Corrupted Key MTG Card
2019-11-07 - Number 39
2021-08-20 - Number 39
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact — Key |
Text of card
As long as CARDNAME is tapped, creatures you control have menace and deathtouch.
Cards like Corrupted Key
The Corrupted Key card in Magic the Gathering holds a unique position in the pantheon of artifact cards with its utility and versatility. It stands in close comparison to cards like Manifold Key, which is also an artifact offering the ability to untap another target artifact. While the Corrupted Key shares this function, it differentiates itself with an additional feature. Upon the Corrupted Key’s untapping, it grants any creature the menace ability until end of turn, forcing opponents to block with two or more creatures.
Exploring comparisons further, Voltaic Key is another artifact that unlocks the potential of other artifacts through untapping. In this instance, the Corrupted Key not only amplifies the menace strategy within a deck but also does so at a low activation cost. However, unlike Voltaic Key, which can untap itself, the Corrupted Key focuses on enabling aggressive combat and complex battle scenarios.
Ultimately, the Corrupted Key can be an effective tool in enabling formidable artifact and combat strategies. Its dual functionality caters to decks focusing on battlefield control and those that benefit from artifacts with versatile activation abilities.
Cards similar to Corrupted Key by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Corrupted Key enables you to unlock additional card draws while manipulating the contents of both players’ libraries. This gives you a strategic edge and keeps your hand replenished, ensuring a steady flow of options.
Resource Acceleration: This card provides a unique form of resource acceleration by lowering the cost of your spells with the fortell keyword. By doing so, it allows a smoother and more efficient deployment of your game plan, outpacing the opponent.
Instant Speed: The ability to operate at instant speed gives you the flexibility to act on crucial turns. Whether it’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy or setting up your plays, Corrupted Key ensures that your mana is never idle and your options remain open as the game progresses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Corrupted Key prompts players to discard a card as part of its activation cost. This can be particularly taxing in gameplay scenarios where card advantage is critical, potentially putting the player at a disadvantage by depleting their hand.
Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a precise mana setup to play, which can be a limiting factor. Decks that don’t run the required mana types might find it challenging to integrate Corrupted Key without adjusting their mana base, which could compromise the deck’s consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When weighed against other available options in the game, the mana cost for Corrupted Key can be seen as a significant investment for the effect it provides. This may lead players to consider alternative cards that achieve similar outcomes with less resource commitment.
Reasons to Include Corrupted Key in Your Collection
Versatility: Corrupted Key opens up a variety of strategic plays, fitting seamlessly into artifact-centric decks or ones that seek to capitalize on equipment synergies. Its ability to adapt to different playstyles makes it a valuable addition to any collection.
Combo Potential: With its unique unlock ability, this card can catalyze several potent interactions, especially in decks that thrive on activated abilities and uncommon cost denominations. The possibilities for combo creation with Corrupted Key are extensive and intriguing for players who love intricate gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: It’s essential to stay ahead of the curve in evolving competitive play. Corrupted Key holds its own in the current meta, providing strategic depth and resilience against various decks. As the meta shifts, cards that offer flexibility, like Corrupted Key, ensure your collection remains relevant.
How to beat Corrupted Key
Corrupted Key might not appear daunting at first, but don’t underestimate this artifact’s impact in Magic: The Gathering. On the surface, it can seem like a straightforward card offering flexibility in mana usage and a potential edge in artifact-themed decks. Yet, depending on the synergy with other cards, Corrupted Key can unlock (pun intended!) significant advantages for your opponent.
Countering Corrupted Key effectively requires a mix of strategies. Direct artifact removals like Abrade or Naturalize can quickly dispatch the Key, preventing any combo sequences that could’ve been a threat. Cards that limit an opponent’s untap phase also hamstring Corrupted Key’s effectiveness, such as Authority of the Consuls or Stasis. By stifling the brewing synergies early, you maintain control of the game flow.
Keeping your deck versatile to adapt to evolving board states is crucial. By prioritizing cards that disrupt an opponent’s strategy and neutralize game-changing artifacts like Corrupted Key, you strengthen your position. Focus on creating roadblocks and removing key pieces, ensuring artifacts don’t become a Corrupted Key to your opponent’s victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Corrupted Key MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021, 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 Corrupted Key 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 Corrupted Key Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Tom Wänerstrand.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 | CMB1 | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tom Wänerstrand | |
| 2 | 2021-08-20 | Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021 | CMB2 | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Tom Wänerstrand |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Corrupted Key card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-11-12 | Corrupted Key’s ability doesn’t allow you to tap it whenever you wish. You’ll need another card to turn the key. |
| 2019-11-12 | Key is an artifact subtype. It has no rules meaning or function by itself, but other cards and abilities may refer to it. |