The March of the Machine Dismal Backwater (Card 269) is a 2023 Magic: The Gathering common land that enters tapped but grants life and produces blue or black mana.
2023 • Magic: The Gathering • March of the Machine
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| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.18 | Guide Estimate | 0% | ||
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Oct 15, 2026
The March of the Machine Dismal Backwater, identified as card number 269 in the 2023 set, is a foundational land card for Magic: The Gathering players focusing on blue and black mana bases. As a common rarity card, it serves as a staple for constructing decks within the Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty and March of the Machine block environments, offering reliable resource generation for collectors and competitive players alike. This product represents a key component of the MOM expansion, designed to integrate seamlessly into multi-colored strategies that require the versatility of both ink and shadow resources. Functionally, Dismal Backwater provides a strategic trade-off typical of dual-color lands. It enters the battlefield tapped, meaning players cannot use its abilities immediately upon playing it. However, this delay is offset by a beneficial trigger: when the land enters, the player gains 1 life, offering a slight defensive advantage in the early turns. Once active, the land can be tapped to produce either one blue mana or one black mana, allowing for flexible spell casting without needing a separate source for each color. This dual capability makes it particularly useful for commanders and formats where mana consistency is crucial. For collectors, owning a complete set of Magic: The Gathering cards often involves gathering every unique land type introduced in a major release. The March of the Machine set expanded the lore of the plane of Kamigawa, and Dismal Backwater reflects this narrative through its flavor text, hinting at the environmental changes brought by the Invasion Tree. Whether you are building a new deck, completing a set, or simply appreciating the intricate design of modern TCG lands, this card is a significant entry in the 2023 catalog. Its straightforward mechanics and dual-color utility ensure it remains a relevant and sought-after piece for any dedicated Magic: The Gathering enthusiast.
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The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
The core identity of the card within the set.
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Dismal Backwater
Game
Magic: The Gathering
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Chris Ostrowski
Card Stock
English
Land
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
This land enters tapped. When this land enters, you gain 1 life. {T}: Add {U} or {B}.
The Invasion Tree's branches snaked through the streets of Otawara, turning Kamigawa's soaring city into a clouded nightmare.
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