Behemoth of Vault 0: A Powerful Artifact Creature with Versatile Mechanics

Introduction

Behemoth of Vault 0 is an artifact creature that has been a staple in many Magic: The Gathering deck archetypes since its release in 2018. Its unique mechanics, which include generating energy counters when it enters the battlefield and allowing players to destroy nonland permanents, make it a powerful presence on the board. In this review, we will delve into the detailed card mechanics, strategic uses, combos, and synergies of Behemoth of Vault 0, as well as its deckbuilding roles, format viability, and competitive context.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

Behemoth of Vault 0's mechanics are centered around its ability to generate energy and deal damage. When it enters the battlefield, it grants the player four energy counters, which can be used to cast spells or activate abilities. This ability is activated immediately when the creature enters the battlefield, making it a great early-game play.

The creature also has trample, allowing it to deal excess damage to opponents when attacking. This can lead to significant pressure on the opponent's life total and make it difficult for them to defend against.

When Behemoth of Vault 0 dies, its ability allows the player to pay an amount of energy equal to the target nonland permanent's mana value. If paid, this destroys the target permanent. This ability is most useful when targeting lands, which can prevent the player from drawing cards or creating new threats.

One important interaction to note is that Behemoth of Vault 0's ability is not affected by its trample value. However, its death trigger will still be triggered even if it's destroyed in combat with an opponent's creature.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Behemoth of Vault 0 can be used in a variety of strategic contexts, depending on the deck archetype and playstyle. Here are some examples:

• Energy-based decks: Behemoth of Vault 0 is a natural fit for energy-based decks that rely on card draw and spellcasting. It provides a powerful source of energy that can help fuel spells and abilities.
• Token generators: Behemoth of Vault 0 can also be used to generate tokens, either through its own death trigger or by copying other token-generating creatures.
• Trample-heavy decks: Its trample ability makes it a great fit for decks that want to focus on dealing damage with large creatures.

One notable combo involving Behemoth of Vault 0 is when paired with Simian Spirit Guide. When Simian Spirit Guide dies, its death trigger triggers and creates a 2/2 Simian Spirit creature token. If this token is then attacked by Behemoth of Vault 0's trample ability, it can create additional tokens or kill the opponent's creature.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Behemoth of Vault 0 typically serves as a mid-game creature that provides energy and deals damage. It's often paired with other creatures that benefit from its trample ability or provide card draw.

Some deck archetypes that can incorporate Behemoth of Vault 0 include:

• Mono-blue control: This archetype focuses on controlling the board with spells and abilities, making it a great fit for Behemoth of Vault 0.
• Green-Red aggro: Aggressive decks often prioritize dealing damage over energy generation, but Behemoth of Vault 0 can still provide value in this context.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Behemoth of Vault 0 is currently viable in Standard formats, particularly in mono-blue control and green-red aggressive archetypes. However, its viability can vary depending on the specific metagame and matchups.

In Modern, Behemoth of Vault 0 has seen more limited use due to the stronger presence of more recent artifact creatures like Golgari Findbroker. Nevertheless, it remains a solid option for those looking to build an energy-based deck.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Behemoth of Vault 0's mechanics interact with other card effects in the following ways:

• Trample: As mentioned earlier, Behemoth of Vault 0 has trample, which allows it to deal excess damage when attacking.
• Death trigger: When Behemoth of Vault 0 dies, its ability triggers and allows the player to destroy a nonland permanent.

It's worth noting that Behemoth of Vault 0's death trigger is not affected by its ability to generate energy. This means that even if it doesn't die from combat, its death trigger will still be triggered when it leaves the battlefield.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Behemoth of Vault 0's art depicts a large, metallic robot with glowing blue eyes, standing in front of a vault door labeled "Vault 0". The flavor text reads "I am the key to your prison." This suggests that Behemoth of Vault 0 is designed to be a powerful tool for imprisoning or controlling opponents.

Historically, this card was first released in 2018 as part of the "Dominaria" set. It has since become a staple of many deck archetypes and remains one of the most iconic artifact creatures in Magic: The Gathering.

Conclusion Summary

Behemoth of Vault 0 is a powerful artifact creature that provides four energy counters when it enters the battlefield, trample, and can generate additional energy through its death trigger. Its versatility and game-changing presence make it a staple of many deck archetypes, from mono-blue control to green-red aggressive decks.

While its viability in Modern formats has been limited due to stronger recent artifact creatures, Behemoth of Vault 0 remains a solid option for those looking to build an energy-based deck. Its unique mechanics and interactions with other card effects make it a compelling addition to any Magic: The Gathering collection.