Sphere of Safety MTG Card


Boosts defense, translating into card advantage by deterring multiple attackers with one card. May lead to resource acceleration by saving mana for board development instead of defense. Despite a higher casting cost, its persistent deterrent effect provides solid defense in game.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Creatures can't attack you or a planeswalker you control unless their controller pays for each of those creatures, where X is the number of enchantments you control.

The Rakdos believe that all are eager to join their revels, even when told otherwise.


Cards like Sphere of Safety

The enchantment Sphere of Safety from Magic: The Gathering stands as a strong contender when compared to other protective cards. This card’s ability to create an environment in which opponents must pay X mana for each creature they control that’s attacking you, where X is the number of enchantments you control, shares similarities with Ghostly Prison. While Ghostly Prison simply charges two mana per attacker, Sphere of Safety’s cost can scale far greater, depending on your enchantment count.

Propaganda is another card in this niche, which, much like Ghostly Prison, imposes a two-mana tax per attacker but is aligned with blue mana. However, Sphere of Safety has the potential to surpass the deterrent level of both these cards. Then there is Elephant Grass, which not only asks for a payment from attacking black or non-flying creatures but also incurs a minor upkeep cost, presenting a different set of tactical considerations.

Ultimately, Sphere of Safety can offer unparalleled levels of security in the right setup. It can significantly overshadow its counterparts by turning a board full of enchantments into a veritable fortress, making it a substantial shield against onslaughts in Magic: The Gathering games.

Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Elephant Grass - MTG Card versions
Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Elephant Grass - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sphere of Safety by color, type and mana cost

Safeguard - MTG Card versions
Angelic Chorus - MTG Card versions
Noble Purpose - MTG Card versions
Noble Stand - MTG Card versions
Rabble Rousing - MTG Card versions
Righteous Cause - MTG Card versions
Lucent Liminid - MTG Card versions
Boon Reflection - MTG Card versions
Mammoth Umbra - MTG Card versions
Commander's Authority - MTG Card versions
Cathars' Crusade - MTG Card versions
Sigil of the Empty Throne - MTG Card versions
Knightly Valor - MTG Card versions
Debtor's Pulpit - MTG Card versions
Celestial Archon - MTG Card versions
Mystic Barrier - MTG Card versions
Dictate of Heliod - MTG Card versions
Skybind - MTG Card versions
Spectra Ward - MTG Card versions
Near-Death Experience - MTG Card versions
Safeguard - MTG Card versions
Angelic Chorus - MTG Card versions
Noble Purpose - MTG Card versions
Noble Stand - MTG Card versions
Rabble Rousing - MTG Card versions
Righteous Cause - MTG Card versions
Lucent Liminid - MTG Card versions
Boon Reflection - MTG Card versions
Mammoth Umbra - MTG Card versions
Commander's Authority - MTG Card versions
Cathars' Crusade - MTG Card versions
Sigil of the Empty Throne - MTG Card versions
Knightly Valor - MTG Card versions
Debtor's Pulpit - MTG Card versions
Celestial Archon - MTG Card versions
Mystic Barrier - MTG Card versions
Dictate of Heliod - MTG Card versions
Skybind - MTG Card versions
Spectra Ward - MTG Card versions
Near-Death Experience - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sphere of Safety. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-White PrisonMono-White Prison ModernWhite DevotionDEN24 Sat 9:00 - U.S. Regional Championship - presented by Laughing Dragon
Selesnya EnchantmentsSelesnya Enchantments ModernEnchantressF2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sphere of Safety provides a substantial boost to defensive capabilities, effectively translating into card advantage as it can deter multiple attackers with one enchantment. This defensive increment is particularly beneficial in decks that already have a good number of enchantments, making it harder for an opponent to overwhelm your battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly influencing mana resources, Sphere of Safety can indirectly lead to resource acceleration by allowing you to allocate mana towards further board development rather than defensive operations. Every turn that your opponents are unable or unwilling to pay the cost to attack lets you channel resources into more impactful plays.

Instant Speed: While Sphere of Safety operates at sorcery speed, its constant presence on the field offers a persistent effect that operates with the same deterrent force during each phase of the game. It’s akin to having an effect at instant speed that’s always ‘on’, protecting your life total and your planeswalkers at all times.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sphere of Safety does not have a discard requirement, allowing you to maintain card advantage while bolstering your defenses.

Specific Mana Cost: This enchantment comes with a specific mana cost that includes white, potentially limiting its inclusion to decks that generate white mana or have a mana base that can accommodate white spells easily.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Sphere of Safety can be considered expensive for its effect. There are other enchantments or protective spells that can be cast for less, possibly providing a quicker setup for your defensive strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sphere of Safety is a powerful enchantment that can slot into various Commander and casual decks. Its ability to deter opponents from attacking based on the number of enchantments you control makes it adaptable to enchantment-heavy strategies where its deterrent effect is maximized.

Combo Potential: This enchantment works exceedingly well with other cards that bolster your defense or punish opponents for attacking, such as Propaganda or Ghostly Prison. Moreover, it’s a linchpin in decks utilizing enchantress themes, turning each enchantment played into a stronger obstacle for your rival’s creatures.

Meta-Relevance: Sphere of Safety’s inclusion is smart if creature-based aggro or token strategies are common in your playgroup. As you shore up your defenses with more enchantments, opponents may find themselves in a bind, unable to commit to attacks without incurring significant costs.


How to Beat Sphere of Safety

When it comes to controlling the battlefield in Magic the Gathering, Sphere of Safety is a formidable enchantment that can dictate the pace of combat, ensuring that your opponent must pay a steep cost for each creature they wish to attack with. The key to undermining this protective barrier lies in maintaining a versatile deck and adopting a strategy that can either dismantle the enchantment directly or work around it.

Efficient removal spells like Disenchant or Return to Nature can directly target Sphere of Safety and send it packing to the graveyard. Alternatively, players might opt for a less direct route by deploying cards that limit the opponent’s ability to establish a wide array of enchantments, which is crucial since Sphere of Safety’s strength is proportional to the number of enchantments controlling the battlefield. Cards like Tranquility can sweep away multiple enchantments at once, reducing the potency of Sphere of Safety and opening a window for attack. Lastly, don’t overlook the potential of direct damage spells and abilities which allow you to bypass combat altogether, striking at your opponent’s life total without ever having to confront Sphere of Safety on the battlefield.

Remember, flexibility and adaptability are your greatest assets and will help tip the scales in your favor, allowing you to claim victory even against the most defensive obstacles like Sphere of Safety in Magic the Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we’ve unraveled the intricate web of strategy that surrounds the Sphere of Safety, it’s clear this card is a linchpin in many decks that value a sturdy defense. With the power to turn your array of enchantments into a powerful barrier, Sphere of Safety ensures your opponents think twice before launching an assault. But the journey doesn’t end here. It’s time to take your MTG skills to new heights. Whether you’re looking to fortify your existing deck or craft a new one from scratch, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Deepen your knowledge, perfect your strategy, and find the cards that will solidify your victories. Dive deeper with us and discover how to make Sphere of Safety the cornerstone of an impenetrable defense in your gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sphere of Safety MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Commander 2016, 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 Sphere of Safety and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sphere of Safety Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 242003NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 772015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 5882015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2802015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
52024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 4471997NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sphere of Safety has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-10-01 If you control Sphere of Safety, your opponents can choose not to attack with a creature with an ability that says it attacks if able.