or 2 life.)
in its mana cost (such as Protean Hydra), X is considered to be zero.Phyrexian Metamorph can enter as a copy of any artifact or creature on the battlefield, while remaining an artifact in addition to the copied types. Its Phyrexian blue symbol can be paid with blue mana or two life, giving decks a flexible way to duplicate an established engine, mana rock, or creature with a useful entry ability.
Copying Sol Ring can provide another efficient mana source, while copying a creature such as Eternal Witness can recover a card. An opposing creature can be a valid model as well, letting Metamorph adapt to the strongest useful permanent currently in play. The copy choice does not target, so hexproof on the original permanent does not prevent choosing it.
Artifact synergies remain relevant regardless of the copied creature’s normal types. Metamorph contributes to Mox Opal’s metalcraft and the size of Urza’s Saga Constructs. Blink effects can give it another opportunity to enter and choose a different copy, letting a value deck change its role as the board develops.
Copied characteristics include legendary status, so copying your own legendary permanent can require you to keep only one under the legend rule. Counters and most temporary bonuses on the original are not copied. Metamorph also does not cast the spell it is copying, so copying an Eldrazi does not produce that Eldrazi’s cast trigger. Choose it for the flexibility of the battlefield copy and its entry effects, with enough suitable artifacts or creatures available to make it useful consistently.
