Copy

Copy
Mechanic
Introduced	Alpha
Last used	Evergreen
Statistics	622 cards 0.6% 6.6% 32.3% 5.6% 16.1% 7.1% 1.3% 2.4% 0.6% 0.6% 1.6% 0.8% 5.6% 0.5% 1.3% 2.9% 5.1% 8% 0.8%
Scryfall Search
fulloracle:"Copy"

Copy effects create or change one object into a copy of another. This kind of effect frequently targets creatures, and is sometimes referred to as "cloning" in that case. The mechanic was introduced in Alpha, on the cards Clone and Vesuvan Doppelganger.

The exact result of a copy effect is a common source of confusion. In most cases, a copy ignores any temporary changes to the object, and is created with only the printed qualities of the original, which are called the "copiable values".

Description

Copy token from the Guilds of Ravnica Dimir Guild Kit

Copying permanents

Effects that copy permanents either cause a card to enter the battlefield as a copy, change an existing object into a copy, or create a token copy. Only the "copiable values" of an object are copied - essentially the attributes that would be printed on a card directly - not subsequent modifications such as counters, attached permanents, or spell effects.

Permanently

Copying permanents permanently is primary in blue, which has permanents that choose another permanent to copy for the rest of the game. Sometimes they allow new choices to be made to change what they're copying. Green can copy its own creatures. White can copy tokens.

Blue is primary in copying enchantments. White is secondary, but copying enchantments isn't done often. Blue can also copy planeswalkers.

Effects that copy permanent spells result in tokens once the copy of the spell resolves. Lithoform Engine was the first card to feature the line "Copy target permanent spell" in the rules text (as opposed to "copy instant or sorcery spell"). The multicolored Garth One-Eye from Modern Horizons 2 can create copies of specific permanent spells that weren't part of the game (Black Lotus and Shivan Dragon).

Temporarily

Copying permanents temporarily is primary in red and secondary in blue. Red has effects that temporarily cause one creature to copy another, usually until end of turn, as well as abilities that create token copies that are exiled at end of turn. Blue's cards in this category include straightforward targeted copies (Shapesharer), permanents that change into copies based on unpredictable conditions (Renegade Doppelganger), effects that cause all permanents of a certain type to copy another permanent of that type (Masterful Replication), and other unique effects.

Copying spells

Copying spells (usually templated as "Copy target instant or sorcery spell. You may choose new targets for the copy") is primary in both blue and red. This ability is mostly done outside of common. A second template was developed (when you cast your next instant or sorcery spell, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy) to work as a planeswalker loyalty ability (Chandra, the Firebrand), which was later printed as the first common spell copier (Teach by Example). These are not "tokens" as they do not require a permanent representation, but act similarly in some respects: they exist in the zone they are created in, don't have an associated card, and cease to exist once they leave that zone, usually by resolving.

Several spells specify copying a sorcery or instant "card", then allow a player to "cast the copy". In these cases, the only place the copy will actually exist is in the zone it was created in, and on the stack, but the player must go through the casting process as if casting the spell from the hand. The most obscure version is Epic, where the copy is directly put on the stack without casting and potentially without a visible source.

A small number of creatures have the ability to copy spells that target them, often with the copies targeting one or more other creatures.

A growing number of cards can copy permanent spells, which become tokens once the copy of the spell resolves. However, these copies are still spells until they leave the stack, and can therefore be countered, re-copied, or otherwise targeted just like other spells on the stack.

Two spells have the specific clause of "This spell can't be copied". Display of Power and See Double copy multiple spells at a time, potentially a second version of themselves, so the clause is added to avoid an easy infinite loop.

Once on the stack, a copy of a spell is similar to an ability: it's not represented by a physical marker, so players simply remember it's on the stack until it resolves or otherwise leaves the stack, at which point it ceases to exist. Under this logic, permanent spell copies would also disappear, but this was modified in Zendikar Rising to allow it to function. Casting decisions and actions such as payment of kicker costs, modal choices, spliced effects, and the value of are included in the copy.

Unlike with copies of permanents, no cards cause spells to become copies of completely different spells. However, there are special cases that come close:

• Fork (Alpha)'s original printing ambiguously stated that it is "treated as" a copy of another spell, before receiving errata to function like other effects that create separate copies.
• Ertai's Meddling was printed without involving copies, but now functions by exiling a spell and later returning it to the stack as a copy of the original spell. This uses the mechanics of copying to restore all attributes and decisions of the spell as it was originally cast, despite leaving the stack for multiple turns. It is the only card that copies an object which had ceased to exist on a previous turn.

Copying abilities

Copying abilities was one of the last designs to be printed; Rings of Brighthearth was the first, copying activated abilities. The cards that could do so had to be phrased as to avoid suggesting that one could loop mana abilities for infinite mana - as mana abilities don't use the stack, copy effects cannot "locate" such an ability. Strionic Resonator was the first to do so for triggered abilities. An alternative template which avoids the word "copy" was developed in Panharmonicon, which is phrased as "triggers an additional time", which nonetheless results in two copies of a triggered ability.

