Sphere of Safety MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 5 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Enchantment |
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.
Cards similar to Sphere of Safety by color, type and mana cost
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.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mono-White Prison | Modern | White Devotion | DEN24 Sat 9:00 - U.S. Regional Championship - presented by Laughing Dragon | |
Selesnya Enchantments | Modern | Enchantress | F2F 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:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
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.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 24 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
2 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 77 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
3 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 588 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss | ||
4 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 280 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss | ||
5 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 447 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sphere of Safety has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
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. |