Budget Alternatives to Auton Soldier
Looking for a functional budget replacement for Auton Soldier ($10.73)? Whether you're brewing a 100-card Commander deck, upgrading a budget league list, or trying to avoid spending over $50 on cardboard, these vector-analyzed substitutes deliver comparable Versatile Deck Staple power for a fraction of the cost.
Top 3 Substitutes for Auton Soldier at a Glance
Broodbirth Viper
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 1 less mana (5 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #copy-self.
Kitesail Skirmisher
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 2 less mana (4 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #delayed-trigger.
Gemini Engine
Matches Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #delayed-trigger.
Auton Soldier
How Much Can You Save? (Price & Similarity Matrix)
Direct financial comparison between Auton Soldier and top budget alternatives.
| Card Name | Card Type & CMC | Price | Savings ($) | Savings (%) | Vector Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auton Soldier (Original) | Artifact Creature | $10.73 | — | — | 100% (Baseline) |
| #1 Broodbirth Viper | Creature (5 MV) | $0.55 | $10.18 | 95% | 72% Match |
| #2 Gemini Engine | Artifact Creature (6 MV) | $0.32 | $10.41 | 97% | 70% Match |
| #3 Identity Thief | Creature (4 MV) | $0.24 | $10.49 | 98% | 61% Match |
| #4 Kitesail Skirmisher | Creature (4 MV) | $0.22 | $10.51 | 98% | 59% Match |
| #5 Wizards of Thay | Creature (4 MV) | $1.64 | $9.09 | 85% | 55% Match |
| #6 Blade of Selves | Artifact (2 MV) | $2.94 | $7.79 | 73% | 82% Match |
In-Depth Analysis: Best Alternatives to Auton Soldier
Detailed mechanical similarities, differences, advantages, disadvantages, and ideal deck situations for each substitute.
Broodbirth Viper
(Creature — Snake • 5 MV)
Myriad (Whenever this creature attacks, for each opponent other than defending player, you may create a token copy that's tapped and attacking that player or a planeswalker they control. Exile the tokens at end of combat.) Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card.
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 1 less mana (5 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #copy-self.
- • Costs $0.55 (95% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (5 MV vs 6 MV)
- • Delivers 72% of the mechanical power ceiling
Gemini Engine
(Artifact Creature — Construct • 6 MV)
Whenever this creature attacks, create a colorless Construct artifact creature token named Twin that's attacking. Its power is equal to this creature's power and its toughness is equal to this creature's toughness. Sacrifice the token at end of combat.
Matches Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature card type and shares the exact same mana value (6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #delayed-trigger.
- • Costs $0.32 (97% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Delivers 70% of the mechanical power ceiling
Identity Thief
(Creature — Shapeshifter • 4 MV)
Whenever this creature attacks, you may exile another target nontoken creature. If you do, this creature becomes a copy of that creature until end of turn. Return the exiled card to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 2 less mana (4 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #copy-creature.
- • Costs $0.24 (98% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 6 MV)
- • Delivers 61% of the mechanical power ceiling
Kitesail Skirmisher
(Creature — Human Pirate • 4 MV)
Flying Whenever this creature attacks, another target creature attacking the same player or planeswalker gains flying until end of turn. Encore {4}{U} ({4}{U}, Exile this card from your graveyard: For each opponent, create a token copy that attacks that opponent this turn if able. They gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step. Activate only as a sorcery.)
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 2 less mana (4 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #delayed-trigger.
- • Costs $0.22 (98% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 6 MV)
- • Delivers 59% of the mechanical power ceiling
Wizards of Thay
(Creature — Human Wizard • 4 MV)
Myriad (Whenever this creature attacks, for each opponent other than defending player, you may create a token copy that's tapped and attacking that player or a planeswalker they control. Exile the tokens at end of combat.) Instant and sorcery spells you cast cost {1} less to cast. You may cast sorcery spells as though they had flash.
Acts as a Creature alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 2 less mana (4 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #attacking-matters-self, #copy-self.
- • Costs $1.64 (85% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (4 MV vs 6 MV)
- • Delivers 55% of the mechanical power ceiling
Blade of Selves
(Artifact — Equipment • 2 MV)
Equipped creature has myriad. (Whenever it attacks, for each opponent other than defending player, you may create a token copy that's tapped and attacking that player or a planeswalker they control. Exile the tokens at end of combat.) Equip {4}
Acts as a Artifact alternative to Auton Soldier's Artifact Creature and costs 4 less mana (2 MV vs 6 MV). Overlaps on functional mechanics including #attack-trigger, #multi-copy, #temporary-token.
- • Costs $2.94 (73% savings over Auton Soldier)
- • Fills the Artifact Creature curve slot cleanly
- • Faster casting curve (2 MV vs 6 MV)
- • Delivers 82% of the mechanical power ceiling
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Match the right replacement card to your specific commander archetype and deck strategy.
Maximizes mana efficiency and replicates Auton Soldier's primary trigger role.
Reduces total deck cost below $50 while keeping the curve active.
Interacts directly with creature types, enchantments, or artifact themes.
When Is Auton Soldier Irreplaceable?
If your deck relies on specific infinite combo lines that require Auton Soldier's exact mana cost, unconditional timing, or unique text interaction, budget alternatives may not provide 100% parity. For casual Commander, mid-power EDH, and local game store play, the substitutes above deliver 90%+ functionality without the $10.73 price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auton Soldier Alternatives
Answers to the most common deckbuilding and replacement queries.
What is the best budget alternative to Auton Soldier?+
Broodbirth Viper ($0.55) is the best overall alternative to Auton Soldier ($10.73), saving $10.18 (95% savings) with a 72% functional vector match.
What cards are like Auton Soldier in MTG?+
Cards like Auton Soldier include Broodbirth Viper ($0.55), Gemini Engine ($0.32), Identity Thief ($0.24), Kitesail Skirmisher ($0.22). These cards share similar mana curves, mechanics, and strategic roles in Commander.
What is the cheapest replacement for Auton Soldier?+
Kitesail Skirmisher ($0.22) is the most affordable replacement, saving over 98% compared to Auton Soldier.
Why would a player want a replacement for Auton Soldier?+
At $10.73, Auton Soldier represents a substantial financial barrier for casual Commander decks, budget league builds, or players testing new color identities.
When should a player NOT use a cheaper alternative to Auton Soldier?+
In top-tier competitive cEDH pods or tournaments where minor efficiency differences (such as 1-mana differences or unconditional instant speed) decide matches, the original staple remains optimal.
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