Manifest MTG Card
2015-01-23 - Number 4
2018-08-09 - Number 1
2019-08-23 - Number 28
2022-04-29 - Number 3
2023-08-04 - Number 56
2024-02-09 - Number 29
2024-04-19 - Number 28
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Type | Creature |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
(You can cover a face-down manifested creature with this reminder card. A manifested creature card can be turned face up any time for its mana cost. A face-down card can also be turned face up for its morph cost.)
Cards like Manifest
Manifest is a unique mechanic in the MTG universe that blurs the lines between creature and spell. Similarly, Morph cards like Akroma, Angel of Fury allow you to play a card face down as a 2/2 creature and turn it face up at any time for its morph cost. While Manifest can turn any card from the top of your deck into a surprise creature, Morph specifically interacts with cards in your hand.
Another comparison can be made with the Megamorph ability, seen on cards like Deathmist Raptor. Megamorph not only allows the card to be turned face up for its Megamorph cost, but also grants an additional perk once it’s unveiled, usually by adding +1/+1 counters. However, the flexibility of Manifest to potentially deploy any type of card from your deck gives it a slightly unpredictable edge over the known quantity of Morph and Megamorph cards.
Ultimately, the element of surprise and strategic depth that Manifest adds to a player’s arsenal is notable. It offers intriguing possibilities in Magic: The Gathering by turning an ordinary library card into a potential creature, ready to catch opponents off guard.
Cards similar to Manifest by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Manifest cards offer a unique twist on card advantage by placing a card from your library directly onto the battlefield facedown. This allows players to potentially get more use out of a single card, especially if they can later turn it face up.
Resource Acceleration: Some Manifest cards enable resource acceleration by allowing you to put a creature card onto the battlefield more quickly than you would be able to cast it otherwise. This can lead to a faster buildup of your board presence, putting you ahead in the game.
Instant Speed: The ability to manifest at instant speed adds a layer of strategic depth, as it allows you to wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to manifest. This way, you can leave mana open for counterspells or other interactions and only use the manifest ability if none of those become necessary.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the context of Manifest cards in MTG, having to discard can significantly set back your game strategy, especially if you’re forced to lose a vital piece of your deck’s engine or an essential creature card.
Specific Mana Cost: Manifest abilities often require a very specific mana cost which can be restrictive. This can be a stumbling block in multi-colored decks or in situations where mana resources are not perfectly aligned with the Manifest card’s demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Manifest allows for a unique level of strategic play, some of these cards come with a high mana cost that may not always equate to the value they bring to the battlefield. Players might find that in a fast-paced game, the mana invested in manifesting could be better spent on more immediately impactful plays.
Reasons to Include Manifest in Your Collection
Versatility: Manifest cards have the unique ability to turn any card into a mystery creature on the battlefield, which could be from a powerful game-changer to a strategic bluff. This mechanic can be utilized in a variety of deck archetypes, like control or midrange decks, adding an element of surprise and adaptability.
Combo Potential: Manifest works well with cards that benefit from creatures entering the battlefield or being turned face-up. It has synergy with morph abilities or any mechanic that manipulates the top of the library, providing opportunities to create powerful interactions and unexpected advantages.
Meta-Relevance: With shifting metas, having cards with manifest in your arsenal allows you to adapt to numerous situations. Whether the game is slow and grindy or a race to finish, the sheer unpredictability of manifest can give you the edge in facing a wide range of decks, making it a valuable addition to collections aimed at competitive play.
How to beat
Overcoming the challenge of the Manifest mechanic in MTG can often be a critical turning point in a game. Having the ability to turn the top card of your library into a 2/2 creature can surprise your opponent, especially if that card happens to be a high-powered creature that can be turned face up later on. To counteract this strategy, control and removal spells are your best allies.
Board sweeps such as Wrath of God or Damnation effectively clear out these 2/2 creatures regardless of what they may become if turned face up. Targeted removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile can also be employed to handle individual Manifest creatures before they become a larger threat. It’s essential to keep removal in hand or have a strategy to deal with multiple creatures at once.
Additionally, effects that allow you to peek at your opponent’s manifest cards can be incredibly beneficial, as knowledge of what potential dangers lie in wait can inform your decisions. Playing around Manifest requires a blend of proactive strategy and reactive measures, ensuring that you are never caught off guard by what might be concealed within those face-down cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Manifest MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged and Commander 2018, 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 Manifest 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Manifest Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2015-01-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 4 | 2015 | Token | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 2 | 2018-08-09 | Commander 2018 | C18 | 1 | 2015 | Token | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 3 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 28 | 2015 | Token | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 4 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 3 | 2015 | Token | Black | Jason A. Engle | |
| 5 | 2023-08-04 | Commander Masters | CMM | 56 | 2015 | Token | Black | Raymond Swanland | |
| 6 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor Commander | MKC | 29 | 2015 | Token | Black | Jason A. Engle | |
| 7 | 2024-04-19 | Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander | OTC | 28 | 2015 | Token | Black | Jason A. Engle |