Cryptex MTG Card


Increases hand options by revealing top library cards, improving strategic flexibility. Instant-speed plays disrupt opponents, showcasing Cryptex’s strategic depth. Demands careful balance, as it requires discards and specific mana colors.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeArtifact
Abilities Collect evidence,Surveil

Text of card

, Collect evidence 3: Add one mana of any color. Put an unlock counter on Cryptex. (To collect evidence 3, exile cards with total mana value 3 or greater from your graveyard.) Sacrifice Cryptex: Surveil 3, then draw three cards. Activate only if Cryptex has five or more unlock counters on it.


Understanding the Uniqueness and Comparability of Cryptex

Cryptex is not just a card that taps for mana. It sits among a niche group of artifacts offering mana flexibility with a twist. Similar to Gilded Lotus, it allows for the generation of three of any one color of mana, offering an impressive ramp for players to cast high-cost spells. However, Cryptex demands a lock-and-key mechanic, requiring a password to unlock its full potential, which can be a strategic asset or hurdle depending on your game positioning.

Considering other mana artifacts, like Chromatic Lantern, Cryptex offers less versatility since Lantern grants mana fixing across all your lands instead of just one artifact source. Cryptex’s uniqueness lies in its ‘password’ feature – a unique combination yet to be widely explored within MTG. Manifold Key is another comparable card; it too involves unlocking potential, providing untap options to other permanents rather than mana generation. The interplay between Cryptex and other artifacts ultimately hinges on your deck’s synergy and strategic breadth.

Cryptex finds itself in a compelling position, bridging utility and innovation. While it may not be as straightforward as some, its unique requirements prompt creative deckbuilding that might just encrypt your path to victory.

Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Manifold Key - MTG Card versions
Gilded Lotus - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Lantern - MTG Card versions
Manifold Key - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cryptex by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Jandor's Saddlebags - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Mask of Intolerance - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
Jandor's Saddlebags - MTG Card versions
Amulet of Kroog - MTG Card versions
Nacre Talisman - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Essence Bottle - MTG Card versions
Emerald Medallion - MTG Card versions
Scrying Glass - MTG Card versions
Cursed Totem - MTG Card versions
Mask of Intolerance - MTG Card versions
Tsabo's Web - MTG Card versions
Millikin - MTG Card versions
Swiftfoot Boots - MTG Card versions
Ark of Blight - MTG Card versions
Surestrike Trident - MTG Card versions
Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Cryptex card shines when it comes to keeping your hand filled with options. This card allows you to unveil the top card of your library whenever a certain condition is met, ensuring a steady flow of resources and giving you an edge in outmaneuvering your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Cryptex can prove invaluable for advancing your game state quickly. By granting you the ability to untap a specified number of lands, it can surge your mana resources, propelling you ahead and allowing for more impactful plays or the ability to cast multiple spells in a single turn.

Instant Speed: The versatility of Cryptex is further underscored by its instant-speed nature. This allows for strategic depth, enabling you to respond to your opponent’s actions on their turn or abruptly alter the state of play when least expected, keeping your adversaries on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Cryptex card necessitates discarding as part of its activation cost, potentially depleting valuable hand assets that may be crucial in executing your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Its casting requirement is stringent, demanding a precise combination of mana colors which can be challenging to muster, especially in a multicolored deck that struggles with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing a substantial amount of mana to bring Cryptex into play can be detrimental as it hinders your ability to cast other spells on the same turn and may not produce an immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Cryptex Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Cryptex is a card that can seamlessly integrate into numerous deck archetypes. Whether you are looking to strengthen a control deck with its defensive capabilities or power up a combo deck, its board impact is substantial due to its flexible nature.

Combo Potential: With its unique mechanics, Cryptex can be the linchpin for setting off a series of powerful plays. It can activate abilities that synergize with its design, thereby elevating the strategic depth and potential interactions within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the shifting landscapes of competitive play, Cryptex could be an essential addition. Its ability to adapt and counter prevalent strategies makes it a key contender in various metagames, providing you with an edge in your matches.


How to beat

The Cryptex card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. With its ability to cloak your opponent’s spells from direct counters, it demands a strategic approach to dismantle. One effective measure is to focus on abilities and spells that do not target the cloaked cards directly. Board wipes that clear the field or hand disruption tactics can effectively circumvent Cryptex’s protection mechanics. Additionally, utilizing enchantment removals like Disenchant can dismantle this artifact before your opponent capitalizes on its potential. It’s about altering your playbook — redirect your removal spells towards their unprotected assets and save your universal answers for when Cryptex hits the field. Adaptation is key; ensuring you have a diverse array of tools in your deck to handle artifacts and non-targeted disruption will increase your odds of overcoming the strategic roadblock that Cryptex puts up.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cryptex MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Cryptex and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cryptex Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-10. Illustrated by Yeong-Hao Han.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 2512015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han
22024-02-09Murders at Karlov ManorMKM 4222015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han
32024-02-10Murders at Karlov Manor PromosPMKM 251s2015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han
42024-02-10Murders at Karlov Manor PromosPMKM 251p2015NormalBlackYeong-Hao Han

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cryptex has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal