Phyrexian Atlas MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Artifact |
Abilities | Corrupted |
Released | 2023-02-03 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Phyrexia: All Will Be One |
Set code | ONE |
Number | 237 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Illustranesia |
Text of card
: Add one mana of any color. Corrupted — Whenever Phyrexian Atlas becomes tapped, each opponent who has three or more poison counters loses 1 life.
Since conquering Mirrodin, Phyrexian engineers have worked tirelessly to transform the plane's original two layers into a more fitting array of nine.
Cards like Phyrexian Atlas
The Phyrexian Atlas in Magic: The Gathering stands out for its ability to shape gameplay. It draws parallels with other artifact cards like Mind’s Eye which also provides an ongoing card advantage. Yet, the Atlas requires no mana investment to trigger, instead leaning on the alternate requirement of maintaining a life total double that of its starting life to activate its ability.
In comparing it further, we find Alhammarret’s Archive, which doubles life gains and card draw, but without the conditional requirement of the Atlas. However, the Atlas benefits from a significantly lower casting cost, making it more accessible. Then there’s The Immortal Sun, which blankets multiple benefits such as card draw, cost reduction and buffing creatures. While it offers more versatility, it does come at a higher mana cost than the Phyrexian Atlas, making the Atlas a more streamlined option for decks focusing on life gain strategies.
When evaluating artifact options for deck building, Phyrexian Atlas presents a unique niche for players able to consistently double their life total. Its distinctive activation requirement and cost efficiency make it a noteworthy choice for players seeking to optimize their card advantage mechanisms.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Atlas by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Phyrexian Atlas allows for a subtle build-up of advantage by offering consistent deck manipulation each turn. By examining the top card of your library at any time, you can plan your moves more strategically and ensure that your next draw propels you closer to victory.
Resource Acceleration: As a potent artifact, the Phyrexian Atlas provides a seamless transition into the later stages of the game. By ramping up your available resources without the need for additional card investment, it sets the stage for deploying more significant threats onto the battlefield ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The ability to use the Phyrexian Atlas at instant speed can be a game-changer. It enables you to react dynamically to the flow of the game, making crucial decisions at the most opportune moments. This flexibility can offer a considerable edge by maximizing the impact of your actions each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing the Phyrexian Atlas demands that you part with another card in your hand, which could set you back when your hand size is dwindling and every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast this artifact, you must pay not just a mix of generic mana but also a slice of Phyrexian mana, requiring you either pay life or have the specific color available, thereby restricting its seamless incorporation across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the total cost to get Phyrexian Atlas on the field, you might find that it’s a bit hefty compared to other options that could provide similar or more immediate benefits to your game strategy without such a considerable investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Atlas offers strategic flexibility across multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to both accelerate your mana and smooth out draws makes it a valuable addition to any deck that aims to be efficient and consistent.
Combo Potential: Within the realm of artifact and mana ramp strategies, the Atlas can be a cornerstone. Leveraging its mana abilities can help to activate potent combos or ramp into game-changing spells ahead of your opponents.
Meta-Relevance: Given its inherent strengths in mana management, Phyrexian Atlas is a card that can adapt to a variety of meta shifts, reinforcing decks to better handle the ebb and flow of competitive play.
How to Beat
Overcoming the Phyrexian Atlas in Magic: The Gathering relies on a smart approach that considers the Atlas’s strengths. The key lies in intervening before this powerful artifact can dictate the course of a game. One efficient way is to utilize artifact removal spells that can swiftly dismantle your opponent’s strategy. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize, which target enemy artifacts, can eliminate the Phyrexian Atlas before its controller can capitalize on its ability to manipulate the flow of the match by foreseeing upcoming threats.
Additionally, reactive plays are crucial. Counterspells and targeted discard spells, which can extract the Phyrexian Atlas directly from an opponent’s hand or counter it as it’s cast, are effective measures. Moreover, red players might opt for direct damage spells to destroy creatures that have benefitted from the Atlas’s foresight, removing the advantages the card provides.
By utilizing these tactics, players can expertly navigate around the hurdles the Phyrexian Atlas presents, ensuring it doesn’t become the linchpin of an opponent’s strategy. Removing it from play or undercutting the benefits it provides, levels the playing field, maintaining a balanced and competitive game state.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering MTG gameplay is about embracing tactical depth and the strategic use of every card. The Phyrexian Atlas is a card that demands such expertise, offering a blend of strategic foresight and mana flexibility. Understanding its potential and counterplay ensures you’re prepared for both playing it and playing against it. Ready to refine your game and exploit the full capabilities of this card? Dive deeper into the nuanced world of MTG with us, where every draw leads to new possibilities and every card can be the key to victory. Learn more about enhancing your deck and strategy with the Phyrexian Atlas.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Atlas MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Phyrexian Atlas 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Atlas has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |