In 2013, with the Theros set, Wizards of the Coast introduced a mechanic called ''Monstrous'' to play on the theme of a monster becoming more powerful. This was a one-time payoff signified by the addition of +1/+1 counters. When we returned to Ravnica, the Simic Conclave sought to move on from their Evolve mechanic to something new. This recycled Monstrous mechanic became the next step in Simic: G/U evolution with ''Adapt.'' I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today we're exploring this mechanic--how it works, the flavor behind it, and some Adapt cards that might pop up on your next Commander night at the local game store.

What Is Adapt?

Adapt comes with a cost and an Adapt number, written as ''Adapt X.'' To use this ability, you pay the listed cost, and the creature receives X +1/+1 counters. For example, a card with "Adapt 2" for 4 mana would gain two +1/+1 counters when you activate the ability. Importantly, Adapt cannot be used if the creature already has +1/+1 counters, which distinguishes it from other mechanics that allow repeatable activations.

Creatures with Adapt often have additional effects that synergize with counters. Some trigger when a counter is placed on them, while others gain new abilities when they have one or more counters. This duality of functionality--making creatures stronger while enabling bonus effects--makes Adapt versatile in both casual and competitive play.

Let's examine Sharktocrab, one of the standout Adapt creatures. Whenever a counter is placed on it, Sharktocrab taps and effectively stuns an opponent's creature by preventing it from untapping during its controller's next untap step. This ability isn't limited to Adapt--it also works with other counter producers such as Ozolith, the Shattered Spire. As a result, Sharktocrab can disrupt your opponents while scaling up in power, making it a valuable tool in Simic decks.

Another excellent example is Incubation Druid. This creature starts as a simple mana dork, tapping for 1 mana of any color among lands you control. However, once it has a +1/+1 counter, its output skyrockets to 3 mana of any one color. This makes it a key card in decks that aim to ramp quickly. Players often look for ways to place a counter on Incubation Druid without activating Adapt, such as using cards like Gavony Township or Hardened Scales.

The Flavor of Adapt in Ravnica

How does this ability fit into the world of Ravnica? Like the Evolve mechanic, Adapt represents the Simic Combine's relentless experimentation and drive to enhance nature's potential. The Simic are known for their hybrid creations - think elves with tentacles or amphibians with traits borrowed from apex predators.

Adapt captures the essence of their ethos: creatures that evolve in response to their environments. This evolution is often represented by acquiring new traits or abilities, symbolizing progress and growth. The mechanic also aligns with the Simic's desire to create organisms that are harder, better, faster, and stronger than their counterparts to quote Daft Punk.

Now, let's dive into those notable Adapt cards you might see during a Commander game night.

Zegana, Utopian Speaker

As the only legendary creature with Adapt, Zegana stands out in both gameplay and flavor. When she enters the battlefield, she draws you a card, providing immediate value. Starting as a 4/4 for 4 mana, Zegana has solid base stats, but her Adapt 4 ability can transform her into an 8/8 trampling powerhouse. Even more impressive, she gives all your creatures with +1/+1 counters trample, making her a perfect leader for decks focused on counter synergies.

Pteramander

This card is a fan favorite in low-cost, evasive strategies. Pteramander starts as a modest 1/1 flyer for one blue mana, but its Adapt 4 ability can turn it into a dragon-sized threat. In decks like Edric, Spymaster of Trest, where you frequently draw cards off cheap creatures dealing damage, Pteramander shines as a late-game threat that's cheap to upgrade thanks to its synergy with graveyard-stocking mechanics like milling and instant/sorcery recursion.

Evolution Witness

Imagine Eternal Witness with a Simic twist. Evolution Witness allows you to return a permanent card from your graveyard to your hand whenever a +1/+1 counter is placed on it. This repeatable effect can be incredibly powerful, enabling combo loops or generating value in grindy games. Whether paired with proliferate effects or mechanics like Adapt, Evolution Witness is a staple in counter-focused strategies.

Skatewing Spy

This Vedalken Rogue Mutant offers an interesting utility for counter-focused decks. Its Adapt 2 ability is expensive at 6 mana, but its static effect is where it truly shines. Skatewing Spy gives all your creatures with +1/+1 counters flying, providing critical evasion. Whether you're running Hydras, Adapt creatures, or Backup cards, the ability to take to the skies can quickly overwhelm opponents who lack flying blockers.

Cursed Wombat

Though unconventional for Simic, Cursed Wombat deserves mention for its ability to enhance counter placement. By increasing the number of counters you place on your creatures each turn, it serves as a valuable support piece. This effect synergizes with cards like Hardened Scales and Doubling Season, making it a strong, redundant addition to decks that prioritize maximizing counters.

At the end of the day, adapt might not be the most celebrated mechanic in Magic's history, but it highlights Wizards of the Coast's dedication to innovation. They took the Monstrous mechanic, which represented the growth of mythical monsters in a Greek-inspired setting, and reimagined it for Ravnica. By adapting the mechanic to suit the Simic Combine's scientific and evolutionary themes, they created a distinct flavor and gameplay experience.

The decision to innovate rather than simply reuse Monstrous shows a commitment to making each set unique. Even if Adapt isn't the flashiest ability, it provides depth to counter-based strategies and adds layers of synergy. It's proof that Wizards of the Coast is willing to experiment, much like the Simic themselves. Until next time, happy gaming!