The phrase identifies exceptional examples of a specific card type within the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. These cards are both creatures and artifacts, possessing characteristics of both card types. A prime example would be a powerful construct that can attack and defend while also being susceptible to artifact-specific spells and abilities.
Identifying and utilizing optimal cards of this type provides a distinct advantage in gameplay. Their inherent nature as artifacts grants them resilience against common creature removal while simultaneously opening them up to artifact-based synergies and strategies. Throughout Magic’s history, these cards have often defined metagames, serving as potent win conditions or critical support pieces within diverse archetypes.