Ultron, UnlimitedHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Connive and Tokens

Ultron, Unlimited has two distinct abilities that work in tandem. First, whenever he attacks, he connives: you draw a card and then discard one. If the discarded card is not a land, Ultron receives a +1/+1 counter. Second, Ultron has a triggered ability that watches for any creature you control to connive. When this happens, you may pay {1} to create a 2/2 colorless Robot Villain artifact creature token.

The Step-by-Step Resolution

When Ultron, Unlimited attacks, his first ability triggers and goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you perform the connive action. As soon as the connive process is complete, Ultron's second ability triggers because a creature (himself) just connived. This second trigger is placed on the stack, and you decide whether to pay {1} only when that specific trigger resolves. You cannot pay multiple times for a single connive event to get multiple tokens.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

A common mistake is forgetting that the token creation is a separate trigger from the attack trigger. You must finish drawing and discarding for the connive effect before you are asked to pay the {1} for the token. Additionally, remember that Ultron's second ability triggers when *any* creature you control connives, not just himself. If you have other methods to make your creatures connive, Ultron will reward you with more Robots.

Optimal Strategy

To maximize Ultron, Unlimited, you should maintain a hand size that allows for meaningful choices during the discard phase of connive. Since he gains a counter only when discarding nonland cards, balancing your land-to-spell ratio is key. Keeping mana open for his token-generation ability is crucial for building a defensive line while he attacks through the air.

Interaction examples

Standard Attack Cycle

Ultron, UnlimitedRobot Villain

You declare Ultron, Unlimited as an attacker. The connive trigger goes on the stack. You draw a card and discard a nonland card, putting a +1/+1 counter on Ultron. This triggers his second ability; you pay {1} and create a 2/2 Robot Villain token.

Doubling the Villains

Ultron, UnlimitedRoaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Robot', Ultron's attack trigger triggers twice. Each connive resolution will trigger his token-generating ability separately. If you have the mana, you can pay {1} for the first connive and {1} for the second, resulting in two 2/2 Robot Villain tokens in a single combat phase.

Synergy with Artifacts

Ultron, UnlimitedSolemn Simulacrum

While Solemn Simulacrum does not connive on its own, it helps ensure you have the mana available to pay for Ultron's token ability. By searching for a land when the Golem enters, you thin your deck, increasing the likelihood that Ultron will discard a nonland card to gain a +1/+1 counter when he attacks.