Time MachineHow it works & interactions with other cards

Temporal Displacement

When you activate the ability of Time Machine, you pay the cost by tapping it. You must target a nontoken creature you own. Both the Time Machine and the targeted creature are then exiled. Unlike most blink effects, they don't return later this turn or even this game; they are set aside for the start of a future encounter.

The Jump Through Time

The cards remain in exile until you play a new game against one of your current opponents. During your upkeep of turn X in that next game, where X is the mana value of the exiled creature, both cards return to the battlefield under your control. If the creature had a mana value of zero, they return during the upkeep of your very first turn in that next game.

Cross-Game Consistency

It is important to keep the exiled cards with your deckbox so you don't forget them for the next match. Since the ability specifies 'nontoken creature you own,' you cannot use this to steal an opponent's creature permanently. Additionally, because the cards return to the battlefield, they will trigger any 'enters the battlefield' abilities they possess at the start of that future turn.

When to Use Time Machine

Use this card when you realize you are about to lose the current game but have a powerful creature you want to guarantee for your next match. It acts as a bridge, allowing you to sacrifice your current board position to secure a massive advantage in the early turns of your next battle.

Interaction examples

Ramping in the Future

Solemn Simulacrum

You target your Solemn Simulacrum with Time Machine and exile both. In your next game against the same opponent, both cards return during your fourth upkeep (since the Golem's mana value is 4). When Solemn Simulacrum enters, its ability triggers, allowing you to search for a basic land and put it onto the battlefield tapped, effectively ramping you for free on turn four.

The One Ring Interaction

The One Ring

If you have used Time Machine to exile a creature in a previous game, and you currently have The One Ring on the battlefield in your new game, the incoming cards will enter during your upkeep. Note that while The One Ring provides protection if cast, the returning Time Machine and creature are put onto the battlefield by the effect of the exile ability, not cast, so you would not gain protection from them entering.