Specialize
| Specialize | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Keyword Ability | |
| Type | Activated |
| Introduced | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Last used | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Reminder Text | Specialize [cost] (Pay [cost], choose a color, discard a card of that color or associated basic land type: This creature perpetually specializes into that color. Activate only as a sorcery.) |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Specialize is a designed-for-digital, MTG Arena-specific mechanic introduced in Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate. As a mechanic that adds a color and abilities to a legendary creature, it acts as a parallel to choosing a Background.[1]
Description
Specialize is a digital-only mechanic similar to transform which permanently changes a card into an alternate counterpart. Cards with specialize feature a circled upward pointing triangle in the upper left corner of the card, identical to that of transforming double-faced cards. This indicates that it is able to specialize.[2] The ability invokes the choosing of a D&D character's new class during a campaign.
You may pay the specialize cost (an entirely generic mana cost) and discard a card of your choice to specialize the creature into one of five options, one for each color. The available options are determined by the color and/or basic land type of the discarded card. Specialized creatures have different names to their original counterparts, an extra mana symbol of the chosen color in their mana cost, and a 5-way branching arrow icon in the top left corner.
Specialize is mostly seen on reimagined cards, all of which originally had "Choose a Background". There are two that are not, who are characters original to this set: Lukamina, Moon Druid and Klement, Novice Acolyte. Both have six arts, whereas the reimagined cards only have one that is color shaded to match their new color when specialized. The other exception is of Lae'zel, Illithid Thrall: mixing Lae'Zel's Baldur's Gate III ending with the player character's, it has unique art, a different name structure than Lae'zel's other forms, and is the only one that adds Horror to the type.
In terms of rules text, all but Klement, Novice Acolyte have consistency in their specialized abilities. Any keyword and non-specialize activated abilities are retained after changing forms. If the original card had an enter ability, the specialized card has a new ability that synergizes with it. Triggered abilities on specialized cards have identical conditions for each character, with a color-appropriate payoff. Some will also gain a color-appropriate keyword. Finally, aside from Klement, Novice Acolyte, Skanos, Dragon Vassal and Wilson, Bear Comrade, the sizing boost is consistent and symmetrical across all five forms.
As specializing permanently changes the cards, they normally retain their specialization when changing zones. However, Lukamina, Moon Druid is unique in how each of its specialized counterparts has the ability to "unspecialize" when it dies, permanently changing it back to its original counterpart.
Icons
Specialize cards have an icon next to the name representing a triangle 
, indicating their ability improve or upgrade. The specialized cards have a five-branching arrow 
, representing the five different color paths the card could have taken.
Rules
Specialize is not included as part of the Comprehensive Rules.[3] It operates according to the programmed rules of Magic: The Gathering Arena.
Commander
Cards with specialize have a unique color identity when used as a commander in Brawl.[1] During deck construction, the player must pick one of the five colors - representing each of the five cards the commander can specialize into. The chosen color then becomes part of the commander's color identity for the purposes of deck construction. This forces each card to act similarly to a traditional transforming card with only one alternative counterpart, rather than a 
commander.
Example
Example
Viconia, Nightsinger's Disciple 
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
2/3
Specialize 
:Exile target card from a graveyard.
Example 1
Viconia, Disciple of Rebirth
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell." If it has mana value 3 or less you may put it onto the battlefield.:Exile target card from a graveyard.
Example 2
Viconia, Disciple of Arcana
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, choose up to one target creature card and up to one target instant or sorcery card from among cards exiled with this creature. Conjure a duplicare of each of those cards into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell.":Exile target card from a graveyard.
Example 3
Viconia, Disciple of Blood
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell." and "When this creature enters the battlefield each opponent loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.:Exile target card from a graveyard.
Example 4
Viconia, Disciple of Violence
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gets +1/+0 and gains haste and "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell.":Exile target card from a graveyard.
Example 5
Viconia, Disciple of Strength
Legendary Creature — Elf Cleric
3/4
When this creature Specializes, conjure a duplicate of target creature card exiled with this creature into your hand. The duplicate perpetually gets +2/+2 and gains "You may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast this spell.":Exile target card from a graveyard.
References
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (July 6, 2022). "MTG Arena: State of the Game – Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2022.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (June 22, 2022). "MTG Arena Announcements, June 22, 2022". magicthegathering.com. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (August 2, 2021). "The Comp Rules aren’t being updated to explicitly support the Arena-only cards at this time.". Twitter.