Ultron, Artificial MalevolenceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Mass Production Protocol

Ultron features a triggered ability that looks for other nontoken artifacts entering the battlefield under your control. When this happens, you have the option to pay two generic mana. If you do, you create a copy of that artifact. A key feature of this ability is that if the resulting token isn't already a creature, it becomes a 2/2 Robot Villain creature in addition to its other types. This means utility artifacts like mana rocks or equipment can suddenly attack and block.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, a nontoken artifact must enter the battlefield. This puts Ultron's ability on the stack. When the ability resolves, you choose whether to pay the two mana. You cannot pay multiple times to get multiple tokens. Once paid, the token is created as a copy of the permanent as it exists on the battlefield. If that token is not a creature, the game applies a continuous effect that sets its power and toughness to 2/2 and adds the Robot and Villain subtypes.

Legendary Pitfalls

A common mistake involves the 'Legend Rule.' If you use Ultron's ability to copy another legendary artifact, you will immediately have to choose one to keep and put the other into your graveyard. Additionally, the token copy's 2/2 stats are part of the effect; if an artifact that is already a creature enters, it retains its original power and toughness rather than becoming a 2/2.

When to Activate

Ultron is best utilized when you have surplus mana to spend on your turn. It excels with artifacts that have 'enters-the-battlefield' triggers, as the token copy will also trigger those abilities. It is also a fantastic way to turn non-combat artifacts into a lethal force if your opponent is low on life.

Interaction examples

Double the Value

Ultron, Artificial MalevolenceSolemn Simulacrum

When Solemn Simulacrum enters, both its own ability and Ultron's ability trigger. You can pay {2} for Ultron to create a token copy of the Simulacrum. Because the token is a creature, it stays a 2/2 Golem (not a Robot Villain). The token's own entry ability triggers, allowing you to search for a second basic land. You now have two 2/2 creatures and two new lands.

The Recursive Throne

Ultron, Artificial MalevolenceRoaming Throne

If you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Robot' as it enters, Ultron's ability triggers. Because Roaming Throne is a Robot, its own ability causes Ultron's trigger to fire an additional time. You may pay {2} for the first trigger and {2} for the second, resulting in two token copies of Roaming Throne. This creates a massive chain of additional triggers for all your Robots.

Self-Reflection

Ultron, Artificial MalevolenceUltron, Artificial Malevolence

If you play a second copy of Ultron, Artificial Malevolence while one is already on the battlefield, the first Ultron's ability triggers. You may pay {2} to create a token copy of Ultron. However, because Ultron is Legendary, the Legend Rule will apply immediately. You will have to choose one Ultron to stay on the battlefield and move the others to the graveyard.