Mana Crypt MTG Card


Generates two colorless mana each turn, enabling faster spell casting and deployment in MTG. Though impactful, upkeep flips can cause life loss, making play with this card a calculated risk. High market cost reflects Mana Crypt’s potent game-enhancing abilities and competitive relevance.
Card setsReleased in 19 setsSee all
Mana cost
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

At the beginning of your upkeep, flip a coin. If you lose the flip, Mana Crypt deals 3 damage to you. : Add to your mana pool.


Cards like Mana Crypt

Mana Crypt stands out as one of the most compelling sources of ramp in Magic: The Gathering, closely related in functionality to the likes of Sol Ring, providing a significant boost in mana for no initial cost. However, Mana Crypt offers a unique trade-off, dealing 3 damage to its controller during their upkeep for the boon of tapping for two colorless mana – a risky yet rewarding strategy for accelerating gameplay.

In contrast, Mox Opal is a zero-cost artifact like Mana Crypt, offering immediate mana acceleration. Mox Opal demands the metalcraft condition to be met, activating only in the presence of three other artifacts. Mana Vault, another zero-cost artifact, taps for a substantial three colorless mana but doesn’t untap during the next untap phase and also hurts the controller unless four mana is invested.

Assessing these options, Mana Crypt is unmatched in its immediacy and consistent generation of resources, despite its potential drawback. Its power has cemented it as a premium choice in decks that aim to outpace and overwhelm opponents quickly. Within the realm of MTG, Mana Crypt is a potent and pivotal card that exudes high risk for high reward.

Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Mox Opal - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Mox Opal - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mana Crypt by color, type and mana cost

Black Lotus - MTG Card versions
Ornithopter - MTG Card versions
Jeweled Amulet - MTG Card versions
Zuran Orb - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Marauder - MTG Card versions
Claws of Gix - MTG Card versions
Mox Opal - MTG Card versions
Chalice of the Void - MTG Card versions
Orochi Hatchery - MTG Card versions
Tormod's Crypt - MTG Card versions
Mox Diamond - MTG Card versions
Everflowing Chalice - MTG Card versions
Memnite - MTG Card versions
Engineered Explosives - MTG Card versions
Chimeric Mass - MTG Card versions
Chrome Mox - MTG Card versions
Turbo-Thwacking Auto-Hammer - MTG Card versions
Division Table - MTG Card versions
Rapid Prototyper - MTG Card versions
Inflation Station - MTG Card versions
Black Lotus - MTG Card versions
Ornithopter - MTG Card versions
Jeweled Amulet - MTG Card versions
Zuran Orb - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Marauder - MTG Card versions
Claws of Gix - MTG Card versions
Mox Opal - MTG Card versions
Chalice of the Void - MTG Card versions
Orochi Hatchery - MTG Card versions
Tormod's Crypt - MTG Card versions
Mox Diamond - MTG Card versions
Everflowing Chalice - MTG Card versions
Memnite - MTG Card versions
Engineered Explosives - MTG Card versions
Chimeric Mass - MTG Card versions
Chrome Mox - MTG Card versions
Turbo-Thwacking Auto-Hammer - MTG Card versions
Division Table - MTG Card versions
Rapid Prototyper - MTG Card versions
Inflation Station - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Mana Crypt. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Other ShopsOther Shops VintageOther ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-09
Mono-White InitiativeMono-White Initiative VintageMono-White InitiativeVintage League 2024-05-06
Oath of DruidsOath of Druids VintageOath of DruidsVintage League 2024-05-06
Oops! All SpellsOops! All Spells VintageOops! All SpellsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-09
Jewel ShopsJewel Shops VintageJewel ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Selesnya AggroSelesnya Aggro VintageMono-White AggroVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-09
Prison ShopsPrison Shops VintagePrison ShopsVintage Challenge 32 2024-05-05
Esper TinkerEsper Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage League 2024-05-07
Paradoxical OutcomeParadoxical Outcome VintageParadoxical OutcomeVintage League 2024-05-06

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Mana Crypt MTG card offers a significant edge in card economy. While it doesn’t directly allow you to draw additional cards, its ability to generate two mana every turn without a cost can help you deploy your hand more efficiently, ultimately leading to card advantage as you outpace your opponents in casting spells and deploying resources.

