Memory Crystal MTG Card

Reduces mana cost for abilities, allowing for an effective, resourceful playstyle that can lead to card advantage. The need for blue mana and upfront cost can limit deck building flexibility and initial play speed. Combos and versatility make Memory Crystal a potential game-changer in decks utilizing buyback abilities.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact
Released	1998-06-15
Set symbol
Set name	Exodus
Set code	EXO
Number	134
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Michael Sutfin

Text of card

All buyback costs are reduced by .

Hues of recollection flicker like facets of a gem.

Cards like Memory Crystal

Memory Crystal holds a unique spot in the realm of cost-reducing artifacts in Magic: The Gathering. It is often compared to the likes of Sapphire Medallion and Emerald Medallion, which also offer cost reduction, but specifically for blue and green spells respectively. Memory Crystal, distinguishes itself by reducing the buyback cost, impacting a wider range of cards with this specific mechanic.

Survey the landscape of cards like Cloud Key, which offers a similar reduction in casting costs, but for a chosen card type when it enters the battlefield. Memory Crystal focuses solely on the buyback ability, presenting a narrower, yet potentially more impactful, cost mitigation for spells cast multiple times. Then there’s Helm of Awakening, which reduces the cost of all spells for every player, striking a balance between assistance and risk while Memory Crystal’s benefits are exclusive to its controller’s buyback spells.

In the valuation of these mana-saving artifacts, Memory Crystal proves to be an invaluable tool for players who favor recurring their spells with buyback, giving them an economic edge in long-term strategies and synergy within their decks. Its specificity for buyback costs makes it a focused and potent piece in the right setting.

Cards similar to Memory Crystal by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Memory Crystal provides a strategic edge by reducing the mana cost of activating abilities, leading to an efficient use of resources and the potential to gain card advantage by maximizing the number of activated abilities you can use each turn.

Resource Acceleration: By lowering the cost of abilities, this card acts as a form of resource acceleration, allowing players to play more spells or use more abilities within the same turn, providing a noticeable increase in tempo and board presence.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Memory Crystal empowers your instant speed interactions. By making activated abilities cheaper, it gives players the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions with increased efficiency, fostering a more reactive and adaptable playstyle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Memory Crystal necessitates discarding as part of the activation process for its abilities. This mandatory discard can pose a significant setback, especially when your hand is already dwindling, and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Memory Crystal requires a dedicated investment in blue mana. This can be restrictive as it demands a certain composition of mana base, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-color decks where mana consistency is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its potential to reduce the costs of other spells, Memory Crystal itself comes with a relatively steep upfront cost. Players may find that the initial investment delays their gameplay or clashes with other crucial plays necessary during early turns.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Memory Crystal offers flexibility across numerous deck archetypes within MTG. As an artifact, it seamlessly fits into decks that require cost reductions for powerful abilities or spells, particularly those heavy on activated abilities.

Combo Potential: The reduced activation costs provided by Memory Crystal can turn many combos into even more efficient win conditions. It is essential for decks that aim to chain abilities or capitalize on casting numerous spells in a single turn.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the environment, this card can effectively counteract decks that leverage high-cost spells and abilities. By enabling faster play, Memory Crystal keeps pace with the evolving MTG metagame, ensuring your strategic plays are always one step ahead.

How to beat

Memory Crystal is a notable artifact in Magic: The Gathering that can dramatically reduce the cost of casting spells with buyback. This card has the potential to tilt the game by allowing players to repeatedly use powerful buyback spells for a fraction of their original cost. To effectively counteract Memory Crystal, it’s essential to disrupt this advantage.

One effective strategy is to target the card directly with artifact removal spells. Cards such as Naturalize or Disenchant can take Memory Crystal out of play, consequently restoring the balance and forcing your opponent to spend more mana on their spells. Alternatively, you can use counter magic when your opponent attempts to cast Memory Crystal or when they try to utilize the buyback ability. Counterspell or Negate are classic examples that can help you prevent Memory Crystal from becoming active or negate the effect of a key spell your opponent attempts to recur.

Moreover, applying pressure and focusing on a fast-paced, aggressive game can outpace an opponent relying on the setup that Memory Crystal requires. By keeping the tempo high and prioritizing threats that must be answered immediately, you can limit their ability to make the most of Memory Crystal’s cost reduction benefits, thereby increasing your chances of defeating an opponent wielding this dynamic artifact.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Memory Crystal MTG card by a specific set like Exodus, 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 Memory Crystal and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Memory Crystal has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2004-10-04	Can’t reduce the cost below zero.
2004-10-04	Does not apply to other parts of the cost.
2004-10-04	It applies to all players.
2004-10-04	Only affects generic mana portions of Buyback costs.
2004-10-04	The ability is not optional.