Conversion ApparatusHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Conversion Apparatus provides three distinct activated abilities. First, it can tap for one colorless mana like a standard mana rock. Second, you can pay three mana and tap it to gain three energy counters. Finally, you can tap it and pay three energy counters to produce three mana in any combination of colors.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When you activate the first or third ability, these are mana abilities that do not use the stack and resolve immediately. The second ability, which grants energy counters, is also a mana-like activation but requires the payment of three mana to execute. Remember that energy counters are placed on you, the player, and do not disappear between phases or turns unless spent.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to use multiple abilities at once; because all three abilities require the tap symbol as a cost, you can generally only use one per turn cycle unless you have a way to untap the artifact. Additionally, the energy payment is a cost for the third ability, so you must already have the energy counters available to activate it.

When to Play It

This card is best utilized in decks that need color fixing or can benefit from energy synergy. It is particularly useful when you have excess mana during a quiet turn, allowing you to 'store' that mana as energy to be spent later for a powerful multi-colored play.

Interaction examples

Basic Mana Generation

Conversion Apparatus

With Conversion Apparatus on the battlefield and not summoning sick, you tap it to add one colorless mana to your mana pool. This is its simplest use, functioning similarly to a Worn Powerstone that enters untapped but provides less mana.

Storing Energy for Later

Conversion ApparatusArcane Signet

If you have three mana available from sources like Arcane Signet and lands, you can tap Conversion Apparatus and pay that mana to gain three energy counters. These counters are tracked on a card like Energy Reserve and stay with you until you choose to spend them.

Fixing Colors in a Pinch

Conversion ApparatusSwiftfoot Boots

If you have already accumulated three energy counters, you can tap Conversion Apparatus and pay those counters to add three mana in any combination, such as two Green and one Red. This can be used to pay for the equip cost of Swiftfoot Boots or to cast a color-intensive spell.