Sphinx's Revelation MTG Card


Refilling your hand at instant speed makes Sphinx’s Revelation a game-changing powerhouse. Life gain and card draw in one spell offers substantial stabilization against aggressors. High mana investment may conflict with strategic plays in fast-paced matches.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeInstant

Text of card

You gain X life and draw X cards.

"Let the knowledge of absolute law inspire you to live a life of absolute order."


Cards like Sphinx's Revelation

Sphinx’s Revelation stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a powerhouse among instant-speed card drawing options. This versatile card is comparable to Blue Sun’s Zenith, yet the addition of life gain and no shuffle back into the library clause give Sphinx’s Revelation an edge in certain strategies. While Blue Sun’s Zenith is reusable, the immediate life buffer Sphinx’s Revelation provides can be a game-changer in staving off defeat.

Another card that echoes the draw mechanism is Pull from Tomorrow. It’s a more flexible casting cost for drawing cards but includes the downside of discarding a card. Unlike Sphinx’s Revelation’s life gain, Pull from Tomorrow merely focuses on card advantage. On the pricier end, we find Stroke of Genius, which also allows significant card draw. However, losing the life gain element and the slower sorcery speed make it a less attractive option compared to the immediate impact and added survivability Sphinx’s Revelation grants.

Players choosing Sphinx’s Revelation are often looking for that critical combination of replenishing their hand and fortifying their life total, making it a uniquely valuable tool in control decks especially during late-game stages where both resources are pivotal.

Blue Sun's Zenith - MTG Card versions
Pull from Tomorrow - MTG Card versions
Stroke of Genius - MTG Card versions
Blue Sun's Zenith - MTG Card versions
Pull from Tomorrow - MTG Card versions
Stroke of Genius - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sphinx's Revelation by color, type and mana cost

Dismantling Blow - MTG Card versions
Absorb - MTG Card versions
Daring Leap - MTG Card versions
Render Silent - MTG Card versions
Restore the Peace - MTG Card versions
Failure // Comply - MTG Card versions
Exotic Pets - MTG Card versions
Stall for Time - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Contingency - MTG Card versions
Dismantling Blow - MTG Card versions
Absorb - MTG Card versions
Daring Leap - MTG Card versions
Render Silent - MTG Card versions
Restore the Peace - MTG Card versions
Failure // Comply - MTG Card versions
Exotic Pets - MTG Card versions
Stall for Time - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Contingency - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Sphinx's Revelation. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Jeskai Indomitable CreativityJeskai Indomitable Creativity PioneerJeskai Indomitable CreativityPioneer Preliminary 2024-04-09
5c Midrange5c Midrange Pioneer5c MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-03-31
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Pittsburgh - Friday - 2:00 pm (Bronze)
Esper ControlEsper Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024
Azorius Lotus FieldAzorius Lotus Field PioneerAzorius Lotus FieldApex Gaming AIQ/RCQ Pioneer 2K
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control ModernJeskai ControlModern Preliminary 2023-12-27
Bant ComboBant Combo GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Azorius ComboAzorius Combo PioneerAzorius Lotus FieldApex Gaming Invitational Last Chance Qualifier

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sphinx’s Revelation shines when it comes to refilling your hand, giving you access to multiple new cards in a single spell. Playing this card can easily turn the tide by providing the options you need as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does this card offer card draw, but it also grants you life equal to the number of cards drawn. This can help you stay in the game longer against aggressive strategies, effectively accelerating your resources in terms of both life and card choices.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Sphinx’s Revelation at instant speed offers incredible flexibility. You can adapt to the board state at the end of your opponent’s turn, ensuring you make the most informed decisions possible with the fresh set of cards you’ll draw.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Sphinx’s Revelation doesn’t make you toss away cards from your hand, it demands a significant investment before yielding its benefits. If you’re facing pressure and your hand is thin, the payoff may not align with your immediate needs, potentially putting you in a tighter spot.

Specific Mana Cost: Sphinx’s Revelation requires a mix of white, blue, and colorless mana. This exacting requirement can complicate your game if your land draws don’t align, or if your deck is treading outside the traditional Azorius (white-blue) strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment for Sphinx’s Revelation is steep and it may compete with other sizable threats or key responses in your deck. While the life gain and card draw are powerful, in faster-paced games, allocating six or more mana to this spell could surrender your tempo to opponents wielding lower-cost cards with immediate impact.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sphinx’s Revelation offers a unique blend of life gain and card draw, making it a valuable addition to control and midrange decks alike. Its scalable effect allows it to be effective at any stage of the game, whether you’re stabilizing early or closing out a match.

Combo Potential: Paired with cards that benefit from life gain or spell casting, Sphinx’s Revelation can become a central piece in powerful combos. Its ability to refuel your hand and increase your life total can turn the tides in combo-based strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by aggressive strategies, the life gain and card draw from Sphinx’s Revelation can provide the necessary edge. As it helps in stabilizing your board position and countering the opponents’ momentum, it makes a strong case for inclusion in decks facing fast-paced metas.


How to beat

Sphinx’s Revelation is a powerful draw and life gain card that can be a game-changer in MTG. Often found in control decks, its strength lies in its ability to simultaneously replenish a player’s hand and health, potentially swinging the game in their favor. To effectively counter Sphinx’s Revelation, it’s crucial to plan ahead and apply pressure. One strategy is to use discard effects to force your opponent to use the card prematurely or to discard it directly. Cards like Duress or Thoughtseize can be particularly impactful against it.

Another method is to apply aggressive strategies to reduce your opponent’s life total before they accumulate enough mana to cast a significant Sphinx’s Revelation. Faster aggro decks can be very effective as they can threaten to end the game before Sphinx’s Revelation becomes a factor. Additionally, consider including counterspells or instant-speed disruption in your deck. Having the ability to counter Sphinx’s Revelation as it’s cast could negate a major play from your opponent.

Lastly, artifacts and enchantments that limit life gain such as Erebos, God of the Dead, or Tibalt, Rakish Instigator, neutralize the life-gain component of Sphinx’s Revelation, reducing its impact. By adopting these tactics, you can diminish the effectiveness of Sphinx’s Revelation and maintain control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Sphinx’s Revelation is a formidable MTG card that offers both a powerful defense and an impressive offensive strategy by granting life and drawing cards. To maximize its potential, understanding when to play it is as crucial as knowing its strengths and weaknesses. Make it a part of your deck to outlast opponents or turn the game in your favor with a well-timed cast. Looking to refine your technique or seeking more insights on how to integrate this card into your strategy? Discover more game-changing tips and elevate your MTG prowess with our in-depth guides and expert advice.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sphinx's Revelation MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Modern Masters 2017, 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 Sphinx's Revelation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sphinx's Revelation Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 2002003NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22017-03-17Modern Masters 2017MM3 1872015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
32019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 212015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
42020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 2622015NormalBlackJohn Di Giovanni
52022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1301997NormalBlackJohn Di Giovanni
62024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 2282015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
72024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 3831997NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
82024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 383z2015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sphinx's Revelation has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sphinx's Revelation 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 the value chosen for X is larger than the number of cards left in your library, you'll lose the game the next time state-based actions are performed.