Solemn Simulacrum (4/4): A versatile, low-toughness artifact creature that excels in ramping up mana and generating card advantage.

• Its ability to tap a basic land as it enters the battlefield is particularly powerful when paired with Aura Swap or other cards that benefit from additional lands.
• In Commander, Solemn Simulacrum is often played in green-white artifact decks, where its draw effect can be combined with Ephemerate or Phantasmal Terrain for maximum value.
• Its moderate mana cost and relatively low power/toughness make it a popular choice for ramping up to more expensive spells without sacrificing too much life.

In terms of formats, Solemn Simulacrum is most commonly seen in Commander and casual play, where its draw effect can be leveraged to great effect. Its moderate price point ($2.13 USD) makes it an accessible choice for players looking to add some value to their deck.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Solemn Simulacrum is a 4-mana artifact creature with two primary abilities: one tied to its entering the battlefield and another triggered by its death.

Entering the Battlefield Ability

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, you may take three steps:

1. Search Library: You search your library for any basic land card (e.g., Plains, Island). This is a normal state-based action.
2. Put Land on Battlefield: If you found a basic land, put it onto the battlefield tapped. Note that this is a triggered ability putting a permanent onto the battlefield; the land will have its own mana cost and any applicable effects (e.g., Fetchland or Badlands''' color).
3. Shuffle Library: Finally, shuffle your library.

Death Trigger Ability

When Solemn Simulacrum dies, you may draw a card. This is a triggered ability with no additional conditions or requirements.

Interactions & Edge Cases

• If the stack is empty and Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield, its ability resolves immediately because there's nothing on the stack to prevent it from resolving.
• If you have no basic lands in your library, you can't use this ability. You'll simply place a 0/0 creature (Solemn Simulacrum) onto the battlefield and potentially draw a card later when it dies.
• Solemn Simulacrum's death trigger won't be prevented by any of the following: Liliana of the Veil, Grafdaur Wurm's "Destroy all permanents" ability, or Slaughter Pact.

Solemn Simulacrum excels in various strategic applications, particularly in Commander decks that value card advantage and flexible mana development.

Simultaneous Mana Development

The ability to search for a basic land card when Solemn Simulacrum enters the battlefield allows players to develop their mana at an accelerated rate. This synergizes well with cards like Llanowar Elves, Fertile Ground, or Azcanta, the Sunken Ruin. These combinations enable rapid development of multiple colors and accelerate game progression.

Card Advantage

When Solemn Simulacrum dies, it grants a life-gain and card-draw effect. This can be combined with cards that provide additional life gain, such as Sanguine Bond, Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, or Kemba, Kha Regent. By leveraging these synergies, players can maintain a strong board presence while also fueling their draw engine.

Combo Potential

In more aggressive and combo-oriented decks, Solemn Simulacrum's ability to search for basic lands makes it an attractive addition. Players can pair it with cards like Mox Opal, Urza's Tower, or Simian Spirit Guide to accelerate mana development and set up complex combos.

Colorless Commanders

Solemn Simulacrum is particularly well-suited for colorless Commander decks, as it doesn't contribute to any specific color identity. Decks featuring commanders like The Monstrous Caravan or Ezuri, Renowned Leader can benefit from the added flexibility and card advantage provided by Solemn Simulacrum.

Some notable examples of Solemn Simulacrum's strategic applications include:

• Commander: Nicol Bolas
  • Colorless aggro deck focusing on fast mana development and card advantage.
• Commander: Ezuri, Renowned Leader
  • Colorless token generation with additional life gain and card draw.
• Commander: Kemba, Kha Regent
  • Life-gain focused deck leveraging Solemn Simulacrum's ability to fuel its draw engine.

In summary, Solemn Simulacrum offers versatile benefits for various Commander strategies, making it an attractive addition to decks that value flexible mana development and card advantage.

Solemn Simulacrum is a versatile artifact creature that excels in various Commander decks. Its ability to search for and add basic lands to the battlefield tapped can create a steady stream of life gain, mana acceleration, or even recursive value.

• Basic Land Ramp: By playing Solemn Simulacrum on turn 4, you can search for any basic land and add it to your board. This allows you to ramp up to more expensive spells faster, potentially enabling plays like Simian Spirit Guide or Llanowar Elves. With the right deck, this ability can become a reliable source of mana acceleration.

