Savai Crystal MTG Card


Excels in Commander for cycling and ramp benefits, aiding card draw and mana availability. Can be less effective in non-tricolor decks or when mana acceleration is insufficient. Despite a high cost, it can adapt well in various metas and presents combo opportunities.
Savai Crystal - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Abilities Cycling
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Number239
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaniel Ljunggren

Text of card

: Add , , or . Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

The same crystals that root deep enough to pierce Savai's catacombs also soar high enough to change its weather.


Cards like Savai Crystal

Savai Crystal is a unique inclusion in the range of mana-fixing artifacts in Magic: The Gathering; it taps for one color of mana out of three possible choices (red, white, or black). In a similar fashion, there is the Manalith, which offers one mana of any color. Yet, Savai Crystal’s distinction lies in its cycling ability, providing players with the option to discard it from their hand to draw a new card if it’s not presently needed.

Moreover, the Rupture Spire and Transguild Promenade resemble Savai Crystal in that they provide a mana fix, but they also require the land to be tapped and a mana spent when they come into play. These lands can slow down gameplay compared to the immediate mana access granted by an artifact like the Savai Crystal.

All things considered, although other cards like Arcane Signet might be more efficient in a two-color deck, the Savai Crystal’s utility in a three-color deck, particularly for its cycling capability, elevates its place among multicolor mana artifacts. Its versatility in mana-fixing and potential for card draw demonstrates why it’s a compelling choice for deck builders.

Manalith - MTG Card versions
Rupture Spire - MTG Card versions
Transguild Promenade - MTG Card versions
Arcane Signet - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Rupture Spire - MTG Card versions
Transguild Promenade - MTG Card versions
Arcane Signet - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Savai Crystal is a valuable asset in Commander decks centered around cycling. By cycling the card itself, you can pay three mana to draw a new card while subtly thinning your deck to draw into more impactful spells or land drops when you need them most.

Resource Acceleration: As a mana rock, Savai Crystal efficiently ramps your mana by providing access to three colors—White, Red, and Black. This form of resource acceleration is crucial in MTG for getting ahead in your game plan, particularly in decks that are color-demanding or want to cast multiple spells in one turn.

Instant Speed: Although Savai Crystal doesn’t operate at instant speed, it offers flexibility that can be essential in the heat of the game. The cycling ability can be activated at any time you could cast an instant, allowing you to respond to the dynamic game state and rebuild your hand with better suited responses or threats when needed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Having the Savai Crystal in your deck means you might have to let go of beneficial cards to make room for this specific mana source. This hinders your ability to maintain a diverse hand, potentially impacting your game strategies negatively.

Specific Mana Cost: Decks that don’t optimize the three colors of mana produced by the Savai Crystal may find it an awkward addition. Without the ability to utilize all the mana types effectively, it can become a dead draw in some situations.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Savai Crystal comes with a steep mana cost, especially when you consider alternative mana rocks or accelerants in the game. This can slow down your pace significantly, giving your opponents a chance to establish a lead in the early rounds of the match.


Reasons to Include Savai Crystal in Your Collection

Versatility: The Savai Crystal is a key addition to any deck that stands to gain from flexible mana sources. Offering three different colors of mana, this artifact fits nicely in multicolored decks, particularly in Commander where color fixing is essential.

Combo Potential: As a mana rock, this card can easily slide into combos or synergies that capitalize on artifact-related mechanics. It can be a crucial puzzle piece in enabling a wide range of strategies, from ramping to activating costly abilities.

Meta-Relevance: Keeping pace with changing trends in MTG can be challenging. With the adaptability that Savai Crystal brings to the table, it can stand its ground in various meta environment, making it a sound investment for collectors and competitive players alike.


How to beat

Savai Crystal is an asset to the decks that utilize the three mana it provides in Magic: The Gathering. Different from basic lands, this mana rock offers versatility to players who wish to cast spells with Mardu colors. Not only can Savai Crystal help stabilize your mana base, but it can also accelerate your strategy by providing the necessary colors for those crucial turns.

While beneficial, there are ways to disrupt the advantage Savai Crystal brings to the table. Artifacts in MTG can be vulnerable to removal spells like Naturalize or Shatter, which can be used at a low cost to remove this tri-colored mana rock, disrupting the opponent’s plans and preserving your lead in the match. Similarly, cards like Stony Silence can render Savai Crystal non-functional by preventing it from being tapped for mana, essentially negating the benefit it would typically provide to your opponent.

It’s essential to plan for and include artifact interaction in your deck to keep cards like Savai Crystal in check. This ensures a more balanced playing field and prevents opponents from gaining too much momentum from their mana acceleration tools.


BurnMana Recommendations

Whether you’re expanding your Commander deck or streamlining a Mardu strategy, Savai Crystal offers a versatile mana source and a potential draw from cycling when it’s no longer needed. As the MTG landscape evolves, keeping a diverse toolkit ensures your decks remain reactive and robust. Including Savai Crystal could provide the edge needed for pivotal plays. For strategies on optimizing your mana base, understanding artifact synergies, and outmaneuvering opponents’ disruption tactics, continue your journey with us. Dive deeper into effective deck-building and turn your MTG sessions into a sequence of calculated victories.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Savai Crystal MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Savai Crystal and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Savai Crystal has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal