Helvault MTG Card

Dark Ascension (DKA)
2012-02-03 - Number 151

From the Vault: Lore (V16)
2016-08-19 - Number 6

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number DKA-151

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Legendary Artifact

Key Takeaways

Helvault’s instant speed exiling alters the battlefield dynamics at crucial times.
Drawing from its versatility, it suits various deck archetypes and strategies.
With proper planning, countermeasures can negate Helvault’s potential impact.

Text of card

, : Exile target creature you control. , : Exile target creature you don't control. When Helvault is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, return all cards exiled with it to the battlefield under their owners' control.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Helvault offers a unique form of card advantage by potentially exiling numerous creatures from the battlefield. This sets up a situation where, upon triggering its second ability, you can release a swarm of creatures back into play, overwhelming your opponent and turning the tables in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources in terms of mana, Helvault can drastically reduce the resources an opponent has at their disposal by removing their key creatures from the game. This can slow down an opponent’s strategy and give you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The ability to exile creatures with Helvault can be activated at instant speed, allowing you to respond swiftly to threats at any time. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt to the state of the game, catching opponents off-guard and securing a strategic advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Utilizing the Helvault requires a sacrifice, specifically the need to exile a creature you control. This prerequisite can be quite detrimental when your board presence is already limited, effectively forcing you to weaken your defenses to make full use of the card’s abilities.

Specific Mana Cost: The specific mana cost is slightly restrictive as it demands both colorless and white mana. For non-monocolor or multicolor decks that don’t heavily feature white, consistently generating the necessary mana can pose a stumbling block, potentially leading to the card sitting idle in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Helvault has a casting cost that may appear steep for the immediate impact it offers. At seven mana to both cast and activate the Helvault, the investment required can deter some players, especially when considering the tempo of the game and alternative cards that might progress your board state more efficiently.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Helvault’s capability to tuck away creatures and other permanent types provides flexibility across multiple game scenarios. Whether you’re looking to remove threats or protect key pieces from board wipes, its ability to impact the board state is a valuable asset in numerous deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: Working with exile mechanics, Helvault can be a linchpin in decks that exploit entering and exiting play effects. When combined with cards that can manipulate exile or benefit from it, Helvault helps orchestrate powerful plays and unexpected combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to disrupt opponent strategies by exiling key creatures and permanents, Helvault can be particularly effective in metas that are creature-heavy or rely on important utility permanents. Its presence can decisively shape gameplay and offer substantial advantage.

How to beat

The Helvault card presents an intriguing challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a formidable artifact, it’s capable of locking away creatures, which can be both a defensive and offensive tool. To effectively counter the Helvault, it’s key to have strategies that deal with artifacts directly. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant, which can destroy artifacts, offer a straightforward solution, dismantling the Helvault before it can become a significant problem.

Another strategy involves using cards like Krosan Grip, which has the added benefit of split second, preventing opponents from responding to its effect. Moreover, leveraging cards that grant hexproof or shroud to your own creatures can preemptively protect them from being exiled by Helvault. On the flip side, if you’re facing an opponent’s Helvault, adding pressure through aggressive plays can force them to use resources on the Helvault’s activation, diverting their game plan.

Ultimately, Helvault’s impact on the game hinges on how well you’re prepared to handle it. By incorporating artifact removal in your deck or fostering a strategy that renders the Helvault’s ability less relevant, you can tilt the scales in your favor when facing this unique MTG card.

Cards like Helvault

The Helvault card in Magic: The Gathering sits in a unique space among artifact cards. Its principal ability to exile creatures can be likened to that of Tormod’s Crypt, which targets cards in graveyards for exile. While Tormod’s Crypt is single-use and has no casting cost, Helvault requires a significant investment of seven mana to unleash its full potential, exiling creatures one at a time until it’s sacrificed to free them all.

Delving further into comparisons, we see Lux Cannon, which similarly presents a gradual threat removal process, albeit with the ability to destroy any permanent. This cannon must be charged with counters prior to use, offering a different strategic play than the immediate effects of Helvault. Another similar card is Oblivion Stone, which clears all nonland permanents for a sweeping board reset. It differs from Helvault’s selective exile effect and also involves a prep period to set up its catastrophic trigger.

In essence, Helvault holds its own in the niche of exiling cards with a unique twist. Its capacity for repeated use and dramatic impact on creature-heavy boards earns it a spot among intriguing MTG artifacts, provided players can manage its hefty mana requirement.

Cards similar to Helvault by color, type and mana cost

Arena of the Ancients - MTG Card versions

Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Helvault MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and From the Vault: Lore, 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 Helvault and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Helvault Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2016-08-19. Illustrated by Jaime Jones.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2012-02-03	Dark Ascension	DKA	151	2003	Normal	Black	Jaime Jones
2	2016-08-19	From the Vault: Lore	V16	6	2015	Normal	Black	Jaime Jones
3	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST	DKA-151	2003	Normal	Black	Jaime Jones

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Helvault has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2011-01-22	Helvault’s first and third abilities are linked. Similarly, Helvault’s second and third abilities are linked. Only cards exiled as a result of Helvault’s first or second abilities will be returned to the battlefield by its third ability.