The threat of Phyrexia has been a key focus inMagic: The Gatheringlore. Numerous Commanders showcase the efforts the rest of the planes would do to fight this existential threat. Chief among these fighters isUrtet, Remnant of Memnarch.This seemingly-adorable mechanical Myr embodied the creativity of Memnarch, the first ruler of Mirrodin back when it was the metallic world of Argentum.
Though Memnarch is gone, Urtet is still busy exploring the world and tinkering with objects he’s seen, resulting in gadgets that enabled the Mirrodin resistance to stand some chance against the Phyrexian threat. For players ofMagic: The Gatheringwho want to explore what Urtet has to offer, they need to understand the compatibility of his build with the game’s existing Myr offerings.
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In The Lore: Who Is Urtet?
In the story ofMagic: The Gathering,Urtet served as a devout servant of Memnarch, the first (but secret) ruler of Mirrodin back when it was a metal world of Argentum created by the planeswalker Karn. When Karn left Argentum to its own devices, it entrusted Memnarch with the wisdom of the all-powerful Mirari artifact and stewardship over the realm.
Although Memnarch was responsible for sparking life in now-named Mirrodin, his corruption by the Phyrexian oil eventually led to his downfall. Only Urtet, one of his Memnite creations, carried his legacy. A technician that shared the same innocent curiosity as its creator pre-corruption, Urtet is often seen carrying trinkets and exploring the realm. Thanks to the gadgets and items he left behind, Mirran survivors could stave off the Phyrexian assault.
Remnant Of Memnarch: Key Characteristics
When building a deck with “Urtet, Remnant of Memnarch,”Magic: The Gatheringplayers need to get a good grasp on his basic mechanics. Urtet’s nature as one of the first Myrs plays right into his core skillset, as the card has the following capabilities:
Strengths: A Myr For Every Color
Despite the minuscule nature of “Urtet, Remnant of Memnarch” compared toother Commanders, thisMagic: The Gatheringcard packs a punch when integrated with the right deck. Players need to understand his key characteristics to transform into these advantages.
Weaknesses: It’s All Myr
While there are a lot of uses for “Urtet, Remnant of Memnarch”in the right deck, his specialized nature makes him tricky to use. Players who want to use Urtet in their decks need to consider how they can bypass the following setbacks.
Remnant Of Memnarch Strategies: A Myr For Every Strategy
Given the Myr-focused nature of “Urtet, Remnant of Memnarch,” it’s easy to assume that decks with this Commander have to include Myr creature types. However, the versatility of Myr spells means Urtet can provide players with a number of strategies to consider.
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Deck 1: Improving The Standard
Whilethe traditional Urtet deck inMagic: The Gatheringwill include most of the Myrs available in the game, their lack of synergies can do more harm than good on the onset. This can be dangerous in fast-paced Commander battles.Improving the Standardremedies this, particularly when using Urtet’s buffs and untap mechanics within his stapledeck.Improving the Standardreplaces some Myrs in this standard deck with more useful alternatives.
For example, “Mirror Entity” is a Changeling (all creature types) that can transform the base stats of all the player’s creatures based on Mana provided, making it a neat alternative while waiting for Urtet or when there’s extra Mana prior to Urtet’s buffs. Other useful non-Myrs include “Alibou, Ancient Witness” and “Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer,” which gives Haste to all Artifacts; and “Etherium Sculptor” and “Foundry Inspector,” which reduces the Mana cost of Artifacts.
Deck 2: Mana Pumping Action
Players who want to transform theirMagic: The Gatheringgameplay with an Urtet deck can go simple and straightforward withMana Pumping Action. This deck tries to solve the question of having enough Mana to even proc Urtet’s 5-cost +3/+3 buff with investments such as 5-cost “Timeless Lotus” and 7-cost “Chromatic Orrery.” Both of these cards can pump 5 Mana into Urtet when needed. “Cryptolith Rite” lets players tap any creature for 1 Mana and can advantage of Urtet’s untap skill, making it less risky in the heat of battle.
On top of traditional token-pumping cards are summon punishers. For instance, “Cabal Paladin” deals 2 damage for every historic spell cast, such as Artifacts. Meanwhile, “Reckless Fireweaver” deals 1 damage to opponents when creatures enter the battlefield, and “Purophos, God of the Forge” deals 2 for the same effect. With these cards, if Urtet spawns a Myr Token after a Myr creature is cast, it will punish opponent for 10 damage, similar to anaggro Red deck.
Players who want to make a nigh-indestructible army can add spells such as “Illusionist’s Bracers” and “Doubling Season” to the mix. The doubles the counters given, and the latter does the same on top of doubling tokens that appear.
Deck 3: The More, The Merrier
Another obvious but effective approach with Urtet is to exponentially boost token output as soon as possible. In thisThe More, The Merrierdeck, players still focus on getting Urtet out early, as well as building a healthy Mana supply via ramps without unnecessarily usingrareMagic: The Gatheringcards.The More, The Merriershould facilitate token boosts that make them into the main damage dealers of the team.
“Parallel Lives” becomes an integral card to ensure Urtet doubles his minion-generation output. Meanwhile, “Lux Artillery” will add Sunburst (add a +1/+1 counter for each Mana spent to cast) to Artifacts cast, giving them a nifty boost even before Urtet procs his buff. And with “All Will Be One,” Urtet’s already-debilitating +3/+3 buff translates to 3 damage to the opponent, hurting them before players even attack.
Deck 4: Pure Punishment
Players who want to start the equivalent of a robot uprising may wantPure Punishment.This build plays out like most Urtet decks, but with extra combat buffs.Pure Punishmentrelies on a few key cards to rain hell on opponents. “Shared Animosity” gives +1/+0 for creatures that share a creature type during combat, while “Haunted One” gives +2/+0 to itself and all other creatures during that turn whenever it’s untapped. Thanks to Urtet’s untap mechanic, “Haunted One” can easily proc +4/+0, on top of Urtet’s +3/+3 buff.
Othercards in this deckalso give smaller buffs to other Artifacts but are easier to access due to lower costs. These include “Steel Overseer,” which gives +1/+1 to Artifact creatures, as well as “Urza, Prince of Kroog” and “Tempered Steel” that gives +2/+2. Cost reducers such as “Herald’s Horn” and “Urza’s Incubator” can make it easier for Urtet to proc his token production effects for more potential damage.
Deck 5: To Infinity And Beyond
Skilled players ofMagic: The Gatheringwill likely not have many problems setting up an Urtet deck in the early game. The main problem is keeping their band of fragile robots alive until Urtet buffs them. WithTo Infinity And Beyond, the right setup can secure not just nigh-infinite Mana, but also nigh-infinite Myr Tokens. Pulling offTo Infinity And Beyondwill allow players to get as much Mana as they need to get into any victory condition they like.
The first infinite Mana combo is to have “Cryptolith Rite” enable 4 Myrs to generate 1 Mana each when tapped. Tapping all of them and paying 1 additional Mana triggers “Myr Matrix,” which puts another Myr Token into play. This activates “Intruder Alarm,” which untaps all creatures when an Artifact creature enters play, practically letting players restart the cycle.
Another strategy still involves “Cryptolith Rite” and 4 Myrs. This time, tap 1 Myr and another to activate “Myr Galvanizer” to untap all creatures, leaving 1 floating Mana. Tap 1 Myr to make 2 floating Mana, and tap 2 more Myr to activate “Clock of Omens” to untap “Myr Galvanizer.” Tap the last Myr to activate the “Galvanizer” to untap everything, giving room to repeat the cycle.
March of the Machineis the most recent expansion ofMagic: The Gathering, having been released in April 2023.