Duplicating cards

Some digital cards conjure duplicates of other cards into the hand. These use the term "duplicate" rather than "copy" to demonstrate they follow different rules than copying: conjured cards have the attributes of a printed card, not the copiable values of an object as it exists in the current game state; they are also treated as non-token cards, so they continue to exist as they move between zones.

Rules

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

Copy

1. To create a new object whose copiable values have been set to those of another object.

2. An object whose copiable values have been set to those of another object.

See rule 707, “Copying Objects.”

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

• 707. Copying Objects
  • 707.1. Some objects become or turn another object into a “copy” of a spell, permanent, or card. Some effects create a token that’s a copy of another object. (Certain older cards were printed with the phrase “search for a copy.” This section doesn’t cover those cards, which have received new text in the Oracle card reference.)
  • 707.2. When copying an object, the copy acquires the copiable values of the original object’s characteristics and, for an object on the stack, choices made when casting or activating it (mode, targets, the value of X, whether it was kicked, how it will affect multiple targets, and so on). The copiable values are the values derived from the text printed on the object (that text being name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, and/or loyalty), as modified by other copy effects, by its face-down status, and by “as . . . enters the battlefield” and “as . . . is turned face up” abilities that set power and toughness (and may also set additional characteristics). Other effects (including type-changing and text-changing effects), status, counters, and stickers are not copied.

    Example: Chimeric Staff is an artifact that reads, “{X}: Chimeric Staff becomes an X/X artifact creature until end of turn.” Clone is a creature that reads, “You may have Clone enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield.” After a Staff has become a 5/5 artifact creature, a Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of it. The Clone is an artifact, not a 5/5 artifact creature. (The copy has the Staff’s ability, however, and will become a creature if that ability is activated.)

    Example: Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of a face-down Grinning Demon (a creature with morph {2}{B}{B}). The Clone is a colorless 2/2 creature with no name, no types, no abilities, and no mana cost. It will still be face up. Its controller can’t pay {2}{B}{B} to turn it face up.

    • 707.2a A copy acquires the color of the object it’s copying because that value is derived from its mana cost or color indicator. A copy acquires the abilities of the object it’s copying because those values are derived from its rules text. A copy doesn’t wind up with two values of each ability (that is, it doesn’t copy the object’s abilities and its rules text, then have that rules text define a new set of abilities).
    • 707.2b Once an object has been copied, changing the copiable values of the original object won’t cause the copy to change.
    • 707.2c If a static ability generates a continuous effect that’s a copy effect, the copiable values that effect grants are determined only at the time that effect first starts to apply.
  • 707.3. The copy’s copiable values become the copied information, as modified by the copy’s status (see rule 110.5). Objects that copy the object will use the new copiable values.

    Example: Vesuvan Doppelganger reads, “You may have Vesuvan Doppelganger enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it doesn’t copy that creature’s color and it has ‘At the beginning of your upkeep, you may have this creature become a copy of target creature, except it doesn’t copy that creature’s color and it has this ability.’” A Vesuvan Doppelganger enters the battlefield as a copy of Runeclaw Bear (a 2/2 green Bear creature with no abilities). Then a Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of the Doppelganger. The Clone is a 2/2 blue Bear named Runeclaw Bear that has the Doppelganger’s upkeep-triggered ability.

    Example: Tomoya the Revealer (a flipped flip card) becomes a copy of Nezumi Shortfang (an unflipped flip card). Tomoya’s characteristics become the characteristics of Stabwhisker the Odious, which is the flipped version of Nezumi Shortfang.

    Example: A face-down Grinning Demon (a creature with morph) becomes a copy of a face-up Branchsnap Lorian (a 4/1 green creature with trample and morph {G}). The Demon’s characteristics become the characteristics of Branchsnap Lorian. However, since the creature is face down, it remains a 2/2 colorless creature with no name, types, or abilities, and no mana cost. It can be turned face up for {G}. If it’s turned face up, it will have the characteristics of Branchsnap Lorian.

    Example: A face-down Grinning Demon (a creature with morph) becomes a copy of Wandering Ones (a 1/1 blue Spirit creature that doesn’t have morph). It will be a face-down Wandering Ones. It remains a 2/2 colorless creature with no name, types, or abilities, and no mana cost. Its controller can’t turn it face up as a special action. If an effect turns it face up, it will have the characteristics of Wandering Ones.

  • 707.4. Some effects cause a permanent that’s copying a permanent to copy a different object while remaining on the battlefield. The change doesn’t trigger enters-the-battlefield or leaves-the-battlefield abilities. This also doesn’t change any noncopy effects presently affecting the permanent.

    Example: Unstable Shapeshifter reads, “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, Unstable Shapeshifter becomes a copy of that creature and gains this ability.” It’s affected by Giant Growth, which reads “Target creature gets +3/+3 until end of turn.” If a creature enters the battlefield later this turn, Unstable Shapeshifter will become a copy of that creature, but it will still get +3/+3 from the Giant Growth.

  • 707.5. An object that enters the battlefield “as a copy” or “that’s a copy” of another object becomes a copy as it enters the battlefield. It doesn’t enter the battlefield, and then become a copy of that permanent. If the text that’s being copied includes any abilities that replace the enters-the-battlefield event (such as “enters the battlefield with” or “as [this] enters the battlefield” abilities), those abilities will take effect. Also, any enters-the-battlefield triggered abilities of the copy will have a chance to trigger.