• Land Reclamation: When combined with cards like Griselbrand, Karakas, or Estrid, the Masked, Solemn Simulacrum's ability to search for lands becomes a powerful reclamation engine. You can use it to add lands to your board, then sacrifice them to generate card advantage.

• Synergy with Golems: As an artifact creature, Solemn Simulacrum pairs well with other golems like Golgari Findbroker or Korlash, Heir to Etali. Their abilities can create a chain reaction of value generation, with Solemn Simulacrum's land search providing the foundation for this synergy.

• Token Generation: Some Commander decks focus on generating tokens. In these cases, Solemn Simulacrum's ability to draw a card when it dies becomes more significant. You can use Solemn Simulacrum as a sacrifice engine, trading it in to generate token after token with cards like Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient.

Mistakes with Solemn Simulacrum often revolve around its timing and synergy.

• Not playing it at the right time: Playing Solemn Simulacrum when your library is empty or nearly empty can be a mistake, as you won't be able to take advantage of its ability to search for a basic land card.
• Misunderstanding its interaction with other cards: Solemn Simulacrum's ability allows you to tap the basic land card it searches for. However, if another creature or artifact is already tapping that land, this might lead to unintended consequences in your strategy.

Another common mistake is misunderstanding how Solemn Simulacrum interacts with lands and creatures that have abilities related to mana production or artifact destruction.

• Not considering card advantage: Players may not fully appreciate the value of the draw ability on Solemn Simulacrum, especially when paired with other cards like Mox Opal or Trostani's Summoner, which provide additional ways to generate card advantage.
• Overlooking its interaction with removal spells: Solemn Simulacrum can be vulnerable to removal spells, particularly those that target artifacts. This means players must carefully consider the balance between protecting their artifact and maintaining a threatening presence on the board.

Example scenarios:

• A player is running a mono-color deck with an emphasis on ramping into more expensive creatures. They might overlook the value of Solemn Simulacrum's ability to search for basic lands, which could help them maintain a consistent mana flow.
• A player is building a combo deck that relies on Solemn Simulacrum as part of their engine. However, they fail to consider the impact of removal spells or other cards that can target artifacts, leading to an underwhelming performance in practice.

By understanding these common mistakes and considerations, players can better incorporate Solemn Simulacrum into their Commander decks and make informed decisions about its role in their strategy.

Solemn Simulacrum is a versatile artifact creature that offers benefits for land development and card draw. At $2.13 USD, it's considered relatively affordable for a rare card.

The card has seen moderate price fluctuations over the years. As of the latest data, its prices are:

• EUR (Euro): 1.00
• USD (United States Dollar): 2.13
• TIX (TCG Player Units): 0.02

In terms of format representation, Solemn Simulacrum is most commonly found in Commander and Modern decks due to its low mana cost and versatile abilities.

For a budget-conscious Commander deck, consider the following alternatives:

• Bountiful Harvest: A 2-toughness, 3/2 creature that provides +1/+1 and lifegain for each basic land you control. ($0.50)
• Khalni Garden: A 4/5 creature that allows you to tap two untapped lands to add a mana of any color of your choice. ($0.25)

The incorporation of basic lands into one's deck through Solemn Simulacrum offers new avenues for exploration, mirroring the vast expanse of Zendikar's wilderness. Each land tapped serves as a portal to uncharted territories, awaiting discovery by those brave enough to venture forth.

In this context, the card becomes a poignant reflection of the interconnectedness of life on Zendikar – where even inanimate objects hold the secrets of creation and destruction, waiting to be unleashed upon the world.

Solemn Simulacrum's ability to create a basic land on entry is particularly useful in Commander decks that rely on land advantage. However, its 2/2 power and toughness are relatively modest compared to other creatures.

Consider the following alternatives:

• Serra Ascendant: A 3/3 creature with lifelink and protection from red, offering more formidable defensive capabilities. ($0.50)
• Golgari Findbroker: A 4/5 creature that allows you to search for a basic land card on entry, similar to Solemn Simulacrum's ability. ($1.00)

Solemn Simulacrum has been featured in several iconic Commander decks due to its versatility and ability to generate card advantage. For example:

• Commander: Volrath, the Desecrated - This deck leverages Solemn Simulacrum's ability to create tokens and disrupt opponents' plans.
• Eldrazi Ramp - In this deck archetype, Solemn Simulacrum serves as a mid-game threat while generating additional mana to ramp into more powerful creatures.

