Bottomless Vault MTG Card
1994-11-01 - Number 92
1997-03-24 - Number 411
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Land |
Text of card
Comes into play tapped. You may choose not to untap Bottomless Vault during your untap phase and instead put a storage counter on it. oc T: Remove any number of storage counters from Bottomless Vault. For each storage counter removed, add o B to your mana pool.
Cards like Bottomless Vault
Bottomless Vault is a unique piece in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering’s selection of storage lands. Its resemblance to cards such as Rushwood Grove is evident, as both offer the ability to accrue storage counters that can later be converted into resources. Bottomless Vault, however, distinguishes itself primarily in its focus on black mana, crucial for strategies requiring hefty amounts of it in a single turn.
Storage Matrix, while not a land, is another relative in terms of mana management, regulating the use of lands and artifacts. Even though it doesn’t store counters, it impacts the game by controlling the timing and type of mana usage. Meanwhile, Mage-Ring Network follows the storage land theme, accumulating counters for later use, but is colorless, providing a versatile but less targeted approach compared to Bottomless Vault.
Comparing these choices, Bottomless Vault has a strategic depth, especially in decks that capitalize on significant black mana needs, standing out as a tailored solution for certain MTG gameplays. Despite sharing core mechanics with its ‘kin’, it’s the ability to cater to specific deck types that reinforces its distinct place among MTG’s specialized lands.
Cards similar to Bottomless Vault by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bottomless Vault is designed to steadily boost your card access by allowing you to exchange storage counters for additional swamp cards. As the game progresses, this can translate into a significant advantage, putting you well ahead of your opponent in terms of resources.
Resource Acceleration: This card brings a unique form of resource acceleration to the table. By tapping it and removing storage counters, you can add to your mana pool for each counter removed. This can escalate your board presence quickly by enabling the casting of high-cost cards earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: While Bottomless Vault itself does not operate at instant speed, its capability to convert storage counters into mana instantly during your mana phase allows for dynamic instant-speed responses. This flexibility can be a tactical asset, keeping you prepared for unforeseen threats your opponent may present.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the noticeable downsides of using Bottomless Vault in your deck is its need for you to discard cards to activate its ability. This can be particularly detrimental if you’re trying to maintain card advantage or if you have a handful of crucial spells you can’t afford to lose. Carefully weighing when to utilize this card’s feature is essential, especially in tight game situations where every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The Bottomless Vault card requires a specific allocation of black mana, which might not always be readily available, especially in multicolored decks that don’t heavily favor black. This can sometimes result in the card sitting idle on the battlefield, with its potential remaining untapped due to mana restrictions. Players need to ensure a steady flow of black mana to make the most out of Bottomless Vault’s capabilities.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other mana generating or acceleration options available in MTG, the initial investment to get Bottomless Vault up and running can seem steep. The card requires you to lock away at least three mana during its activation phase, mana which could otherwise be used for immediate board impact or for advancing your strategic positioning. This makes Bottomless Vault less appealing when compared to other lower-cost mana resources or utility lands that provide value without such a hefty upfront cost.
Reasons to Include Bottomless Vault in Your Collection
Versatility: Bottomless Vault offers a unique approach to mana acceleration, capable of adjusting to various strategies. Whether you are running a mono-black deck or multi-colored, having the right amount of mana at the right time is crucial and this card delivers that flexibility.
Combo Potential: With its ability to accumulate storage counters, Bottomless Vault has the potential to be a powerhouse in combo decks. It harmonizes well with cards that benefit from a surge of mana, enabling explosive turns that can catch opponents off guard.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where mana efficiency can determine a win or loss, Bottomless Vault proves its worth. It is particularly useful in formats where games are drawn out and mana bases are critical. Its capacity to store and unleash mana can decidedly shift the tides in your favor during prolonged matches.
How to Beat Bottomless Vault
Bottomless Vault stands out as a potent land card in Magic: The Gathering, demanding strategic play due to its unique storage counter mechanism. It allows players to gradually build resources and unleash a significant burst of mana when needed. This can be a turning point, especially in prolonged games where mana reserves are critical.
To effectively neutralize Bottomless Vault, it’s advisable to utilize land destruction cards or employ strategies that can remove counters from permanents. Having a card like Ghost Quarter or Field of Ruin in your deck provides a direct response to troublesome lands like Bottomless Vault. In addition, using cards with proliferate mechanics, such as Flux Channeler or Karn’s Bastion, can accelerate your own strategies while marginalizing the long-term value Bottomless Vault provides to your opponent.
Counteracting Bottomless Vault hinges on recognizing its contribution to your opponent’s game plan and disrupting their mana acceleration. By preemptively dealing with Bottomless Vault, you can remain in control, prevent mana floods that could turn the game in your opponent’s favor, and maintain the equilibrium needed to secure victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bottomless Vault MTG card by a specific set like Fallen Empires and Fifth Edition, 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 Bottomless Vault and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Bottomless Vault Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-11-01 and 1997-03-24. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-11-01 | Fallen Empires | FEM | 92 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Pat Lewis | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 411 | 1997 | Normal | White | David Seeley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bottomless Vault has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bottomless Vault card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Counters are not lost if the land is changed to another land type. They wait around for the land to change back. |
| 2004-10-04 | If the land is tapped by some external effect, no counters are removed from it. |
| 2004-10-04 | It is only considered “tapped for mana” if you activate its mana ability and generate mana from it. |
| 2004-10-04 | Whether or not it is tapped is checked at the beginning of upkeep. If it is not tapped, the ability does not trigger. It also checks during resolution and you only get a counter if it is still tapped then. |