Urza's Command — ruling 1

The ability of that Construct token does count the Construct itself, so it'll be at least 1/1.

Urza's Command — ruling 2

Powerstone tokens are a kind of predefined token. Each one has the artifact subtype "Powerstone" and the ability "{T}: Add {C}. This mana can't be spent to cast a nonartifact spell."

Urza's Command — ruling 3

You can use the {C} added by a Powerstone token on anything that isn't a nonartifact spell. This includes paying costs to activate abilities of both artifact and nonartifact permanents, paying ward costs, and so on.

Urza's Command — ruling 4

Although all the cards in The Brothers' War that create Powerstone tokens create a tapped Powerstone token, entering the battlefield tapped isn't part of the token's definition. Notably, if you create a token that is a copy of a Powerstone token, the token copy won't enter the battlefield tapped.

Urza's Command : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Urza's Command is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Choose two — • Creatures you don't control get -2/-0 until end of turn. • Create a tapped Powerstone token. • Create a tapped 0/0 colorless Construct artifact creature token with "This token gets +1/+1 for each artifact you control." • Scry 1, then draw a card.

Complete guide

Urza's Command is a versatile instant from The Brothers' War that offers a flexible suite of options for the modern Artificer. Whether you need to stabilize the board, ramp up your mana, or dig through your library, this modal spell provides the strategic depth Urza is known for.

Strategic Versatility

As a modal spell, Urza's Command requires you to choose exactly two different modes as you cast it. You cannot choose the same mode twice. The spell is an instant, allowing you to react to your opponent's combat phase or resolve it at the end of their turn to set up your own massive plays.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When the spell resolves, the chosen effects happen in the order they are printed on the card. For example, if you choose to create a Construct token and a Powerstone token, the Powerstone will be on the battlefield to count toward the Construct's power and toughness immediately. The Construct's ability is a characteristic-defining static ability that includes itself, ensuring it stays on the board even if it is your only artifact.

Understanding Powerstones

The Powerstone tokens created by this spell enter the battlefield tapped. These tokens provide colorless mana that carries a specific restriction: it cannot be used to cast nonartifact spells. However, you can freely use this mana to activate abilities of any permanent, pay for triggered abilities like Ward, or pay for costs during the resolution of other spells.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that the -2/-0 effect only applies to creatures your opponents control at the time the spell resolves. If they play a creature later in the turn, it will not have the power reduction. Additionally, while the Powerstone mana cannot cast nonartifact spells, it CAN be used to cast artifact creatures or any other spell with the 'Artifact' type line.

Interaction examples

The Ultimate Stabilizer

Urza's Command

During your opponent's combat phase, you cast Urza's Command choosing the first and third modes. All attacking creatures get -2/-0, potentially saving your life, and you create a tapped Construct. If you had no other artifacts, the Construct is a 1/1 because it counts itself as an artifact.

Ramp and Research

Urza's Command

Powerstone

At the end of your opponent's turn, you choose the second and fourth modes. You create a tapped Powerstone token for future mana, then Scry 1 and draw a card. This allows you to fix your next draw while building a resource that can pay for expensive artifact abilities.

Construct Synergy

Urza's Command

Construct

Powerstone

If you choose the second and third modes, Urza's Command creates both a Powerstone and a Construct. Because the Powerstone is created first or simultaneously depending on the choice, the Construct will immediately see the Powerstone on the battlefield. With no other artifacts, the Construct would be a 2/2 (counting itself and the new Powerstone).

Resource Management

Urza's Command

Fierce Guardianship

Frantic Search

If you have a Powerstone token from a previous Urza's Command, you cannot use its mana to cast Frantic Search or Fierce Guardianship, as these are nonartifact spells. However, if your opponent targets Urza's Command with a spell that has a Ward cost, you can use the Powerstone mana to pay that Ward cost.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Urza's Command

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1October 14, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
The ability of that Construct token does count the Construct itself, so it'll be at least 1/1.
Card named in this ruling
Construct
#2October 14, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Powerstone tokens are a kind of predefined token. Each one has the artifact subtype "Powerstone" and the ability ": Add . This mana can't be spent to cast a nonartifact spell."
Card named in this ruling
Powerstone
#3October 14, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
You can use the added by a Powerstone token on anything that isn't a nonartifact spell. This includes paying costs to activate abilities of both artifact and nonartifact permanents, paying ward costs, and so on.
Card named in this ruling
Powerstone
#4October 14, 2022· Wizards of the Coast
Although all the cards in The Brothers' War that create Powerstone tokens create a tapped Powerstone token, entering the battlefield tapped isn't part of the token's definition. Notably, if you create a token that is a copy of a Powerstone token, the token copy won't enter the battlefield tapped.
Card named in this ruling
Powerstone