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Altered Ego, art by Kev Walker
Art by Kev Walker · ™ & © Wizards of the Coast · image via Scryfall
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Altered Ego

{X}{2}{G}{U} · Creature — Shapeshifter

This spell can't be countered. You may have this creature enter as a copy of any creature on the battlefield, except it enters with X additional +1/+1 counters on it.

Rulings (9)

Jan 24, 2025 · If the chosen creature is a token, Altered Ego copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token. Altered Ego isn't a token.

Jan 24, 2025 · If the chosen creature is copying something else (for example, if the chosen creature is another Altered Ego), then your Altered Ego enters as whatever the chosen creature copied.

Jan 24, 2025 · X can be 0. Altered Ego won't enter with any additional +1/+1 counters, and it will just be a copy of the chosen creature.

Jan 24, 2025 · Altered Ego copies exactly what was printed on the original creature (unless that creature is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn't copy whether that creature is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or any Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, or so on.

Jan 24, 2025 · You can choose not to copy anything. In that case, Altered Ego enters as a 0/0 creature and is probably put into the graveyard immediately. It won't have +1/+1 counters placed on it by its ability.

Jan 24, 2025 · Any "enters" abilities of the copied creature will trigger when Altered Ego enters the battlefield. Any "as [this creature] enters" or "[this creature] enters with" abilities of the chosen creature will also work.

Jan 24, 2025 · If you copy a double-faced creature, Altered Ego will be a copy of the face that's up when Altered Ego enters. Because Altered Ego is not a double-faced card, it won't be able to transform. If an effect instructs you to return it to the battlefield transformed when it leaves the battlefield, it won't return and will remain in its new zone.

Jan 24, 2025 · If the chosen creature has {X} in its mana cost, that X is considered to be 0. The value of X in Altered Ego's last ability will be whatever value was chosen for X while casting Altered Ego.

Jan 24, 2025 · If Altered Ego somehow enters at the same time as another creature, Altered Ego can't become a copy of that creature. You may choose only a creature that's already on the battlefield.

LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
ModernLegal
PioneerLegal
StandardNot legal
PauperNot legal
PremodernNot legal
cEDHLegal

Where it’s played now

Inclusion by archetype · cEDH

% of archetype's lists running it · last 30 days · n=12 decks
ArchetypeFormatInclusionCopiesDecks (n)
Aang, at the CrossroadscEDH100%2
Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder / Thrasios, Triton HerocEDH100%1
Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh / Thrasios, Triton HerocEDH11.1%9
Data as of Jun 14, 2026 · MTGO + papercasthaven.com

Price

Altered Ego — price trend

Daily cheapest printing · USD · last 90 days · n=2 snapshots
Data as of Jun 14, 2026 · Scryfallcasthaven.com

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