Oracle's Vault MTG Card


Oracle’s Vault generates a substantial card advantage by revealing extra cards from the library. It enables free casts post-activation, allowing more efficient use of a player’s mana pool. Facilitates instant-speed plays by freeing up mana specifically for reactionary play.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeArtifact

Text of card

, : Exile the top card of your library. Until end of turn, you may play that card. Put a brick counter on Oracle's Vault. : Exile the top card of your library. Until end of turn, you may play that card without paying its mana cost. Activate this ability only if there are three or more brick counters on Oracle's Vault.


Cards like Oracle's Vault

Oracle’s Vault is a unique artifact in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, standing out for its ability to allow players to play cards without paying their mana costs. It draws parallels with cards like Pyxis of Pandemonium, which also looks at the top card of your library and has a potential to play it without the mana cost. However, Oracle’s Vault does one better with its brick counter mechanism that eventually transforms it into a powerhouse, enabling a free spell cast with each of your turns.

Another card worth mentioning is the storied Hedron Archive, which serves a dual purpose of ramping mana and card advantage, though it doesn’t match Oracle’s Vault’s late-game free casting ability. Additionally, the notable Aetherworks Marvel shares a resemblance for its ability to cast spells for free, hinging on energy counters as opposed to brick counters and without the need for buildup turns.

When evaluating the suite of options, Oracle’s Vault emerges as a strategic choice for long-term advantage, offering repeated value in spell casting that can shape the course of a match. It’s a testament to MTG’s rich selection of artifacts designed to unlock new avenues of gameplay.

Pyxis of Pandemonium - MTG Card versions
Hedron Archive - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions
Pyxis of Pandemonium - MTG Card versions
Hedron Archive - MTG Card versions
Aetherworks Marvel - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Oracle's Vault by color, type and mana cost

Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
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Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Condor - MTG Card versions
Jayemdae Tome - MTG Card versions
Juggernaut - MTG Card versions
Jade Monolith - MTG Card versions
Jade Statue - MTG Card versions
Dancing Scimitar - MTG Card versions
Grinning Totem - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Processor - MTG Card versions
Patagia Golem - MTG Card versions
Lodestone Myr - MTG Card versions
Lich's Tomb - MTG Card versions
Krark-Clan Ironworks - MTG Card versions
Synod Centurion - MTG Card versions
Jade Idol - MTG Card versions
Ur-Golem's Eye - MTG Card versions
Jester's Cap - MTG Card versions
Bottled Cloister - MTG Card versions
Rod of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Gnarled Effigy - MTG Card versions
Scrapbasket - MTG Card versions
Clockwork Condor - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Oracle’s Vault grants consistent access to additional cards buried within your library. Over several turns, it can give you a significant advantage as you effectively dig deeper into your deck and play cards without spending mana from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Once Oracle’s Vault is fully activated with three brick counters, you’re offered a free cast every turn. This ability leads to a resource acceleration, letting you utilize your mana pool for other spells and abilities, thereby outpacing your opponent.

Instant Speed: Though Oracle’s Vault does not operate at instant speed itself, the flexibility it provides allows you to free up mana on your turns for instant speed interaction. Knowing you have a guaranteed card play from the Vault, you can better manage your resources and react to your opponent’s moves with more confidence.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Oracle’s Vault requires an exile of the top card of your library and a subsequent decision whether to play it without paying its mana cost, creating a scenario where you might miss out on valuable cards later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Activating the ability of Oracle’s Vault demands both colorless and generic mana, which can be a restrictive cost, particularly in multi-colored decks that might struggle to have the right types of mana readily available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the initial four mana investment and the necessity to pay additional mana to unlock its full potential, Oracle’s Vault can be a costly asset, especially when considering other artifacts or cards with lower activation thresholds that yield immediate benefits.


Reasons to Include Oracle’s Vault in Your Collection

Versatility: Oracle’s Vault is a dynamic addition to any deck that thrives on card advantage and strategy manipulation. Its ability to play cards for free after three successful activations makes it a flexible powerhouse in many game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This artifact shines in decks that capitalize on non-casting play mechanics or seek to exploit untap abilities. Its synergy with cards that care about artifact interactions or gameplay from the top of the library enables a plethora of combo opportunities.

Meta-Relevance: With formats that continuously evolve, Oracle’s Vault holds a place in decks looking to outpace or out-resource opponents. Its relevance in games that stretch into the long turns makes it a tactical asset in control and combo decks alike, adapting to various meta shifts.


How to Beat Oracle’s Vault

Oracle’s Vault is a unique artifact in Magic: The Gathering that allows players to play cards from the top of their library without paying their mana costs. While it might seem daunting at first, there are several strategies to counteract this potent card. Artifact destruction spells are a straightforward solution, with options like Abrade or Nature’s Claim readily available in many players’ arsenals. Additionally, cards with activated ability disruption, such as Phyrexian Revoker, can prevent Oracle’s Vault from being utilized effectively.

Another tactic is to employ counter magic when your opponent attempts to cast the pivotal spells for free, therefore mitigating the advantage gained by Oracle’s Vault. Furthermore, cards that manipulate library order, like Brainstorm, can hamper an Oracle’s Vault user by ensuring less impactful cards are what they access. Lastly, aggressive decks can often outpace the setup required for Oracle’s Vault to become a threat, making it less of a concern as you pressure your opponent. In essence, being proactive and prepared with the right answers will help you maintain control over the game even when facing the challenge of Oracle’s Vault.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG players know the thrill of revealing a powerful card like Oracle’s Vault. It brings an inventive dynamic to the tabletop, serving up steady card advantage and potentially game-changing resource acceleration. Understanding its full capability and how to effectively integrate it into your deck can be the key to unlocking new levels of strategy. While Oracle’s Vault requires careful mana management and has a higher upfront cost, its long-term payoffs can be remarkable. Enhance your MTG knowledge and refine your deck’s synergy with our deep dive into Oracle’s Vault. Delve into its strengths, synergies, and tactics to ensure your next duel showcases your true potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Oracle's Vault MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Amonkhet, 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 Oracle's Vault and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Oracle's Vault Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 644342015NormalBlackCliff Childs
22017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 2342015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
32017-04-29Amonkhet PromosPAKH 234s2015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
42017-04-29Amonkhet PromosPAKH 2342015NormalBlackCliff Childs
52022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 3742015NormalBlackJonas De Ro

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Oracle's Vault has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-04-18 If the card has X in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as the value of X when casting it without paying its mana cost.
2017-04-18 If the exiled card is a land card, you may play it only if you have an available land play this turn.
2017-04-18 If you cast a card “without paying its mana cost,” you can't choose to cast it for any alternative costs, such as emerge costs. You can, however, pay additional costs. If the card has any mandatory additional costs, such as that of Tormenting Voice, those must be paid to cast the card.
2017-04-18 If you don't play the card, it will remain exiled.
2017-04-18 Playing a card exiled with Oracle's Vault follows the normal timing rules for playing that card. For example, if the card is a creature card, you can cast that card only during your main phase while the stack is empty.
2017-04-18 The cards exiled by Oracle's Vault are exiled face up.
2017-04-18 The first ability of Oracle's Vault puts a brick counter on it even if you can't or don't play the card.
2017-04-18 You may play the exiled card this turn even if Oracle's Vault is no longer on the battlefield or under your control.