Obelisk of Esper MTG Card


Facilitates mana fixing for Esper decks, ensuring streamlined spell casting and overall consistency. Lends strategic depth by allowing mana to remain open for instant speed interactions. Requires thoughtful deck-building to overcome its specific mana cost and setup demands.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

: Add , , or to your mana pool.

It is a monument as austere, unyielding, and inscrutable as Esper itself.


Cards like Obelisk of Esper

Within the diverse array of mana-fixing artifacts in Magic the Gathering, Obelisk of Esper stands as a useful option for players running three-color decks, specifically those aligning with Esper’s colours. Though not as fast as some alternatives, like the celebrated Darksteel Ingot which is indestructible, or the renowned Chromatic Lantern that provides mana of any colour and fixes your lands, Obelisk of Esper holds its ground with its lower cost and specific usefulness in Esper decks.

Comparable to the likes of Manalith, Obelisk of Esper provides mana fixing at a three mana cost without any additional effects, sitting at a balanced point for its capability. Coalition Relic is another artifact that ramps and fixes mana; however, it offers an additional layer of utility by allowing the storage of mana for subsequent turns. This heightens the tempo for a player’s game, which is critical in matches where timing can be everything.

Given these points, Obelisk of Esper is tailored for a specific colour combination and deck strategy, while not being the most powerful artifact in its class, it is a solid inclusion for its cost and synergizes well within the Esper archetype.

Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Coalition Relic - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Coalition Relic - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Obelisk of Esper by color, type and mana cost

Esper Battlemage - MTG Card versions
Windwright Mage - MTG Card versions
Esper Sojourners - MTG Card versions
Esper Battlemage - MTG Card versions
Windwright Mage - MTG Card versions
Esper Sojourners - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Offers a versatile mana fix by tapping for any color needed within its shard, leading to more consistent spell casting and potential card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: The Obelisk of Esper aids in mana development, being a cost-effective artifact that supports a multicolored deck’s speed and efficiency.

Instant Speed: While the artifact itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it allows for holding mana open for other spells, providing strategic flexibility in casting instant speed interactions during critical moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some artifact options in MTG that come with no strings attached, Obelisk of Esper necessitates a certain setup to fully capitalize on its benefits. This can be less than ideal in game scenarios where maintaining a plump hand is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: The Obelisk of Esper shines in decks crafted around its color identity. However, the requirement for a blue, white, and black mana can pose deck-building limitations, particularly for those seeking to maximize mana base flexibility across the myriad of MTG archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Mana efficiency is key in the pace of MTG’s metagame, and with a casting cost that totals three of any mana plus a color combination, there are instances where the investment might outweigh the return, especially when faster or more impactful mana-fixing solutions are available.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Obelisk of Esper can seamlessly integrate into any Esper-colored deck, offering a flexible mana fixer that supports a wide range of strategic plays. Whether you’re casting imposing creatures or intricate spells, this artifact keeps you equipped for diverse scenarios.

Combo Potential: As a mana-generating artifact, Obelisk of Esper can synergize with cards that capitalize on the presence or untapping of artifacts. This opens doors to infinite combos or accelerates your game plan significantly, providing an edge against opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame dense with multicolored decks, the Obelisk of Esper stands out as a useful asset to ensure consistency in your mana base. Its relevance is sustained in environments where casting efficiency and color flexibility are paramount to victory.


How to beat

Obelisk of Esper is an artifact card that stands as a symbol of control and mana fixing in Magic: The Gathering. This card’s allure lies in its utility to tap for one mana of any color among its affiliated Esper colors. Players often integrate it into their decks to alleviate the challenges of color fixing, thus ensuring they have the mana they need to cast their spells.

To effectively counter the advantages of Obelisk of Esper, consider using artifact removal spells in your deck. Cards such as Disenchant or Naturalize offer an efficient solution by directly destroying the artifact, cutting off the opponent’s mana supply. Additionally, employing counter spells like Negate can preemptively handle the Obelisk as it is being cast, thus stymieing your opponent’s strategic mana plans.

Another strategy is to exert pressure on your opponent by quickly developing your board presence, forcing them to respond rather than setting up their mana base with an Obelisk. Aggressive creatures or spells that hinder your opponent’s mana development, like land destruction or taxing effects, can also impede their ability to benefit from the Obelisk’s mana ramp. Ultimately, understanding and disrupting your opponent’s game plan is the key to overcoming the might of the Obelisk of Esper.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the multifaceted world of MTG can be as exciting as it is tactical. The Obelisk of Esper is a testament to the strategic depth offered within the game, particularly for those honing their Esper-aligned decks. Mastering the nuances of deck-building involves understanding cards like the Obelisk—knowing when they shine and how they fit into your grand strategy. Want deeper insight on how to optimize your artifact play, refine mana efficiency, or construct an Esper deck that withstands the rigors of competitive play? Immerse yourself in our community where expert advice and in-depth analysis await to sharpen your edge for your next MTG challenge.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Obelisk of Esper MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Archenemy, 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 Obelisk of Esper and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Obelisk of Esper Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2013-11-01. Illustrated by Francis Tsai.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 2132003NormalBlackFrancis Tsai
22010-06-18ArchenemyARC 1132003NormalBlackFrancis Tsai
32013-11-01Commander 2013C13 2502003NormalBlackFrancis Tsai

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Obelisk of Esper has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal