Genetic Recombinator

The Genetic Recombinator is an artifact card released in the 2017 Magic: The Gathering set Unstable. Designed as part of the game's third silver-bordered 'un-set,' the card reflects the whimsical, experimental nature of the series, which prioritizes humor and chaotic gameplay mechanics over the strict tournament legality found in standard sets. Like the rest of the set, it was developed under the direction of Mark Rosewater, who sought to push the boundaries of what card interactions could accomplish in a casual, creative environment.

The illustration for the card was created by artist Mathias Kollros, who utilized a distinct sci-fi aesthetic to capture the card's theme of biological manipulation. The design aims to blend classic laboratory tropes with the surrealist humor characteristic of the Unstable set. Upon its release, the card was well-received by players who frequent the Commander format and casual cubes, as its ability to exile and return creatures provided a unique tool for triggering 'enter-the-battlefield' effects in unpredictable ways.