Golem ArtisanHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Master of Modification

Golem Artisan possesses two activated abilities that cost two generic mana each. The first provides a power and toughness boost of +1/+1, while the second grants a choice of three essential keywords: flying, trample, or haste. Both abilities must target an artifact creature, but importantly, Golem Artisan is an artifact creature itself, meaning it can target itself to become a significant threat even if you have no other creatures on the board.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you activate the keyword ability, you do not choose which keyword to grant until the ability actually resolves. First, you pay two mana and choose a target. Your opponent then has a chance to respond. If the ability resolves, you then decide whether the creature gains flying, trample, or haste. This is beneficial because you can wait to see if your opponent uses a removal spell before committing to a specific keyword.

Strategic Deployment

Since these abilities do not require tapping Golem Artisan, you can use them as many times as you have the mana to pay for them. You can stack multiple +1/+1 buffs on a single creature or give one creature all three keywords by activating the second ability three separate times. Remember that these effects only last until the end of the turn, so they are best used during the combat phase or to give a newly played artifact creature haste.

Common Mistakes

A common error is trying to target a creature that isn't an artifact. While many Golems are artifacts, ensure the card type line explicitly says 'Artifact Creature.' Additionally, remember that while you can choose the keyword upon resolution, you must have a legal target at the time of activation. If the target is removed in response, the ability will fizzle and you won't get to choose a keyword at all.

Interaction examples

The Hasty Scout

Solemn Simulacrum

You cast Solemn Simulacrum and search for a land. Because you have two mana available, you activate Golem Artisan's second ability targeting the Simulacrum. Upon resolution, you choose 'haste.' This allows Solemn Simulacrum to attack immediately rather than waiting for the next turn.

Self-Sufficient Striker

With six mana available, you activate Golem Artisan's first ability twice targeting itself, and its second ability once choosing 'flying.' Golem Artisan becomes a 5/5 flyer until the end of the turn, soaring over your opponent's ground blockers for significant damage.

Double the Fun

Roaming Throne

You have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Golem' chosen as its type. While Roaming Throne doubles triggered abilities, Golem Artisan uses activated abilities. Therefore, the Throne does not cause the Artisan's buffs to happen twice, but the Artisan can target Roaming Throne with its abilities to give it +1/+1 or trample, as the Throne is an artifact creature.