Damping Sphere MTG Card


Damping Sphere can lead to card advantage by limiting opponent’s strategies focused on multiple spells or mana. It curbs fast mana decks, indirectly supporting your own plays and hindering opponents’ game progression. Its permanent, passive effect offers strategic control, even without instant-speed capabilities on the board.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact

Text of card

If a land is tapped for two or more mana, it produces instead of any other type and amount. Each spell a player casts costs more to cast for each other spell that player has cast this turn.

A Thran relic, it has spent ten thousand years doing absolutely nothing.


Cards like Damping Sphere

The Damping Sphere is a versatile artifact in MTG that’s designed to tamper with strategies relying on lands producing multiple mana or spells being cast multiple times in a turn. Cards that share this balancing act include Trinisphere, which sets a minimum cost for all spells, ensuring fast-paced and low-cost spell decks are slowed down considerably. While Trinisphere affects all spells equally, Damping Sphere specifically targets repetitive spell casting or lands that would generate a surplus of mana.

Another analog is Blood Moon, which transforms nonbasic lands into simple Mountains, disrupting any plans that involve intricate mana bases. Like Damping Sphere’s land dampening ability, Blood Moon can be a game changer, but it impacts the board in a more drastic way, potentially affecting all nonbasic lands in play. Yet, it lacks the direct inhibition of storm or combo decks that players often achieve with the Sphere.

Comparing these pieces, the Damping Sphere shines by restricting two distinct strategic fronts, showcasing it as a dynamic sideboard option against specific decks that aim to outpace or overwhelm the opposition through land-based ramp or storm spells within MTG’s varied formats.

Trinisphere - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions
Trinisphere - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Damping Sphere by color, type and mana cost

Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - MTG Card versions
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Demon's Horn - MTG Card versions
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions
Chaos Orb - MTG Card versions
Winter Orb - MTG Card versions
Ankh of Mishra - 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
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
Energy Chamber - MTG Card versions
Water Gun Balloon Game - MTG Card versions
Angel's Feather - MTG Card versions
Elsewhere Flask - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Damping Sphere. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Hardened ScalesHardened Scales ModernHardened Scales$10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold)
All Other DecklistsAll Other Decklists PioneerRakdos MidrangeNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)
Mono-Green DevotionMono-Green Devotion PioneerNykthos RampNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Damping Sphere itself may not directly offer card draw, its ability to stifle opponents’ strategies that rely on playing multiple spells or utilizing lands that tap for multiple mana can effectively lead to card advantage. By hindering your opponent’s plans, you maintain a more consistent level of control over the game, allowing your strategies to unfold more efficiently.

Resource Acceleration: Damping Sphere’s role is not to accelerate your resources in the traditional sense. Instead, it levels the playing field by slowing down decks that are designed to generate excessive mana quickly. This creates a scenario where games progress at a rate that benefits decks not centered around rapid mana generation, indirectly benefiting your mana curve and game plan.

Instant Speed: Although Damping Sphere doesn’t operate at instant speed, its mere presence on the battlefield works as a deterrent against combo plays and big mana turns at all times. By enforcing a limit on the number of spells played in a turn and taxing additional mana, it provides a continuous effect that influences the game’s tempo, curtailing the need for actual instant-speed interaction in this particular aspect.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Damping Sphere doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded, it’s pertinent to note that most sideboard cards don’t carry such a requirement. This absence doesn’t outright disadvantage the card but emphasizes its purpose as a purely situational answer.

Specific Mana Cost: Damping Sphere comes with a generic mana cost, making it easily slottable in any deck. However, this accessibility does not negate the fact that committing two mana in the early game can be a strategic setback, especially if the card’s effect does not align with immediate board needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although two mana is not excessively high, in environments where speed is key, dedicating your second turn drop to a card that might not have immediate impact can hinder early development or pressure. Its static ability can be invaluable but is often considered a preemptive play rather than a reactive one.


Reasons to Include Damping Sphere in Your Collection

Versatility: Damping Sphere is a potent sideboard card that serves well in any collection due to its ability to thwart strategies reliant on lands that produce multiple mana or players aiming to cast numerous spells in a single turn.

Combo Potential: While it’s primarily a disruption piece against opponents, Damping Sphere can also be a tactical addition to decks that aim to limit the actions of combo-heavy opponents, ensuring your strategy goes uninterrupted.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta swarming with storm or land-based ramp decks, Damping Sphere emerges as a crucial tool. Its presence in your collection allows for adaptation to shifts in competitive play, keeping your deck competitive regardless of prevailing trends.


How to Beat Damping Sphere

Damping Sphere is a unique card known for its ability to disrupt strategies that rely on casting multiple spells in a single turn or utilizing lands that produce large amounts of mana. Facing this card in Magic: The Gathering requires a different approach compared to other types of hate cards. The key is adjusting your playstyle and incorporating enchantment removal or direct answers to artifacts into your deck.

Strategies that can effectively overcome Damping Sphere include using low-cost spells to maintain momentum while deploying lands that tap for single mana. Consider running cards like Nature’s Claim, Abrade, or even cards like Disenchant which allow you to remove Damping Sphere for a minimal mana investment. Another tactic is to bait out the Sphere with less crucial spells, then follow up by playing your important spells once the artifact is on the board, making it less disruptive to your overall game plan. In multi-color decks, utilize flexible removal like Assassin’s Trophy to stay prepared for any type of permanent that may pose a threat.

To outmaneuver Damping Sphere, it’s essential to blend adaptability with precise timing. Employ spells that fit naturally within your deck’s strategy while offering the utility to dismantle the artifact when it becomes an obstacle. This balance ensures you’re always ready to reclaim the tempo and flow of your game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Damping Sphere is key for any MTG player looking to improve their gameplay. Its ability to limit opponents and shape the flow of a match cannot be overstated, particularly when facing combo or ramp-heavy decks. Having this card in your arsenal allows for strategic flexibility and preparedness in a rapidly evolving meta. If you’re interested in exploring advanced deck-building strategies and learning how to effectively incorporate Damping Sphere in various MTG formats, let’s dive deeper together. Enhance your repertoire and be prepared for any challenge your opponent might throw your way – continue learning with us and adapt to dominate your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Damping Sphere MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Dominaria Remastered, 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 Damping Sphere and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Damping Sphere Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Adam Paquette.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27DominariaDOM 2132015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
22023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 2192015NormalBlackAdam Paquette
32023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 3771997NormalBlackAdam Paquette

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Damping Sphere has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 Damping Sphere’s second ability counts spells that were cast during a turn even if Damping Sphere wasn’t on the battlefield as they were cast. For example, if Damping Sphere itself is the third spell you cast in a turn, the next spell you cast costs more to cast.
2022-12-08 If multiple replacement effects would modify the mana an ability you control produces, choose one to apply. After that, determine if any others are applicable. A replacement effect can’t apply to the same event more than once.
2022-12-08 To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost (such as a flashback cost) you’re paying, add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell is determined only by its mana cost, no matter what the total cost to cast the spell was.