Vedalken InfuserHow it works & interactions with other cards

Charging Your Artifacts

The ability of Vedalken Infuser is a triggered ability that goes on the stack at the very beginning of your upkeep phase. Since the ability uses the word 'target,' you must choose an artifact on the battlefield as you put the ability on the stack. Importantly, the ability says you 'may' put the counter on, meaning you can choose not to do so when the ability resolves.

Valid Targets

A common point of confusion is whether the target artifact must already use charge counters. According to official rulings, you may target and put a charge counter on any artifact, even if it doesn't have an ability that references charge counters. While these counters might not do anything on a standard artifact creature, they remain on the permanent until it leaves the battlefield.

When to Use the Infuser

Because this ability triggers at the beginning of your upkeep, Vedalken Infuser needs to be on the battlefield before your turn starts to be effective. It is best used in decks that feature artifacts with 'X' costs or activated abilities that scale with the number of charge counters they possess.

Interaction examples

Double the Infusion

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Wizard' as its creature type, it will see Vedalken Infuser's triggered ability. At the start of your upkeep, Vedalken Infuser will trigger twice. You can put two charge counters on a single artifact or one charge counter on two different artifacts.

Targeting Non-Counter Artifacts

Solemn Simulacrum

During your upkeep, you can target Solemn Simulacrum with the Infuser's ability. Although Solemn Simulacrum does not have any abilities that interact with charge counters, the counter is successfully placed on it. This can be useful for mechanics like Proliferate later in the game.