spell while it is still on the stack. If your opponent then tries to use Counterspell to stop your Evolution, the Counterspell resolves first and your Evolution is removed from the stack. However, if Evolution resolves, the spell's text is changed before it even hits the battlefield, potentially changing how it interacts with the board the moment it arrives.

Removing a Tribal Threat

An Offer You Can't Refuse

Imagine your opponent has a creature that gives all Goblins +1/+1. You cast Artificial Evolution targeting that creature, replacing 'Goblin' with 'Brushwagg'. The creature now buffs Brushwaggs instead, effectively neutralizing the tribal bonus for their army. If the opponent attempts to protect their creature with An Offer You Can't Refuse, your Evolution will be countered, and they will receive two Treasure tokens instead of the text change resolving.