    Example: Skyshroud Behemoth reads, “Fading 2 (This creature enters the battlefield with two fade counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a fade counter from it. If you can’t, sacrifice it.)” and “Skyshroud Behemoth enters the battlefield tapped.” A Clone that enters the battlefield as a copy of a Skyshroud Behemoth will also enter the battlefield tapped with two fade counters on it.

    Example: Wall of Omens reads, “When Wall of Omens enters the battlefield, draw a card.” A Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of Wall of Omens. The Clone has the Wall’s enters-the-battlefield triggered ability, so the Clone’s controller draws a card.

  • 707.6. When copying a permanent, any choices that have been made for that permanent aren’t copied. Instead, if an object enters the battlefield as a copy of another permanent, the object’s controller will get to make any “as [this] enters the battlefield” choices for it.

    Example: A Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of Adaptive Automaton. Adaptive Automaton reads, in part, “As Adaptive Automaton enters the battlefield, choose a creature type.” The Clone won’t copy the creature type choice of the Automaton; rather, the controller of the Clone will get to make a new choice.

  • 707.7. If a pair of linked abilities are copied, those abilities will be similarly linked to one another on the object that copied them. One ability refers only to actions that were taken or objects that were affected by the other. They can’t be linked to any other ability, regardless of what other abilities the copy may currently have or may have had in the past. See rule 607, “Linked Abilities.”
  • 707.8. When copying a melded permanent or other double-faced permanent, use the copiable values of the face that’s currently up to determine the characteristics of the copy. See rule 712, “Double-Faced Cards.”
    • 707.8a If an effect creates a token that is a copy of a transforming permanent or a transforming double-faced card not on the battlefield, the resulting token is a transforming token that has both a front face and a back face. The characteristics of each face are determined by the copiable values of the same face of the permanent it is a copy of, as modified by any other copy effects that apply to that permanent. If the token is a copy of a transforming permanent with its back face up, the token enters the battlefield with its back face up. This rule does not apply to tokens that are created with their own set of characteristics and enter the battlefield as a copy of a transforming permanent due to a replacement effect.

      Example: Afflicted Deserter is the front face of a transforming double-faced card, and the name of its back face is Werewolf Ransacker. If an effect creates a token that is a copy of that transforming permanent, the token also has the same two faces and can transform. It enters the battlefield with the same face up as the permanent that it is a copy of.

      Example: Clone is not a transforming double-faced card, so a token that is created as a copy of a Clone is not a transforming token, even if it enters the battlefield as a copy of a transforming permanent due to Clone’s replacement effect.

  • 707.9. Copy effects may include modifications or exceptions to the copying process.
    • 707.9a Some copy effects cause the copy to gain an ability as part of the copying process. This ability becomes part of the copiable values for the copy, along with any other abilities that were copied.

      Example: Quirion Elves enters the battlefield and an Unstable Shapeshifter copies it. The copiable values of the Shapeshifter now match those of the Elves, except that the Shapeshifter also has the ability “Whenever a creature enters the battlefield, Unstable Shapeshifter becomes a copy of that creature, except it has this ability.” Then a Clone enters the battlefield as a copy of the Unstable Shapeshifter. The Clone copies the new copiable values of the Shapeshifter, including the ability that the Shapeshifter gave itself when it copied the Elves.

    • 707.9b Some copy effects modify a characteristic as part of the copying process. The final set of values for that characteristic becomes part of the copiable values of the copy.

      Example: Copy Artifact is an enchantment that reads, “You may have Copy Artifact enter the battlefield as a copy of any artifact on the battlefield, except it’s an enchantment in addition to its other types.” It enters the battlefield as a copy of Juggernaut. The copiable values of the Copy Artifact now match those of Juggernaut with one modification: its types are now artifact, creature, and enchantment.

    • 707.9c Some copy effects specifically state that they don’t copy certain characteristics and the affected objects instead retain their original values. Copy effects may also simply state that certain characteristics are not copied.
    • 707.9d When applying a copy effect that doesn’t copy a certain characteristic, retains one or more original values for a certain characteristic, or provides a specific set of values for a certain characteristic, any characteristic-defining ability (see rule 604.3) of the object being copied that defines that characteristic is not copied. If that characteristic is color, any color indicator (see rule 204) of that object is also not copied. This rule does not apply to copy effects with exceptions that state the object is a certain card type, supertype, and/or subtype “in addition to its other types.” In those cases, any characteristic-defining ability that defines card type, supertype, and/or subtype is copied.

      Example: Quicksilver Gargantuan is a creature that reads, “You may have Quicksilver Gargantuan enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it’s 7/7.” Quicksilver Gargantuan enters the battlefield as a copy of Tarmogoyf, which has a characteristic-defining ability that defines its power and toughness. Quicksilver Gargantuan does not have that ability. It will be 7/7.

