Socketed Sprocketer

Socketed Sprocketer was released in 2017 as part of Unstable, the third silver-bordered joke set for the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Wizards of the Coast, the set was built around the theme of contraptions and experimental engineering, aiming to introduce unconventional gameplay mechanics that would not function within the standard rules of the game. The card itself utilizes the 'assemble' mechanic, allowing players to build a separate deck of artifacts that enhance their creatures.

The card was illustrated by David Sladek, who rendered the creature in a whimsical, mechanical aesthetic consistent with the 'Rigger' and 'Contraption' tribes featured throughout Unstable. Upon its release, the card was received as a lighthearted piece of experimental design. While cards from Un-sets are generally ineligible for sanctioned tournament play, Socketed Sprocketer remains a notable example of the creative freedom the design team exercised to explore self-referential humor and complex engineering tropes within the hobby.