MutavaultHow it works & interactions with other cards

One Land, All Types

Mutavault functions as a colorless land that can be animated for a single mana. When you activate its ability, it becomes a 2/2 creature until end of turn while retaining its 'Land' card type. Most importantly, it gains all creature types—meaning it is a Goblin, an Elf, a Sliver, and even a Brushwagg all at once.

The Resolution Process

When you pay {1} to activate Mutavault, the ability goes on the stack. Once it resolves, the land becomes a creature. Because it remains a land, it can still be tapped for mana. However, be aware of 'summoning sickness': if you haven't controlled this specific land since the start of your turn, you cannot attack with it or tap it for mana once it becomes a creature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent misconception is that Mutavault has the 'Changeling' keyword; it does not, though the effect is similar. Additionally, players often forget that if Mutavault is destroyed in combat as a creature, it is put into the graveyard like any other creature. If an effect prevents creatures from being cast, it will not stop Mutavault, as you are playing a land and then activating an ability.

Strategic Timing

The best time to animate Mutavault is usually during your Declare Attackers step or at the end of an opponent's turn to block. Since it is a land, it survives sorcery-speed 'destroy all creatures' spells like Wrath of God if you haven't animated it yet, allowing you to counter-attack on your following turn.

Interaction examples

Generating a Token Army

Mutable Explorer

When Mutable Explorer enters the battlefield, you create a Mutavault token. This token has the exact same abilities as the card Mutavault. You can tap the token for colorless mana immediately, or wait until your next turn to animate it into a 2/2 Shapeshifter that benefits from any tribal bonuses on your board.

Managing Your Mana Base

Command TowerExotic Orchard

While Command Tower and Exotic Orchard provide the specific colors needed for your spells, Mutavault provides the utility. You can tap Command Tower to pay the {1} activation cost for Mutavault. Once animated, Mutavault can be used to satisfy requirements for spells that care about specific creature types, while Exotic Orchard ensures you have the colors to cast those spells.