Pentad Prism MTG Card
2004-06-04 - Number 143
2004-09-01 - Number mb143
2009-09-04 - Number 122
2020-08-07 - Number 281
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact |
| Abilities | Sunburst |
Text of card
Sunburst (This comes into play with a charge counter on it for each color of mana used to pay its cost.) Remove a charge counter from Pentad Prism: Add one mana of any color to your mana pool.
Cards like Pentad Prism
Pentad Prism stands as a unique mana acceleration artifact in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to cards like the mana-fixing Prophetic Prism, yet diverges in its primary function. While Prophetic Prism focuses on mana filtering and card draw, Pentad Prism excels in its ability to provide a burst of mana over the course of two turns. This makes it exceptionally useful in decks aiming for a quick ramp-up in resources to deploy game-changing spells earlier than usual.
Manalith is another comparable card, offering a dependable source of mana of any color. However, unlike Pentad Prism which stores charge counters for later use, Manalith provides a steady, ongoing source of mana without depletion. Moreover, Pentad Prism’s sunburst ability allows it to enter the battlefield with charge counters equal to the amount of colors spent to cast it, providing a potentially higher payoff with versatile mana options.
In assessing mana acceleration artifacts in Magic: The Gathering, it becomes clear that Pentad Prism offers a distinctive approach. Its immediate mana boost can prove to be more advantageous in situations where speed and early-game advantage are critical, setting it apart from the steadier, albeit less flexible, alternatives.
Cards similar to Pentad Prism by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Pentad Prism. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | UBRG | Pauper | Pauper League 2024-05-06 | |
 | Ad Nauseam | Modern | Ad Nauseam | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-08 |
 | Poison Storm | Pauper | Monthly Tournament #38 @ Paper Pauper Magic Discord | |
| UBG | Pauper | Pauper League 2024-04-09 | |
| URG | Pauper | Pauper Challenge 32 2024-04-14 | |
| WUBG | Modern | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-14 | |
| Esper Combo | Modern | Ad Nauseam | $10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:00 am (Gold) |
 | Oops! All Spells! | Modern | Oops! All Spells | *HALF PRICE FRIDAY* Modern $10K Trial - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 4:00 pm |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Pentad Prism is a versatile tool in any deckbuilder’s arsenal, especially when maximizing card efficiency is key. Instead of opting for a one-time use mana source, the Prism gives you two charge counters. They’re effectively two mini spells packed into one card, allowing you to spread out your resources over multiple turns or pour them into a single, powerful play.
Resource Acceleration: As a mana fixer, Pentad Prism stands out in decks that run three or more colors. With its ability to store and filter mana, it elevates your game, getting you to key spells sooner. It can bridge the gap between early game setups and the high-impact turns that often decide the outcome of a match. By providing this kind of acceleration, it sets the tempo and keeps you ahead of the curve.
Instant Speed: While the Pentad Prism itself isn’t an instant, it grants you the flexibility to act at instant speed down the line. With mana at the ready from its charge counters, you’re free to cast spells on your opponent’s turn or respond with unforeseen plays. This flexibility can be as valuable as the mana itself, turning the tide of a duel by allowing you to react at just the right moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pentad Prism enters the battlefield with two charge counters, representing an indirect discard requirement as you effectively ‘spend’ cards from your hand for future use rather than immediate impact.
Specific Mana Cost: Although Pentad Prism provides versatility with its two mana of any color ability, the initial investment is color-specific, requiring two mana — one of which must be generic — potentially limiting its inclusion in some decks that cannot afford or do not want such mana constraints.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card can accelerate your mana availability, the initial cost of two mana can be steep compared to other mana accelerants or fixers in the game. This sometimes makes Pentad Prism a less attractive option for decks looking to maximize their mana efficiency in the early game stages.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pentad Prism serves as a flexible mana source, seamlessly integrating into various archetypes that require a speedy advancement in resources, providing an edge in faster-paced games.
Combo Potential: This artifact excels in decks that synergize with counters or need to abruptly access multiple colors of mana, enabling explosive plays and unexpected combos.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where speed and adaptability are crucial, Pentad Prism offers the necessary boost for strategies that strive to outpace and outmaneuver opponents, making it a smart addition during shifting metas.
How to beat
Pentad Prism is known for providing a temporary ramp in mana resources in Magic: The Gathering, helping players to accelerate their game plan. It’s often compared to other mana acceleration artifacts such as Everflowing Chalice and Astral Cornucopia, both of which can provide a steady stream of mana over the course of the game. Pentad Prism, with its sunburst ability, offers this mana instantly but it’s a finite resource, disappearing after its two charge counters are used.
Addressing strategies to overcome Pentad Prism’s advantage involves considering cards that can deal with artifacts efficiently. Naturalize and Disenchant are two such classic spells that allow players to remove an artifact or enchantment from the game, which can instantaneously neutralize the temporary boost Pentad Prism provides. Players could also look at more permanent solutions like Stony Silence, which shuts down all artifact abilities, hindering not only Pentad Prism but any other artifacts the opponent might be leveraging.
In essence, while Pentad Prism offers players a quick burst of mana, it’s important to approach it with a plan to counteract its benefits. Employing artifact removal or suppression can be a simple yet effective way to mitigate the advantage Pentad Prism provides in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pentad Prism MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and World Championship Decks 2004, 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 Pentad Prism 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
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Printings
The Pentad Prism Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by David Martin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-06-04 | Fifth Dawn | 5DN | 143 | 2003 | Normal | Black | David Martin | |
| 2 | 2004-09-01 | World Championship Decks 2004 | WC04 | mb143 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | David Martin | |
| 3 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 122 | 2003 | Normal | Black | David Martin | |
| 4 | 2020-08-07 | Double Masters | 2XM | 281 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Martin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pentad Prism has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pentad Prism card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-08-07 | Once Pentad Prism has run out of charge counters, it remains on the battlefield. |
| 2020-08-07 | Sunburst checks what mana was actually spent to cast the spell. If an effect allows you to spend mana “as though it were mana” of any color or type, that allows you to spend mana you couldn't otherwise spend, but it doesn't change what mana you spent to cast the spell. |