Super-AdaptoidHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Scaling Threat

The first characteristic of Super-Adaptoid is its characteristic-defining ability, which sets its power equal to the number of legendary creatures you control. This counts Super-Adaptoid itself, meaning it will always be at least a 1/something as long as it is on the battlefield. Its toughness is a static 3, providing a stable base regardless of how many legends you have in play.

Step-by-Step Adaptation

When Super-Adaptoid enters the battlefield or attacks, you target another creature. The ability then checks a specific list of keywords: haste, flying, first strike, double strike, deathtouch, indestructible, lifelink, menace, reach, trample, and vigilance. For each keyword, if the target creature has it and Super-Adaptoid does not, you place the corresponding keyword counter on Super-Adaptoid. These checks happen simultaneously during resolution, meaning you could gain multiple counters at once if the target has multiple abilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It is important to remember that this ability uses keyword counters. Unlike temporary 'until end of turn' effects, these counters stay on Super-Adaptoid indefinitely unless removed by another effect. Additionally, the ability only triggers on entering or attacking; it does not passively gain keywords if a creature enters later. You also must target another creature; you cannot target Super-Adaptoid with its own ability.

Strategic Deployment

Super-Adaptoid shines best in decks with many legendary permanents or creatures with diverse keywords. By attacking, you can effectively 'steal' the utility of your opponent's best blockers or capitalize on your own evasive creatures. Because it checks for keywords it doesn't already have, it will only gain new types of counters, preventing unnecessary clutter.

Interaction examples

Taking to the Skies

Ornithopter of Paradise

When Super-Adaptoid enters the battlefield, you target Ornithopter of Paradise. The ability checks the list of keywords. Since Ornithopter of Paradise has flying and Super-Adaptoid does not, you place a flying counter on Super-Adaptoid. If Super-Adaptoid already had a flying counter from a previous turn, no new counter would be placed.

Efficient Building

Foundry Inspector

If you have Foundry Inspector on the battlefield, Super-Adaptoid costs only {1} to cast. Once it enters, Super-Adaptoid targets Foundry Inspector. However, since Foundry Inspector has no keywords from the specified list (flying, haste, etc.), no counters are added. Super-Adaptoid's power would be 1 because it is the only legendary creature you control.

Aggressive Adaptation

When Super-Adaptoid attacks, its ability triggers. You target an opponent's creature that has Trample and Lifelink. Upon resolution, Super-Adaptoid receives one trample counter and one lifelink counter because it lacked both. It now deals damage as a creature with those keywords for the duration of the combat and beyond.