      Example: Glasspool Mimic is a creature that reads “You may have Glasspool Mimic enter the battlefield as a copy of a creature you control, except it’s a Shapeshifter Rogue in addition to its other types.” Glasspool Mimic enters the battlefield as a copy of a creature with changeling. Glasspool Mimic will have changeling and will have all creature types.

    • 707.9e Some replacement effects that generate copy effects include an exception that’s an additional effect rather than a modification of the affected object’s characteristics. If another copy effect is applied to that object after applying the copy effect with that exception, the exception’s effect doesn’t happen.

      Example: Altered Ego reads, “You may have Altered Ego enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it enters with X additional +1/+1 counters on it.” You choose for it to enter the battlefield as a copy of Clone, which reads “You may have Clone enter the battlefield as a copy of any creature on the battlefield,” for which no creature was chosen as it entered the battlefield. If you then choose a creature to copy as you apply the replacement effect Altered Ego gains by copying Clone, Altered Ego’s replacement effect won’t cause it to enter the battlefield with any +1/+1 counters on it.

    • 707.9f Some exceptions to the copying process apply only if the copy is or has certain characteristics. To determine whether such an exception applies, consider what the resulting permanent’s characteristics would be if the copy effect were applied without that exception, taking into account any other exceptions that effect includes.

      Example: Moritte of the Frost says, in part, “You may have Moritte of the Frost enter the battlefield as a copy of a permanent you control, except it’s legendary and snow in addition to its other types and, if it’s a creature, it enters with two additional +1/+1 counters on it and it has changeling.” Moritte of the Frost copies a land that has become a creature until end of turn. It would enter as a noncreature permanent, so it won’t enter with two additional +1+1 counters on it and it won’t have changeling, even if it becomes a creature later in the turn.

    • 707.9g Some replacement effects that generate copy effects are linked to triggered abilities written in the same paragraph. (See rule 603.11.) If another copy effect is applied to that object after applying the copy effect with the linked triggered ability, the ability doesn’t trigger.
  • 707.10. To copy a spell, activated ability, or triggered ability means to put a copy of it onto the stack; a copy of a spell isn’t cast and a copy of an activated ability isn’t activated. A copy of a spell or ability copies both the characteristics of the spell or ability and all decisions made for it, including modes, targets, the value of X, and additional or alternative costs. (See rule 601, “Casting Spells.”) Choices that are normally made on resolution are not copied. If an effect of the copy refers to objects used to pay its costs, it uses the objects used to pay the costs of the original spell or ability. A copy of a spell is owned by the player under whose control it was put on the stack. A copy of a spell or ability is controlled by the player under whose control it was put on the stack. A copy of a spell is itself a spell, even though it has no spell card associated with it. A copy of an ability is itself an ability.

    Example: A player casts Fork, targeting an Emerald Charm. Fork reads, “Copy target instant or sorcery spell, except that the copy is red. You may choose new targets for the copy.” Emerald Charm is a modal green instant. When the Fork resolves, it puts a copy of the Emerald Charm on the stack except the copy is red, not green. The copy has the same mode that was chosen for the original Emerald Charm. It does not necessarily have the same target, but only because Fork allows choosing of new targets.

    Example: Fling is an instant that reads, “As an additional cost to cast this spell, sacrifice a creature” and “Fling deals damage equal to the sacrificed creature’s power to any target.” When determining how much damage a copy of Fling deals, it checks the power of the creature sacrificed to pay for the original Fling.

    Example: Dawnglow Infusion is a sorcery that reads, “You gain X life if {G} was spent to cast this spell and X life if {W} was spent to cast it.” Because mana isn’t an object, a copy of Dawnglow Infusion won’t cause you to gain any life, no matter what mana was spent to cast the original spell.

    • 707.10a If a copy of a spell is in a zone other than the stack, it ceases to exist. If a copy of a card is in any zone other than the stack or the battlefield, it ceases to exist. These are state-based actions. See rule 704.
    • 707.10b A copy of an ability has the same source as the original ability. If the ability refers to its source by name, the copy refers to that same object and not to any other object with the same name. The copy is considered to be the same ability by effects that count how many times that ability has resolved during the turn.
    • 707.10c Some effects copy a spell or ability and state that its controller may choose new targets for the copy. The player may leave any number of the targets unchanged, even if those targets would be illegal. If the player chooses to change some or all of the targets, the new targets must be legal. Once the player has decided what the copy’s targets will be, the copy is put onto the stack with those targets.
    • 707.10d Some effects copy a spell or ability for each player or object it “could target.” The copies are put onto the stack with those targets in the order of their controller’s choice. If the spell or ability has more than one target, each of its targets must be the same player or object. If that player or object isn’t a legal target for each instance of the word “target,” a copy isn’t created for that player or object.
    • 707.10e Some effects copy a spell or ability and specify a new target for the copy. If the spell or ability has more than one target, each of the copy’s targets must be that player or object. If that player or object isn’t a legal target for each instance of the word “target,” the copy isn’t created.
    • 707.10f Some effects copy a permanent spell. As that copy resolves, it ceases being a copy of a spell and becomes a token permanent. (See rule 608.3f.)
    • 707.10g If an effect creates a copy of a transforming permanent spell, the copy is also a transforming permanent spell that has both a front face and a back face. The characteristics of its front and back face are determined by the copiable values of the same face of the spell it is a copy of, as modified by any other copy effects. If the spell it is a copy of has its back face up, the copy is created with its back face up. The token that’s put onto the battlefield as that spell resolves is a transforming token.
  • 707.11. If an effect refers to a permanent by name, the effect still tracks that permanent even if it changes names or becomes a copy of something else.