Resource Acceleration: Mana Crypt is a powerhouse when it comes to ramping up your mana resources quickly. This artifact can effectively accelerate your game plan by providing two colorless mana each turn, enabling you to cast high-cost cards much earlier than you would normally be able to. This can be particularly game-changing in the early stages, setting you up for a dominant position.

Instant Speed: Even though Mana Crypt itself is not an instant, the mana it generates can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to cast spells during your opponent’s turn or respond to threats as they arise. This utility makes the card a valuable addition to any deck aiming to maintain tempo and control over the game’s flow.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Mana Crypt is its compulsory flip at your upkeep, which might cost you 3 life. This loss can compound over time, especially if you’re unlucky with your flips, putting you at a noticeable disadvantage in longer games.

Specific Mana Cost: Despite Mana Crypt providing colorless mana, its initial cost of zero can be misleading. Certain formats or decks that restrict the use of zero-cost artifacts might prevent you from tapping into its potential, making it less versatile than it appears.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While it might seem ironic to discuss a high mana cost for a card that itself generates mana, the real “cost” comes into play on the secondary market. Mana Crypt’s price point is significantly high, which could deter players from adding it to their deck, preferring more affordable options for mana acceleration.


Reasons to Include Mana Crypt in Your Collection

Versatility: Mana Crypt excels in providing a quick boost in mana, which allows for early-game dominance or a swift deployment of your strategy. It slides seamlessly into nearly any deck that seeks to outpace opponents, from commander to cube drafts.

Combo Potential: This artifact is a keystone for numerous combos, enabling players to assemble powerful interactions earlier than usual. Its ability to generate two mana every turn can be the difference between winning and stalling, especially in game formats that favor rapid plays.

Meta-Relevance: In the shifting sands of the MTG competitive landscape, Mana Crypt remains a steadfast choice. Its relevance in eternal formats underlines its strength in accelerating decks to victory, making it a prized possession for serious collectors and competitive players alike.


How to beat

The challenge Mana Crypt presents to players in MTG can be daunting. Its ability to produce substantial mana acceleration for zero cost gives its user a significant advantage right from the game’s outset. Overcoming such a powerful artifact requires strategic planning and the right card choices.

To effectively counter Mana Crypt, considering artifact removal spells is crucial. Cards like Nature’s Claim or Abrade can dispose of Mana Crypt efficiently due to their low casting cost, allowing you to level the playing field quickly. Utilizing countermeasures such as Stony Silence can also inhibit Mana Crypt’s formidable mana-generating capability by preventing all activated abilities of artifacts from being activated, neutralizing the threat before it can overwhelm you.

Moreover, Kataki, War’s Wage acts as a persistent answer to artifacts by imposing a maintenance cost on them that can cripple an opponent’s mana base. Strategic use of discard spells to preemptively remove Mana Crypt from your opponent’s hand before it can impact the board may also derail their early game tempo. Each of these tactics can shift the balance, giving you the upper hand against the powerful Mana Crypt.


BurnMana Recommendations

Deciphering the secrets of Mana Crypt requires a blend of courage and strategy. With Mana Crypt’s outstanding ability to unlock early-game potential and set the stage for rapid-fire plays, its place in your MTG arsenal should be a considered choice. Balancing its high-risk, high-reward nature can be the key to victory. Ready to tap into the power of Mana Crypt and revolutionize your deck’s performance, despite the potential for self-damage? Delve deeper into the world of MTG with us, optimize your deck’s mana engine, and seize command of the battlefield. Explore our comprehensive guide to mastering Mana Crypt today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mana Crypt MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Mana Crypt and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mana Crypt Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2008-09-22 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 469082003NormalBlackMatt Stewart
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 828402015NormalBlackRon Spencer
32002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 359621997NormalBlackMark Tedin
42008-09-22Masters Edition IIME2 2141997NormalBlackMark Tedin
52011-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2011G11 52003NormalBlackMatt Stewart
62014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2722015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
72016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 2252015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
82016-09-30Kaladesh InventionsMPS 162015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
92019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 16032015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
102020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2702015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
112020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3612015NormalBorderlessRon Spencer
122020-09-26The ListPLST EMA-2252015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
132023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 172015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
142023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17b2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
152023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17f2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
162023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17c2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
172023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17d2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
182023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17e2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
192023-11-17Special GuestsSPG 17a2015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mana Crypt has restrictions

FormatLegality
PredhLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
VintageRestricted
DuelBanned

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mana Crypt card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-08-07 No player may choose to take actions between determining the result of the flip and damage being dealt if you lost the flip.