Blade SplicerHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Two-Part Threat

When Blade Splicer enters the battlefield, its triggered ability immediately puts a 3/3 colorless Phyrexian Golem artifact creature token into play. While the Splicer itself is a modest 1/1, its static ability acts as a continuous aura for all Golems you control, granting them the first strike keyword. This means as long as Blade Splicer remains on the battlefield, your Golems will deal combat damage before creatures without first strike or double strike.

Timing and Resolution

The process begins when Blade Splicer successfully resolves and enters the battlefield. Its triggered ability goes on the stack, giving players a chance to respond. Once that ability resolves, the Phyrexian Golem token is created. Note that the 'Golems you control have first strike' ability is static; it does not use the stack and applies instantly to any Golem you control, including those that were already on the battlefield or those that enter later.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is forgetting that Blade Splicer must be on the battlefield for the first strike bonus to apply. If an opponent destroys Blade Splicer in response to its enter-the-battlefield trigger, the Golem token will still be created, but it will not have first strike. Additionally, the first strike bonus applies to any creature with the Golem subtype, not just the tokens created by Splicers.

When to Deploy the Splicer

Blade Splicer is best played when you need to stabilize the board or pressure an opponent who relies on small blockers. Because first strike allows your 3/3 Golems to eat 1/1, 2/2, or even 3/3 creatures without taking damage in return, it makes attacking and blocking very difficult for your opponent. It also scales exceptionally well with flicker effects that let you create multiple tokens.

Interaction examples

Double the Golems

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Phyrexian' or 'Artificer' chosen as the creature type, Blade Splicer's enter-the-battlefield ability triggers twice, creating two 3/3 Golem tokens. Furthermore, since Roaming Throne is itself a Golem, it gains first strike from Blade Splicer's static ability.

Upgrading Your Value Golems

Solemn Simulacrum

With both cards on the battlefield, Solemn Simulacrum benefits from Blade Splicer's presence. The Simulacrum gains first strike because it has the Golem creature type, allowing it to potentially survive combat while defending your life total, all while having already provided you with a land.

Creating the Token

Phyrexian Golem

When Blade Splicer enters, you place a Phyrexian Golem token onto the battlefield. While the token is a vanilla 3/3 on its own, the Splicer's static ability ensures that this specific token is a 3/3 with first strike as long as the Splicer remains in play.