    Example: An Unstable Shapeshifter copies a Crazed Armodon. Crazed Armodon reads, “{G}: Crazed Armodon gets +3/+0 and gains trample until end of turn. Destroy Crazed Armodon at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only once each turn.” If this ability of the Shapeshifter is activated, the Shapeshifter will be destroyed at the beginning of the next end step, even if it’s no longer a copy of Crazed Armodon at that time.

  • 707.12. An effect that instructs a player to cast a copy of an object (and not just copy a spell) follows the rules for casting spells, except that the copy is created in the same zone the object is in and then cast while another spell or ability is resolving. Casting a copy of an object follows steps 601.2a–h of rule 601, “Casting Spells,” and then the copy becomes cast. Once cast, the copy is a spell on the stack, and just like any other spell it can resolve or be countered.
  • 707.13. One card (Garth One-Eye) instructs a player to create a copy of a card defined by name rather than by indicating an object to be copied. To do so, the player uses the Oracle card reference to determine the characteristics of the copy and creates the copy outside of the game.
  • 707.14. One card (Magar of the Magic Strings) instructs a player to note the name of a particular card in a graveyard and create a copy of the card with the noted name. To do so, use the characteristics of that card as it last existed in the graveyard to determine the copiable values of the copy. (See rule 608.2h.)

Effect interactions

Copy effects form layer 1, the lowest and earliest layer, in the layer system dictating the interaction of continuous effects. This ensures that the copiable values of an object are unchanged from the printed values at the moment that copy effects should apply. It also means that all non-copy effects are applied to the copied values rather than the printed values of the card. All together, it creates a metaphor that the copy was actually printed with the copied values, and then other effects made further modifications to that card just as they would to any other.

Copy effects last as long as their abilities declare, regardless of changes to the status of the card that became a copy. This creates confusing interactions with cards that transform or turn face up or down.

• A card that transforms but is also a copy of something, remains a copy of what it was before, even though it does change which face is turned up on the playing surface. Changing the card face has no actual effect on the object's values until the copy effect ends, since the copy effect supersedes either side of the printed card.
• On the other hand, characteristics applied by a card being face-down come after copy effects. Thus, a face-down creature that receives a copy effect will have its copied values superseded by the fact that it is still face down, and will keep whatever characteristics it got when it became face-down, typically a colorless 2/2 creature. However, if it ever turns face up while the copy effect is still active, it will take on the copied values at that time because the face-down characteristics cease to apply.

Copiable values

The copiable values of an object are its name, mana cost, color indicator, card type, subtype, supertype, rules text, power, toughness, and loyalty. These values are usually copied exactly as printed. However, copy effects do respect changes to those values resulting from other copy effects, face-down status, and some effects that set a creature's power or toughness. The last are only considered if they have the wording "as [the object] enters the battlefield" or "as [the object] is turned face up".

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

Copiable Values

Values of an object’s characteristics that are checked by copy effects. See rules 613.2, 707.2, and 707.3.

Additionally, for objects on the stack (that is, spells or effects that have not yet resolved), copies also copy any choices made while casting it, such as mode, targets, or additional or alternate costs that were paid. Many, but not all, effects that copy spells allow the controller of the copy to choose new targets for that copy.

Information not copied

Counters on the object being copied and objects attached to it, such as Auras or Equipment, are not copied, and neither are the effects granted by them. The effects of non-copy abilities are not copied, regardless of whether they are temporary or permanent as applied to the original card. For example, the effects of Giant Growth, Glorious Anthem, or Sneak Attack are not copied. The effects of Veiled Serpent or Figure of Destiny are not copied either, although the abilities themselves are copied.

The collective status of the original object is also not copied. Unless otherwise stated, the copy will be created untapped, unflipped, face-up, and phased-in.

Information not on the face of the card that is showing is also not copied. More technically, copy effects only use the attributes of the object at the time it's copied, not the full card representing the object.

• A copy effect can only copy whichever of the two faces of a double-faced card (DFC) is turned up at that time. A copy of a transforming DFC cannot transform unless its underlying card is also transforming DFC; confusingly, even if it does transform, it will still remain a copy of whichever face was first copied, not the opposite side. If the copy effect ends, it will then have the characteristics of the underlying card's transformed side, since it did indeed transform.
  • For example, if an Incubator that has been temporarily copied to be a Khenra Spellspear transforms using the Spellspear's transform ability, it will remain a copy of the Spellspear and not its back face, Gitaxian Spellstalker. Once the copy effect lapses, however, the result will be an Incubator that has been transformed.
• Copies of melded creatures simply have the attributes of the melded creature on a single card or token.
• Copies of back faces of transforming DFCs or melded creatures did not copy the casting cost on the front face of those cards, so they have a mana value of zero.
• A copy effect "cannot see" the original attributes of a face-down card. Therefore a copy of such a creature will acquire the copiable values of the creature as it exists face down - typically a 2/2 colorless, costless, nameless, subtypeless creature - but it will be face up. Such a copy is unable to morph, and never acquires the face-up characteristics of the original creature, since they were not visible at the time the copy began.

