# 2017 Magic: The Gathering Unstable #178

> The Dogsnail Engine foil card (UST #178) is an Uncommon Contraption artifact from the 2017 Magic: The Gathering Unstable set, designed by Chuck Lukacs.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2017
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Unstable
- **Card number**: #178
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

The Dogsnail Engine is a distinctive Contraption artifact from the Magic: The Gathering Unstable set, released in 2017. As a foil version of this Uncommon card, it carries the unique number 178 within the Unstable collection. The card features artwork by Chuck Lukacs and is categorized as an Artifact with the Contraption subtype. In gameplay, the Dogsnail Engine offers a strategic interaction centered around its contraption mechanic. When a player activates the ability to crank this contraption, the card triggers a life-gain effect. Specifically, the target player gains life equal to the highest power value among the creatures currently controlled by the player who cranked it. This design encourages players to build their board presence with strong creatures to maximize the life gain potential, adding a layer of tactical depth to the card's utility. Collectors appreciate the Dogsnail Engine for its humorous theme and unique mechanical design, which reflects the irreverent tone of the Unstable set. The foil treatment adds a premium aesthetic quality, making it a desirable addition to themed collections or specific set completions. Whether you are a casual player experimenting with contraption strategies or a dedicated collector of the Unstable expansion, this card represents a fun and interactive piece of Magic history. The growing catalog of Magic: The Gathering products ensures that collectors can find various treatments and rarities to suit their collecting goals. For those interested in the broader history of Magic's more experimental sets, the Dogsnail Engine stands out as a memorable example of the game's creative flexibility.

## FAQ

### What is the Dogsnail Engine in Magic: The Gathering?

The Dogsnail Engine is an Uncommon Contraption artifact card from the 2017 Unstable set. It has a mana value of zero and features artwork by Chuck Lukacs.

### How does the Dogsnail Engine's contraption mechanic work?

When a player cranks the Dogsnail Engine, the target player gains life equal to the highest power among the creatures they control. This encourages building a strong creature presence to maximize the benefit.

### What set is the Dogsnail Engine foil card from?

The foil version of the Dogsnail Engine is part of the Unstable set, released in 2017. It is numbered 178 in the set's catalog.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.