Incubate

Incubate
[[File:{{#setmainimage:MTGA Incubate.png}}|70x70px]]
Keyword Action
Introduced	March of the Machine
Last used	March of the Machine
Reminder Text	Incubate N (Create an Incubator token with N +1/+1 counters on it and “: Transform this artifact.” It transforms into a 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature.)
Statistics	33 cards 30.3% 12.1% 24.2% 9.1% 12.1% 6.1% 6.1%
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keyword:"Incubate"

Incubate is a keyword action introduced in March of the Machine related to the Incubator type. The instruction to incubate includes a number which indicates how many +1/+1 counters to put on the Incubator token.

Description

Incubate creates an artifact token with N +1/+1 counters on it, which can be transformed into a 0/0 Phyrexian creature for . It is a creature equivalent to Investigate, with the payoff being a variably sized creature instead of the card the Clue provides. The token it creates is unique amongst tokens in that it is inherently double-faced and transforms; while there are other forms of "disabling" the creature before the payment that keep it a single-faced creature, it is likely that there are tracking issues and too many exploits regarding "inactive" creatures.

Rules

From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Incubate

A keyword action that creates an Incubator token with a specified number of +1/+1 counters on it. See rule 701.51, “Incubate.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

• 701.51. Incubate
  • 701.51a To incubate N, create an Incubator token that enters the battlefield with N +1/+1 counters on it. See rule 111.10i.
  • 701.51b An Incubator token is a transforming double-faced token. Its front face is a colorless Incubator artifact with “{2}: Transform this artifact.” Its back face is a 0/0 colorless Phyrexian artifact creature named “Phyrexian Token.”

Rulings

• Previously, only transforming double-faced cards could transform. Since Incubator tokens aren't cards, the rules are broadening slightly to allow "transforming double-faced permanents" to transform, which includes Incubator tokens. Similarly, tokens that are created as copies of transforming double-faced permanents will themselves be transforming double-faced permanents. This way, a token that is created as a copy of an Incubator token functions the same way as the original token. It will enter the battlefield with the same face up as the permanent it is a copy of. Watch out, though. For Incubator tokens, this won't include any +1/+1 counters, so this may result in the creature immediately dying!
• This change will also apply to tokens that are created as copies of other transforming double-faced permanents or as copies of transforming double-faced cards in zones other than the battlefield. For example, if you control a Flame Channeler and an effect creates a token that's a copy of it, the resulting permanent is a transforming double-faced token that is a copy of Flame Channeler. It enters the battlefield with its front face up, and it can transform. If it does, it will become an Embodiment of Flame, the back face of Flame Channeler. Similarly, if you controlled an Embodiment of Flame and created a token that is a copy of it, the token would be the same transforming double-faced token, but it would enter with its back face up.
• The rules for a permanent that's already on the battlefield becoming a copy of another permanent haven't changed, regardless of whether either one is a transforming permanent. Notably, a permanent that isn't a transforming permanent can't become one due to a copy effect, and it can't ever transform even if an effect instructs a player to transform it.

Examples

Example

Traumatic Revelation
Sorcery
Target opponent reveals their hand. You may choose a creature or battle card from it. If you do, that player discards that card. If you don't, incubate 3. (Create an Incubator token with three +1/+1 counters on it and “: Transform this artifact.” It transforms into a 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature.)