Bloated ProcessorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Feeding the Processor

The first ability of Bloated Processor is an activated ability that allows you to sacrifice another Phyrexian to place a +1/+1 counter on it. Since there is no mana cost associated with this action and it is at instant speed, you can use it to respond to removal spells or to maximize the value of creatures that were going to die in combat anyway. Note that you cannot sacrifice the Processor to its own ability because the text specifies 'another Phyrexian'.

The Death Trigger and Incubation

When Bloated Processor dies, its triggered ability checks its power at the moment it left the battlefield. This is known as 'last known information.' You then Incubate X, where X is that power. To do this, you create an Incubator token with X +1/+1 counters on it. This token can later be transformed into a 0/0 Phyrexian creature for two mana, effectively replacing the Processor with a creature of equal size.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion involves the timing of the sacrifice. Players sometimes forget that the Processor must be on the battlefield for its sacrifice ability to be activated. Additionally, if the Processor is destroyed while its sacrifice ability is still on the stack, it will not have the additional counter yet when calculating the Incubate value, as the ability to add the counter hasn't resolved.

When to Play It

Bloated Processor is best played when you have a board of small Phyrexians or tokens. It serves as a safety net against board wipes; if your opponent casts a spell to destroy all creatures, you can respond by sacrificing all your other Phyrexians to the Processor. The Processor will grow significantly, and when the board wipe finally resolves and kills it, you will be left with a massive Incubator token to rebuild immediately.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Harvest

Bloated ProcessorRoaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Phyrexian,' Bloated Processor's triggered ability will trigger an additional time. If a 3/2 Bloated Processor dies, the Roaming Throne causes the 'Incubate 3' ability to fire twice. You will end up with two separate Incubator tokens, each having three +1/+1 counters.

Strategic Sacrificing

Bloated ProcessorIncubator // Phyrexian

If you have an Incubator token that has already been transformed into a Phyrexian creature, it is a valid target for Bloated Processor's sacrifice ability. You can sacrifice a transformed token to give the Processor a +1/+1 counter, which in turn increases the size of the next Incubator token the Processor will create when it eventually dies.

Non-Synergy Check

Bloated ProcessorSolemn Simulacrum

You cannot sacrifice Solemn Simulacrum to Bloated Processor's ability. The ability specifically requires 'another Phyrexian,' and Solemn Simulacrum is a Golem. While both may be artifact creatures in many decks, the subtype must match for the Processor to consume it.