In terms of budget-friendliness, consider the following alternatives:

• Bountiful Harvest: A 2-toughness, 3/2 creature that provides +1/+1 and lifegain for each basic land you control. ($0.50)
• Khalni Garden: A 4/5 creature that allows you to tap two untapped lands to add a mana of any color of your choice. ($0.25)

The last time Solemn Simulacrum was reprinted in Modern Masters 2017, its price decreased significantly. However, it has since remained around this value due to its continued popularity.

In the mystical realm of Zendikar, where the land is alive and magic permeates every rock and tree, Solemn Simulacrum stands as a testament to the ancient secrets hidden within the earth. This artifact creature, a golem forged from the very essence of the land, embodies the symbiotic relationship between nature and magic.

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the fray, its creator – a powerful planewalker known as Chandra Nalaar – may search their library for a basic land card, placing it onto the battlefield tapped. This ability serves not only to generate additional mana but also to tap into the fundamental forces that shape the world of Zendikar.

When Solemn Simulacrum meets its demise, it leaves behind a subtle echo of its existence – the possibility to draw an additional card. This gesture acknowledges the delicate balance between creation and destruction, where even in death, there lies potential for growth and renewal.

Solemn Simulacrum excels in midrange and combo decks that value card advantage, mana fixing, and artifact synergy. Its abilities create a self-sustaining loop: drawing cards when it dies enables playing more lands, which in turn accelerates the game state.

Commanders:

• Estrid, the Masked: As a 2/4 with lifelink, Estrid pairs well with Solemn Simulacrum's ability to draw a card when it dies. This can lead to an explosive combo of drawing cards and generating life.
• Breya, Etherium Shaper: Breya's artifact synergy and ability to create tokens complement Solemn Simulacrum's artifacts and card advantage.
• Atraxa, Praetors' Voice: Atraxa's versatility in playing both creatures and artifacts makes it an excellent match for Solemn Simulacrum.

Color Identities:

• Monoblue: Blue is the primary color of choice due to its access to card draw, counterspells, and artifact manipulation.
• Mono-Black: Black provides a more aggressive approach with Solemn Simulacrum, leveraging its ability to sacrifice creatures for value.

Themes:

• Artifact Aggro: Pairing Solemn Simulacrum with artifact ramp spells and creatures can create an explosive midrange deck that leverages card advantage.
• Combo: Using Solemn Simulacrum as a key component in more complex combos, such as creating infinite mana or drawing massive amounts of cards.

Synergy Cards:

• Golgari Findbroker: This artifact allows you to exile creatures and generate value from them, synergizing with Solemn Simulacrum's ability to draw a card when it dies.
• Mox Opal: Mox Opal accelerates the game state by allowing players to cast more expensive spells earlier, including those that interact with Solemn Simulacrum.
• Jace, Vryn's Prodigy: Jace provides an additional way to draw cards and manipulate the library, amplifying Solemn Simulacrum's effect.

Combo Notes:

• Atraxa + Solemn Simulacrum can create a massive combo of drawing infinite cards by sacrificing artifacts.
• Estrid + Solemn Simulacrum forms a powerful synergy that leverages card draw and lifelink to outlast opponents.
• Breya + Solemn Simulacrum enables an artifact-based combo that generates value from tokens and card advantage.

Commander Format

In Commander, Solemn Simulacrum is a staple in many artifact-based decks. Its ability to search for and create lands on demand makes it an excellent card for generating mana and fueling spells. With its moderate power and toughness, it's not too fragile but also not too expensive to remove.

When paired with cards like Llanowar Elves or Feldon of the Third Path, Solemn Simulacrum can create a robust land ramp strategy that provides an advantage in terms of mana acceleration. Its ability to draw a card when dying also offers a nice bonus, allowing players to maintain momentum and adapt to changing circumstances.

However, its competitiveness can be diminished by more powerful artifacts like Mox Opal or Snapcaster Mage, which offer greater impact for the same or lower cost. Nonetheless, Solemn Simulacrum remains a popular choice in Commander due to its reliability and flexibility.

Other Formats

In Pauper format, where most cards are one-tix or less, Solemn Simulacrum is an excellent option due to its low price point and moderate power level. Its ability to create lands and draw cards makes it a valuable asset in these decks, often serving as a centerpiece for land-based strategies.

Price Point

Considering its rarity and performance across formats, the price of Solemn Simulacrum is relatively reasonable. The USD value ranges from $2.13 for the regular version to $19.50 for the foil version, which is more in line with its competitive potential.

Banned or Overlooked?

Solemn Simulacrum is not banned in any major format and remains a competitive choice in Commander. Its versatility and moderate impact make it an attractive option for players seeking reliable land acceleration and card advantage. While some more powerful artifacts may overshadow it, Solemn Simulacrum's consistent performance keeps it relevant in the metagame.

Keep in mind that prices and format performance can fluctuate over time as new sets are released and meta-shifts occur.

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Solemn Simulacrum excels in scenarios where mana acceleration and card draw are crucial. In a multi-player game, its ability to search for basic lands can significantly aid the table's mana development, allowing players to cast more expensive spells and creatures.

• Early-game stabilizers: With Solemn Simulacrum on board, players can quickly establish a stable mana base by playing basic lands. This enables them to play more impactful spells and creatures like Atraxa or Estrid, the Masked.
• Mana dork synergy: Paired with ramp artifacts such as Sylvan Caryatid or Rampant Growth, Solemn Simulacrum can accelerate mana development and support more aggressive strategies.

However, in matchups where board presence and creatures are prioritized, Solemn Simulacrum's 2/2 power and toughness may prove underwhelming. In these cases, players should focus on alternative solutions for card draw or mana acceleration.

• Competitive aggro decks: Against aggressive strategies like Boros Legion Loyalist, Liliana's Reclamation, or Mardu Leviathan, Solemn Simulacrum's low power and toughness make it an easy target. In these situations, players should prioritize more resilient creatures with higher power.
• Control-oriented decks: Against control strategies like Sultai Eternals or Boros Legion Loyalist, which rely on disrupting opponents' plays, Solemn Simulacrum's ability to draw a card when it dies may not be sufficient.

History and Notable Appearances

Solemn Simulacrum, a rare Artifact Creature from the Mirrodin Reborn set (mrd), has had several printings since its initial release. It has been reprinted in various sets, including Modern Masters 2015, Modern Masters 2017, and Modern Horizons.

Tournament presence is notable for Solemn Simulacrum, particularly in Commander decks. According to EDHREC data, it ranks #35 on the Edhrec Popular Cards list. In addition, this card has been featured in several iconic Commander decks due to its versatility and ability to generate card advantage. For example:

• Commander: Volrath, the Desecrated - This deck leverages Solemn Simulacrum's ability to create tokens and disrupt opponents' plans.
• Eldrazi Ramp - In this deck archetype, Solemn Simulacrum serves as a mid-game threat while generating additional mana to ramp into more powerful creatures.

The card has seen moderate price fluctuations over the years. As of the latest data, its prices are:

In terms of format representation, Solemn Simulacrum is most commonly found in Commander and Modern decks due to its low mana cost and versatile abilities. Its popularity stems from its ability to provide card draw and disrupt opponents' plans, making it a staple in various Commander archetypes.

In the mystical realm of Zendikar, where the land is alive and magic permeates every rock and tree, Solemn Simulacrum stands as a testament to the ancient secrets hidden within the earth. This artifact creature, a golem forged from the very essence of the land, embodies the symbiotic relationship between nature and magic.

As a golem, Solemn Simulacrum is a being crafted from the raw materials of the land, its body composed of the same earthy energy that animates the planet's terrain. Its 2/2 power and toughness make it a formidable creature on the battlefield, but its true value lies in its abilities.

When Solemn Simulacrum enters the fray, its creator – a powerful planewalker known as Chandra Nalaar – may search their library for a basic land card, placing it onto the battlefield tapped. This ability serves not only to generate additional mana but also to tap into the fundamental forces that shape the world of Zendikar. The shuffling mechanism ensures that the creature's influence is woven back into the tapestry of the game, much like the intricate web of life on the planet.

When Solemn Simulacrum meets its demise, it leaves behind a subtle echo of its existence – the possibility to draw an additional card. This gesture acknowledges the delicate balance between creation and destruction, where even in death, there lies potential for growth and renewal.

The incorporation of basic lands into one's deck through Solemn Simulacrum offers new avenues for exploration, mirroring the vast expanse of Zendikar's wilderness. Each land tapped serves as a portal to uncharted territories, awaiting discovery by those brave enough to venture forth.

In this context, the card becomes a poignant reflection of the interconnectedness of life on Zendikar – where even inanimate objects hold the secrets of creation and destruction, waiting to be unleashed upon the world.