The keyword Prepared is a recent addition to Magic: The Gathering, debuting in the Secrets of Strixhaven set. Since this mechanic hasn’t been officially revealed, numerous players are curious about its functionality. Nevertheless, by examining leaked cards and drawing on our knowledge of comparable effects, we can offer a reasonably precise prediction of its gameplay impact.
Understanding the Prepared Mechanic
For a creature featuring a prepare spell, its text box is divided into two distinct sections. (This layout resembles adventure cards, although their mechanics diverge.)
You can summon this creature from your hand by paying its standard mana cost. It gains the abilities listed on the left side of its text box and enters the battlefield unprepared.
Should that creature transition to being prepared, you are then able to cast its associated prepare spell (which can be either an instant or a sorcery) by paying its specific mana cost. (This spell corresponds to the abilities detailed on the right side of its text box.) Upon casting this spell, the creature reverts to an unprepared state.
The method for preparing a creature varies by card; typically, creatures will have an inherent ability to prepare themselves, but alternative preparation methods also exist, as demonstrated later.
In essence, “prepared” or “unprepared” denotes a status attributed to a creature that possesses a prepare spell. A prepared creature under your control allows you to cast its designated prepare spell. Conversely, if a creature is unprepared, its spell component cannot be cast.
To illustrate this further, let’s examine a few card examples.
Card Examples
Featured here is Emeritus of Ideation, which stands as the inaugural and presently sole card known to incorporate a prepare spell. Given its mythic rarity, its functionality is expected to be more intricate than that of typical prepare cards.
Casting this creature costs five mana, granting you a 5/5 flyer equipped with ward 2. Uniquely, unlike other creatures of this type, it enters the battlefield already in a prepared state.
Consequently, its spell component can be cast immediately. Indeed, you’re seeing correctly—this is none other than the Power 9 spell, Ancestral Recall. For a single blue mana, you draw three cards. (Alternatively, you could have another player draw three cards, if desired.)
Once the spell is placed on the stack, Emeritus of Ideation transitions to an unprepared state, preventing multiple Ancestral Recalls from being stacked consecutively.
Its final ability allows you to prepare it once more by attacking and exiling eight cards from your graveyard.
Additionally, Biblioplex Tomekeeper’s enter-the-battlefield effect provides another means of preparing it.
(Note: This card is among the leaked spoilers from Secrets of Strixhaven, which explains the subpar image quality and overlaid text.)
At a cost of four mana, you acquire a 3/4 creature capable of preparing or unprepared another creature upon entering the battlefield. This could prove to be a valuable card in draft, particularly if the mechanic is central to the format.
MTG Prepared / Unprepared – Frequently Asked Questions
You now have a fundamental understanding of the prepare mechanic. Below are additional clarifications regarding particular situations. Please remember that this information is largely speculative; while it’s improbable for the mechanic to function otherwise, it’s not impossible. Definitive details will emerge next week with the official reveal.
No, this is not possible. You must first cast the creature card, and subsequently ensure it becomes prepared before you can cast the instant/sorcery component of the card.
Yes, it can, but the creature must be made prepared again following each instance of the spell’s use.
If you have already initiated the spell’s casting, it will still resolve. If you had not yet cast the spell, you possess the opportunity to respond to the removal spell by casting the instant prepare spell. However, if the spell is a sorcery, or if you lack sufficient mana, your creature will be destroyed without you being able to cast the prepare spell.
No, that powerful effect is exclusive to that particular blue mythic card. Other cards will present a variety of different spells.
Further Preparation!
This concludes our overview of the prepare mechanic. Should you have any lingering questions about specific interactions, please feel free to leave a comment below, and we will respond promptly.
Moreover, for those eager about these new additions, Secrets of Strixhaven boosters are available for preorder on Amazon.
Interested in getting even more prepared for this upcoming set? Consider exploring these related articles:
Until our next update, enjoy your games, and may your creatures always be ready for action!