Copy ArtifactHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Copy Artifact enters the battlefield as a copy of any artifact currently on the battlefield, but it retains its enchantment type. This means the resulting permanent is both an artifact and an enchantment. It copies all printed characteristics of the chosen artifact, including mana cost, color, and abilities, but adds 'Enchantment' to its type line. If you choose not to copy anything, or if there are no artifacts on the battlefield, it simply enters as a non-functional enchantment.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, as Copy Artifact is resolving, you choose an artifact on the battlefield; this choice does not target, so 'Hexproof' does not prevent you from choosing an opponent's artifact. Second, the card enters the battlefield immediately as a copy of that artifact. Third, any 'enters-the-battlefield' abilities of the copied artifact will trigger at this time. Finally, the new permanent exists on the board with all the original's abilities plus the enchantment type, making it susceptible to both Disenchant and Naturalize.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Copy Artifact remains blue. It does not; it copies the color of the artifact it mimics. Another common mistake involves the timing of the choice. You do not choose which artifact to copy when you cast the spell, but rather as it enters the battlefield. If your opponent destroys your intended target in response to the spell, you can still choose a different artifact that is on the battlefield when Copy Artifact actually enters.

When to Play It

This card is best used in formats where powerful artifacts like Mana Vault or Bolas's Citadel are prevalent. Because it only costs two mana, it acts as a cheap way to ramp or gain access to a game-winning engine that an opponent has already played. It is also excellent in decks that care about the number of enchantments you control, as it contributes to that count while performing the role of an artifact.

Interaction examples

Copying a Utility Artifact

If you play Copy Artifact and choose to copy a Sol Ring, Copy Artifact becomes an 'Artifact Enchantment — Resource' with the ability '{T}: Add {C}{C}.' It still costs {1}{U} to cast, but it provides the same mana acceleration as the original while counting as both an artifact and an enchantment for cards like Enchantress's Presence.

Interactions with Enchantment Payoffs

Rhystic Study

While Copy Artifact cannot copy Rhystic Study (because Rhystic Study is not an artifact), having both on the field is powerful. If Copy Artifact enters as a copy of an artifact, it will trigger any effects that care about enchantments entering the battlefield, further synergizing with the card draw engine of Rhystic Study.

Mana Management

Mystic Remora

In a game where you have Mystic Remora in play, you are likely looking for cheap ways to advance your board state while holding up mana for cumulative upkeep. Copy Artifact allows you to copy a mana-producing artifact for only two mana, helping you pay the increasing costs of Mystic Remora in subsequent turns.