Commander's Sphere MTG Card


It serves as a mana source and transitions into card draw, optimizing resource flow in commander decks. Crucial in multicolor decks, enabling seamless mana access and fitting into diverse gameplays adeptly. Instant speed sacrifice for card draw offers tactical depth, aligning with various end-game scenarios.
Card setsReleased in 41 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

: Add to your mana pool one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. Sacrifice Commander's Sphere: Draw a card.

It harmonizes with the essence of its master.


Cards like Commander's Sphere

When delving into the versatile world of mana acceleration and card draw in Magic the Gathering, Commander’s Sphere proves to be a staple. It’s not alone in its niche, sharing the stage with artifacts like Darksteel Ingot and Mind Stone. Both serve similar functions, providing access to mana and potential card draw. However, Commander’s Sphere brings its own flavor to the table, offering both color-fixing and card drawing in a single package, something that’s particularly rare.

Darksteel Ingot also ensures mana stability, indestructible in nature, but lacks the card drawing capacity. Mind Stone, on the other end, presents an early mana ramp with the option to draw a card later on. Yet, it doesn’t match the Sphere’s ability to produce any color mana, critical for multicolored decks. The Sphere’s ability to be sacrificed for card draw without any additional cost puts it ahead in late-game scenarios where maintaining card advantage is crucial.

Assessing the balance of mana generation and card advantage, Commander’s Sphere is uniquely positioned. Its dual functionality makes it an exceptional choice for Commander decks aiming to maximize resource efficiency and flexibility in their game plan.

Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Mind Stone - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Ingot - MTG Card versions
Mind Stone - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Commander's Sphere by color, type and mana cost

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
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Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Stone - MTG Card versions
Gem of Becoming - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Sunglasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Ebony Horse - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Arena of the Ancients - MTG Card versions
Bösium Strip - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Static Orb - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Wall of Spears - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Stone - MTG Card versions
Gem of Becoming - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Commander’s Sphere offers dual utility, starting as a mana source and converting into a card draw when you no longer need the ramp, ensuring you don’t fall behind in resources.

Resource Acceleration: This artifact is a multifaceted tool for any mana-hungry deck, smoothly tapping for any color of mana which is pivotal for three-color decks or more, streamlining your path to casting high-impact spells ahead of schedule.

Instant Speed: One of the key features is its ability to be sacrificed for card draw at instant speed, letting you respond to board wipes or end-of-turn scenarios to maintain momentum and avoid wasted mana.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The need to sacrifice Commander’s Sphere to draw a card can be a trade-off. While it guarantees card draw, the loss of a mana source can hinder your long-term ramp strategy, especially if your deck relies heavily on mana artifacts.

Specific Mana Cost: Commander’s Sphere costs three generic mana to cast. Although this doesn’t lock it into any one color, in a fast-paced game, other ramp options that cost less may get your deck running quicker.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana acceleration aspect, Commander’s Sphere competes against two-mana rocks, which can often provide a faster tempo. Decks focusing on peak efficiency might find the Sphere’s cost suboptimal compared to other available mana artifacts.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Commander’s Sphere offers a distinct advantage in any commander deck, providing both color fixing and card draw. This makes it a perfect fit for multicolored decks that need reliable mana sources.

Combo Potential: Not only can it be tapped for any color of mana, but it also has the ability to be sacrificed for card draw, allowing for strategic plays and synergy with cards that benefit from artifacts entering and leaving the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: As a staple in commander format, its applicability remains consistent regardless of the shifting meta. The ability to access essential colors and draw cards is crucial in keeping pace with the varied dynamics of multiplayer games.


How to beat

The Commander’s Sphere is a versatile mana rock in Magic: The Gathering that not only taps for any color of mana but can also be sacrificed to draw a card. This dual utility makes it a popular choice in numerous Commander decks, particularly those that need color fixing or additional card draw.

To effectively counter Commander’s Sphere, consider strategies that disrupt artifact synergy. When facing decks reliant on mana rocks, targeted removal such as Naturalize or Disenchant can be valuable. Interrupting the Sphere before the mana base is fully developed can set your opponent back significantly. Additionally, cards like Stony Silence or Collector Ouphe can prevent the activation of the Sphere’s abilities altogether, rendering it useless.

By focusing on timing your removal correctly or employing global effects that nullify artifacts, you can minimize the Sphere’s impact. Pressure your opponent by removing their Sphere when they are most reliant on it for a crucial play. Doing so may not only slow down their game plan but also force them to sacrifice it for minimal gain, denying the card advantage they would otherwise obtain. Therefore, Magic: The Gathering commanders should always be prepared with artifact control options to keep cards like Commander’s Sphere in check.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Commander’s Sphere is essential in mastering the commander format of Magic the Gathering. The balance between ramping up your mana and seizing the right moment to convert this resource into card advantage can define your performance in a game. If you’re looking to further expand your knowledge about mana rocks and strategies to maximize your deck’s potential, we invite you to dive deeper with us. Discover key insights, enhance your playstyle, and explore interactions that could turn the tide of any battle. Embrace the intricate dance of resources and strategy with our expert guidance. Elevate your MTG experience by learning with us today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Commander's Sphere MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2014, 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 Commander's Sphere and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Commander's Sphere Magic the Gathering card was released in 32 different sets between 2014-11-07 and 2024-01-01. Illustrated by 11 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 860962015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
22014-11-07Commander 2014C14 542015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
32016-11-11Commander 2016C16 2482015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
42017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 2132015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
52017-08-25Commander 2017C17 2062015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
62018-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2018J18 42015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
72018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 1822015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
82018-08-09Commander 2018C18 2002015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
92019-08-23Commander 2019C19 2122015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
102019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 3152015NormalBorderlessTyler Walpole
112019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2032015NormalBlackYosuke Ueno
122020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2402015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
132020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 1092015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
142020-09-26The ListPLST C14-542015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
152020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 6932015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
162020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 3062015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
172021-02-05Kaldheim CommanderKHC 992015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
182021-04-23Commander 2021C21 2392015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
192021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 2032015NormalBlackCliff Childs
202021-09-24Midnight Hunt CommanderMIC 1592015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
212021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 1632015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
222022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 3632015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
232022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 1812015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
242022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2352015NormalBlackRoman Tishenin
252022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 235★2015NormalBlackRoman Tishenin
262022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2342015NormalBlackDavid Sondered
272022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 233★2015NormalBlackJake Murray
282022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 234★2015NormalBlackDavid Sondered
292022-10-07Warhammer 40,000 Commander40K 2332015NormalBlackJake Murray
302022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1351997NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
312023-02-03Phyrexia: All Will Be One CommanderONC 1282015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
322023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 3522015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
332023-05-08From Cute to BrutePCTB 522015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
342023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 2762015NormalBlackJustyna Dura
352023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth Art SeriesALTR 752015Art seriesBorderlessJustyna Dura
362023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 6552015NormalBorderlessMark Poole
372023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 3772015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
382023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8312015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn
392023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2402015NormalBlackThanh Tuấn
402023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 3012015NormalBlackRyan Alexander Lee
412024-01-01Wizards Play Network 2024PW24 82015NormalBlackAndrea Radeck

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Commander's Sphere has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-11-10 If you don't have a commander, Commander's Sphere's first ability produces no mana.
2020-11-10 If you have two commanders, the ability adds one mana of any color in their combined color identities.
2020-11-10 If your commander is a card that has no colors in its color identity, Commander's Sphere's first ability produces no mana. It doesn't produce .