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Incubate

33 commander-legal cards

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What it does

Incubate is an ability that creates an Incubator token—a colorless artifact with the chosen number of +1/+1 counters on it. For example, "Incubate 2" makes an Incubator with two +1/+1 counters. This token isn't a creature yet; it sits on the battlefield until you pay {2} to "transform" it, turning it into a 0/0 Phyrexian artifact creature that then has its counters, making it a creature with power and toughness equal to the counter count. The biggest misconception is that the Incubator is already a creature—it isn't, so it can't attack, block, or trigger creature-based effects until flipped. Note that transforming costs {2} and can be done at instant speed any time you have priority. In Commander, Incubate gives flexible, resilient value: it dodges sorcery-speed removal while dormant, and you can flip multiples at instant speed for surprise blockers or a sudden board presence. It synergizes well with artifact and +1/+1 counter themes.

Iconic cards with Incubate

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Chrome Host Seedshark
Sunfall
Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings
Excise the Imperfect
Brimaz, Blight of Oreskos
Phyrexian Awakening
Essence of Orthodoxy
Progenitor Exarch
Norn's Inquisitor
Glissa, Herald of Predation
Blight Titan
Bloated Processor
Sunder the Gateway
Compleated Huntmaster