Copy tokens

• 

  Double Masters copy token "of a permanent"

• 

  Crimson Vow copy token "of something else"

Token Name	Color	Type Line	P/T	Text Box	Source	Printings
Copy	Colorless	Token		This token can be used to represent a token that's a copy of a permanent.	Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad Back from the Brink Blade of Selves Bloodforged Battle-Axe Brass Knuckles Cabaretti Confluence Cackling Counterpart Caller of the Untamed Clone Legion Cogwork Assembler Coursers' Accord Dance of Many Daretti, Ingenious Iconoclast Delina, Wild Mage Druid's Deliverance Dual Nature Dutiful Replicator Echo Chamber Esika's Chariot Eyes in the Skies Faerie Artisans Fated Infatuation Feldon of the Third Path Felhide Spiritbinder Flameshadow Conjuring Flamerush Rider Followed Footsteps Full Flowering Gary Clone Ghired, Conclave Exile Ghired's Belligerence Growing Ranks Heat Shimmer Horncaller's Chant Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker Leonardo da Vinci Lithoform Engine Littjara Mirrorlake Masterwork of Ingenuity Mechanized Production Mimic Vat Minion Reflector Mirror Match Mirror Mockery Mirrorpool Mirrorworks Nemesis Trap Orvar, the All-Form Osgir, the Reconstructor Parallel Evolution Powder Ganger Progenitor Mimic Prototype Portal Reflections of Littjara Rhys the Redeemed Riku of Two Reflections Rite of Replication Rootborn Defenses Ruthless Radrat Saheeli's Artistry Saheeli Rai Securitron Squadron Scion of Vitu-Ghazi Séance Second Harvest Selesnya Eulogist Shaun, Father of Synths Song of the Worldsoul Soul Foundry Soul Separator Sundering Growth Spitting Image Splinter Twin Stolen Identity Supplant Form Tempt with Reflections The Scarab God Three Dog, Galaxy News DJ Thrill-Kill Disciple Trostani, Selesnya's Voice Trostani's Judgment Twinflame Vitu-Ghazi Guildmage Volo, Guide to Monsters Wasteland Raider Watchful Radstag Wake the Reflections Wayfaring Temple
Imperial Mask	White	Enchantment		When Imperial Mask enters the battlefield, if it's not a token, each of your teammates puts a token that's a copy of Imperial Mask onto the battlefield. You have hexproof.	Imperial Mask
Inchblade Companion	White	Artifact Creature — Equipment Insect	1/1	Equipped creature gets +1/+1. Reconfigure	Inchblade Companion
Mirror-Sigil Sergeant	White	Creature — Rhino Soldier	4/4	Trample At the beginning of your upkeep, if you control a blue permanent, you may put a token that's a copy of Mirror-Sigil Sergeant onto the battlefield.	Mirror-Sigil Sergeant
Wedding Ring	White	Artifact		Whenever an opponent who controls an artifact named Wedding Ring draws a card during their turn, you draw a card. Whenever an opponent who controls an artifact named Wedding Ring gains life during their turn, you gain that much life.	Wedding Ring
Jace, Cunning Castaway	Blue	Planeswalker — Jace		+1: Whenever one or more creatures you control deal combat damage to a player this turn, draw a card, then discard a card. -2: Create a 2/2 blue Illusion creature token with “When this creature becomes the target of a spell, sacrifice it.” -5: Create two tokens that are copies of Jace, Cunning Castaway, except they're not legendary.	Jace, Cunning Castaway
Jace, Mirror Mage	Blue	Planeswalker — Jace		Kicker When Jace, Mirror Mage enters the battlefield, if Jace was kicked, create a token that's a copy of Jace, Mirror Mage, except it's not legendary and its starting loyalty is 1. +1: Scry 2 0: Draw a card and reveal it. Remove a number of loyalty counters Equal to that card's converted mana cost from Jace, Mirror Mage.	Jace, Mirror Mage
Osgood, Operation Double	Blue	Creature — Human Alien Shapeshifter	2/2	: Add . Spend this mana only to cast an artifact spell or activate an ability of an artifact. Paradox — Whenever you cast a spell from anywhere other than your hand, investigate. (This token’s mana cost is .)	Osgood, Operation Double
Mist-Syndicate Naga	Blue	Creature — Snake Ninja	3/1	Ninjutsu Whenever Mist-Syndicate Naga deals combat damage to a player, create a token that’s a copy of Mist-Syndicate Naga.	Mist-Syndicate Naga
Dreadfeast Demon	Black	Creature — Demon	6/6	Flying At the beginning of your end step, sacrifice a non-Demon creature. If you do, create a token that’s a copy of Dreadfeast Demon.	Dreadfeast Demon
Pack Rat	Black	Creature — Rat	*/*	Pack Rat's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Rats you control. , Discard a card: Put a token onto the battlefield that's a copy of Pack Rat.	Pack Rat
