Phyrexian CytoshaperHow it works & interactions with other cards

Incubation and Evolution

When Phyrexian Cytoshaper enters the battlefield, you immediately create an Incubator token with a +1/+1 counter on it. While the Cytoshaper is on the field, all Incubator tokens you control gain 'artifact evolve.' This functions exactly like the standard evolve keyword, but it triggers for your non-creature artifact tokens as they track the power and toughness of new creatures entering under your control.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Phyrexian Cytoshaper; when it resolves, its enter-the-battlefield ability triggers, creating an Incubator 1 token. Next, whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, check its power and toughness against the number of +1/+1 counters on your Incubator tokens. If either the new creature's power or toughness is higher than the count of counters on a token, the artifact evolve ability triggers. Upon resolution, you place a +1/+1 counter on that Incubator token.

Strategic Timing

The best time to deploy Phyrexian Cytoshaper is early in the game or just before playing high-power creatures. Since the evolve check happens when a creature enters, you want your Incubators ready to soak up those counters. Note that even if an Incubator is not yet a creature, it still gains the counters, making it much more threatening for when you eventually choose to transform it by paying {2}.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that artifact evolve checks the number of +1/+1 counters on the token, not the token's current power (which is usually zero if it hasn't transformed). Also, if Phyrexian Cytoshaper leaves the battlefield, your Incubator tokens lose the artifact evolve ability immediately, so any creatures entering afterward won't trigger growth.

Interaction examples

Automated Growth

Solemn Simulacrum

With Phyrexian Cytoshaper on the battlefield and an Incubator token (with one +1/+1 counter), you cast Solemn Simulacrum. The Simulacrum enters as a 2/2. Because its power (2) and toughness (2) are both greater than the number of counters on the Incubator (1), artifact evolve triggers and the Incubator receives a second +1/+1 counter.

Incremental Progress

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If you have an Incubator token with zero counters (perhaps from another source) and Phyrexian Cytoshaper in play, casting Sakura-Tribe Elder will trigger artifact evolve. The Elder is a 1/1, which is greater than zero counters. The Incubator gains a +1/+1 counter. If you then sacrifice the Elder for a land, the counter remains on the Incubator for future use.