Master of Etherium — ruling 1

The ability that defines Master of Etherium's power and toughness applies in all zones, not just the battlefield.

Master of Etherium — ruling 2

As long as Master of Etherium is on the battlefield, its ability will count itself.

Master of Etherium — ruling 3

Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to Master of Etherium may become lethal if other artifacts you control leave the battlefield during that turn, and damage dealt to other artifact creatures you control may become lethal if Master of Etherium leaves the battlefield during that turn.

Master of Etherium : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Master of Etherium is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Master of Etherium's power and toughness are each equal to the number of artifacts you control. Other artifact creatures you control get +1/+1.

Complete guide

Master of Etherium is a cornerstone for artifact-based strategies, acting as both a massive threat and a powerful anthem. By scaling its strength based on your board state, it ensures that your mechanical army remains dominant throughout the game.

The Power of Artifact Counts

Master of Etherium possesses a characteristic-defining ability that sets its power and toughness equal to the number of artifacts you control. This ability is active in all zones, including your library, graveyard, and hand. While on the battlefield, it always counts itself as one of those artifacts, meaning it will at minimum be a 1/1 if it is the only artifact you have.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Master of Etherium, it enters the battlefield and immediately checks the total number of artifacts you control to determine its stats. Simultaneously, its static ability begins applying a +1/+1 bonus to all other artifact creatures you control. These effects do not use the stack; they are continuous as long as Master of Etherium remains on the battlefield.

Common Pitfalls

One dangerous interaction involves marked damage. If an opponent deals damage to your other artifact creatures and then removes Master of Etherium, that damage might become lethal because the +1/+1 toughness bonus vanishes instantly. Similarly, if Master of Etherium has taken damage, destroying your other artifacts can lower its toughness enough to destroy it.

Strategic Timing

Because it functions as a 'lord' for artifact creatures, you should prioritize playing it when your board is already established to maximize the immediate power boost. However, since its own stats scale, playing it early can also provide a solid blocker that grows naturally as you develop your mana rocks and utility artifacts.

Interaction examples

Boosting Your Utility Golems

Solemn Simulacrum

With both cards on the battlefield, Master of Etherium provides Solemn Simulacrum with a +1/+1 bonus, making it a 3/3 creature. Meanwhile, Master of Etherium counts both itself and the Golem to become at least a 2/2.

Doubling the Wizard Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Wizard' for Roaming Throne, it becomes an artifact creature Wizard. While Master of Etherium's power/toughness and anthem are static abilities (not triggered), Roaming Throne still benefits from the +1/+1 anthem and contributes to the artifact count that powers up the Master.

Scaling with Numbers

If you control Master of Etherium and three artifact lands, Master of Etherium sees a total of four artifacts. It becomes a 4/4 creature, and any other artifact creature you play later will immediately receive the +1/+1 buff.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Master of Etherium

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1August 7, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
The ability that defines Master of Etherium's power and toughness applies in all zones, not just the battlefield.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2August 7, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
As long as Master of Etherium is on the battlefield, its ability will count itself.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3August 7, 2020· Wizards of the Coast
Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to Master of Etherium may become lethal if other artifacts you control leave the battlefield during that turn, and damage dealt to other artifact creatures you control may become lethal if Master of Etherium leaves the battlefield during that turn.
No other card is named in this ruling.