Uchuulon	Black	Creature — Crab Ooze Horror	*/4	Uchuulon’s power is equal to the number of Crabs, Oozes, and/or Horrors you control. Horrific Symbiosis — At the beginning of your end step, exile up to one target creature card from an opponent’s graveyard. If you do, create a token that’s a copy of Uchuulon.	Uchuulon
Life of the Party	Red	Creature — Elemental	0/1	First strike, trample, haste Whenever Life of the Party attacks, it gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the number of creatures you control.	Life of the Party
Aeve, Progenitor Ooze	Green	Legendary Creature — Ooze	2/2	Storm Aeve, Progenitor Ooze isn’t legendary if it’s a token. Aeve enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter on it for each other Ooze you control.	Aeve, Progenitor Ooze
Biowaste Blob	Green	Creature — Ooze	0/0	Oozes you control get +1/+1. At the beginning of your upkeep, if you control a commander, create a token that’s a copy of Biowaste Blob.	Biowaste Blob
Giant Adephage	Green	Creature — Insect	7/7	Trample Whenever Giant Adephage deals combat damage to a player, put a token onto the battlefield that's a copy of Giant Adephage.	Giant Adephage
Gruff Triplets	Green	Creature — Satyr Warrior	3/3	Trample When Gruff Triplets dies, put a number of +1/+1 counters equal to its power on each creature you control named Gruff Triplets.	Gruff Triplets
Nacatl War-Pride	Green	Creature — Cat Warrior	3/3	Nacatl War-Pride must be blocked by exactly one creature if able. Whenever Nacatl War-Pride attacks, create X tokens that are copies of Nacatl War-Pride and that are tapped and attacking, where X is the number of creatures defending player controls. Exile the tokens at the beginning of the next end step.	Nacatl War-Pride
Ochre Jelly	Green	Creature — Ooze	0/0	Trample Ochre Jelly enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. Divide — When Ochre Jelly dies, if it had two or more +1/+1 counters, create a token that's a copy of it at the beginning of the next end step. That token enters the battlefield with half of those +1/+1 counters, rounded down.	Ochre Jelly A-Ochre Jelly
Polyraptor	Green	Creature — Dinosaur	5/5	Enrage — Whenever Polyraptor is dealt damage, create a token that’s a copy of Polyraptor.	Polyraptor
Scute Swarm	Green	Creature — Insect	1/1	Landfall — Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, create a 1/1 green Insect creature token. If you control six or more lands, create a token that's a copy of Scute Swarm instead.	Scute Swarm
Spawnwrithe	Green	Creature — Elemental	2/2	Trample Whenever Spawnwrithe deals combat damage to a player, put a token that's a copy of Spawnwrithe onto the battlefield.	Spawnwrithe
Splitting Slime	Green	Creature — Ooze	3/3	: Monstrosity 3. When Splitting Slime becomes monstrous, put a token onto the battlefield that's a copy of Splitting Slime.	Splitting Slime
Sprouting Phytohydra	Green	Creature — Plant Hydra	0/2	Defender Whenever Sprouting Phytohydra is dealt damage, you may put a token that's a copy of Sprouting Phytohydra onto the battlefield.	Sprouting Phytohydra
Ob Nixilis, the Adversary	Black/​Red	Planeswalker — Nixilis		Casualty X. The copy isn’t legendary and has starting loyalty X. +1: Each opponent loses 2 life unless they discard a card. If you control a Demon or Devil, you gain 2 life. -2: Create a 1/1 red Devil creature token with “When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target.” -7: Target player draws seven cards and loses 7 life.	Ob Nixilis, the Adversary
Compy Swarm	Black/​Green	Creature — Dinosaur	2/2	At the beginning of your end step, if a creature died this turn, create a tapped token that's a copy of Compy Swarm.	Compy Swarm
Furnace-Blessed Conqueror	Red/​White	Creature — Phyrexian Cleric	3/3	Whenever Furnace-Blessed Conqueror attacks, create a token that’s a copy of it. Put a +1/+1 counter on that token for each +1/+1 counter on Furnace-Blessed Conqueror. Sacrifice that token at the beginning of the next end step.	Furnace-Blessed Conqueror
Bloodforged Battle-Axe	Colorless	Artifact — Equipment		Equipped creature gets +2/+0. Whenever equipped creature deals combat damage to a player, create a token that's a copy of Bloodforged Battle-Axe. Equip	Bloodforged Battle-Axe
Brass Knuckles	Colorless	Artifact — Equipment		When you cast this spell, copy it. (The copy becomes a token.). Equipped creature has double strike as long as two or more Equipment are attached to it. Equip	Brass Knuckles
Mishra's Self-Replicator	Colorless	Artifact Creature — Assembly-Worker	2/2	Whenever you cast a historic spell, you may pay . If you do, create a token that's a copy of Mishra's Self-Replicator.	Mishra's Self-Replicator
Myr Propagator	Colorless	Artifact Creature — Myr	1/1	, : Put a token that's a copy of Myr Propagator onto the battlefield.	Myr Propagator
Skyclave Relic	Colorless	Artifact		Kicker Indestructible When Skyclave Relic enters the battlefield, if it was kicked, create two tapped tokens which are copies of Skyclave Relic : Add one mana of any color.	Skyclave Relic
Sorcerer's Broom	Colorless	Artifact Creature — Spirit	2/1	Whenever you sacrifice another permanent, you may pay . If you do, create a token that’s a copy of Sorcerer’s Broom.	Sorcerer's Broom
Skitterbeam Battalion	Red	Artifact Creature — Construct	2/2	Trample, haste	Skitterbeam Battalion
	Colorless	Artifact Creature — Construct	4/4	Trample, haste	Skitterbeam Battalion
Herald of the Host	White	Creature — Angel	4/4	Flying, vigilance	Herald of the Host
Battle Angels of Tyr	White	Creature — Angel Knight	4/4	Flying Whenever Battle Angels of Tyr deals combat damage to a player, draw a card if that player has more cards in hand than each other player. Then you create a Treasure token if that player controls more lands than each other player. Then you gain 3 life if that player has more life than each other player.	Battle Angels of Tyr
Tabaxi Toucaneers	White	Creature — Cat Ranger	3/2	Flying	Tabaxi Toucaneers
Hammers of Moradin	White	Creature — Dwarf Cleric	3/3		Hammers of Moradin
Wyrm's Crossing Patrol	White	Creature — Human Soldier	1/1		Wyrm's Crossing Patrol
Wizards of Thay	Blue	Creature — Human Wizard	3/3	Instant and sorcery spells you cast cost less to cast. You may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash.	Wizards of Thay
Broodbirth Viper	Blue	Creature — Snake	3/3	Whenever Broodbirth Viper deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card.	Broodbirth Viper
Banshee of the Dread Choir	Black	Creature — Spirit	4/4	Whenever Banshee of the Dread Choir deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card.	Banshee of the Dread Choir
Dalek Squadron	Black	Artifact Creature — Dalek	3/3	Menace	Dalek Squadron
Tiamat's Fanatics	Red	Creature — Dragon Warrior	4/3		Tiamat's Fanatics
Warchief Giant	Red	Creature — Giant Warrior	5/3		Warchief Giant
Gnoll War Band	Red	Creature — Gnoll	5/5	Menace	Gnoll War Band
Genasi Enforcers	Red	Creature — Elemental Shaman	1/3	: Creatures you control named Genasi Enforcers get +1/+0 until end of turn.	Genasi Enforcers
Elturel Survivors	Red	Creature — Tiefling Peasant	0/4	Trample As long as Elturel Survivors is attacking, it gets +X/+0, where X is the number of lands defending player controls.	Elturel Survivors
Caller of the Pack	Green	Creature — Beast	8/6	Trample	Caller of the Pack
The Master, Multiplied	Black/​Red	Creature — Time Lord Rogue	4/3	The “legend rule” doesn’t apply to creature tokens you control. Triggered abilities you control can’t cause you to sacrifice or exile creature tokens you control.	The Master, Multiplied
Cybermen Squadron	Colorless	Artifact Creature — Cyberman	5/5	Nonlegendary artifact creatures you control have myriad.	Cybermen Squadron
Gary Clone	White	Creature — Human Citizen	1/3	Whenever Gary Clone attacks, each creature you control named Gary Clone gets +1/+0 until end of turn.	Gary Clone
Ultramarines Honour Guard	White	Creature — Astartes Warrior	2/2	Other creatures you control get +1/+1.	Ultramarines Honour Guard
Securitron Squadron	White	Artifact Creature — Robot	2/2	Vigilance Whenever a creature token enters the battlefield under your control, put a +1/+1 counter on it.	Securitron Squadron
Space Marine Devastator	White	Creature — Astartes Warrior	3/3	When Space Marine Devastator enters the battlefield, destroy up to one target artifact or enchantment	Space Marine Devastator
Zephyrim	White	Creature — Human Warrior	3/3	Flying, vigilance	Zephyrim
Sicarian Infiltrator	Blue	Artifact Creature — Human Soldier	1/2	When Sicarian Infiltrator enters the battlefield, draw a card.	Sicarian Infiltrator
Vanguard Suppressor	Blue	Creature — Astartes Warrior	3/2	Flying Whenever Vanguard Suppresor deals combat damage to a player, draw a card.	Vanguard Suppressor
Arco-Flagellant	Black	Creature — Human	3/1	Arco-Flagellant can't block Pay 3 life: Arco-Flagellant gains indestructible until end of turn.	Arco-Flagellant
Wasteland Raider	Black	Creature — Human Mercenary	4/3	When Wasteland Raider enters the battlefield, each player sacrifices a creature.	Wasteland Raider
Powder Ganger	Red	Creature — Human Rogue	2/2	When Powder Ganger enters the battlefield, destroy up to one target artifact.	Powder Ganger
Thrill-Kill Disciple	Red	Creature — Human Mercenary	3/2	When Thrill-Kill Disciple dies, create a Junk token.	Thrill-Kill Disciple
Galadhrim Brigade	Green	Creature — Elf Soldier	2/2	Other Elves you control get +1/+1.	Galadhrim Brigade

See also

• Double team