Hangarback Walker
This creature enters with X +1/+1 counters on it. When this creature dies, create a 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature token with flying for each +1/+1 counter on this creature. {1}, {T}: Put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.
Rulings (2)
Jun 22, 2015 · If enough -1/-1 counters are put on Hangarback Walker at the same time to make its toughness 0 or less, the number of +1/+1 counters on it before it got any -1/-1 counters will be used to determine how many Thopter tokens you get. For example, if there are three +1/+1 counters on Hangarback Walker and it gets four -1/-1 counters, you'll get three Thopter tokens. That's because Hangarback Walker's triggered ability checks the creature's existence just before it leaves the battlefield, and it still has all those counters on it at that point.
Jun 22, 2015 · The value of each X in Hangarback Walker's mana cost must be equal. For example, if X is 2, you'll pay {4} to cast Hangarback Walker and it will enter the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters on it.
Where it’s played now
Inclusion by archetype
| Archetype | Format | Inclusion | Copies | Decks (n) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardened Scales | Modern | 100% | 1× | 2 |
| Arcum Dagsson | cEDH | 50% | 1× | 2 |